Photo Galleries Archives - Page 13 of 21

Cockpits through the Ages

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 27 January 2015 0 Comment

The first air flight of just over a few hundred metres by the Wright Brothers was performed a little over a century ago at Kitty Hawk. Yet in just one century, the plane has advanced from little more than a rickety collection of piping and fabric to a supersonic plane capable of traversing the globe.

These aircraft are even able to land on autopilot. In fact certain airlines such as Turkish Air have mandated that all landings will be performed using the autopilot. This policy was to have tragic consequences for its crew when on attempting to land at Schiphol airport near Amsterdam, the autopilot malfunctioned. Instead of reverting to manual control, the pilot resolutely stuck to Company Policy regarding the use of the autopilot. Amongst the deaths were the 3 flight crew whereas most passengers escaped without serious injury.

Main picture: The cockpit of the 1903 Wright Flyer

Photographs of the Authentic South Africa

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 26 January 2015 0 Comment

With its wide open spaces, panoramic vistas and enchanting bushveld scenes, South Africa is a truly stunning place. Some of these photographs evoke that response. None are outstanding photographs from a technical aspect but rather they just provide a taste of the flavour of South Africa.

Main picture: Another tough day in Africa. It is a phrase that we use in the Quo Vadis HIking Club a lot.

Stunning Photographs of Lightning

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 25 January 2015 0 Comment

With a spectacular electrical storm outside, I elected to post some stunning pictures of lightning from around the world.

Main picture: A rare and beautiful type of lightning, positive lightning can be significantly more powerful than the far more common negative lightning. Often known as ‘bolts from the blue’, positive lightning can appear several miles from the center of a thunderstorm, as can be seen in this photograph on the Bahamas coastline.

Stunning Photos of the 2014 Wildlife Photography Finalists

By Dean McCleland in Animals 21 January 2015 1 Comment

I just had to share these stunning photographs. In equal measure I am enthralled with the final product, mesmerised by the textures and colours and fascinated by the patience that it took and angle at which the picture was taken.

They can rightfully be classified as works of art.

Main picture: ‘Feel Safe’ by Juan Carlos Mimó Perez

Breathtaking Photographs

By Dean McCleland in Animals 11 January 2015 0 Comment

For me nature is not only wonderful to view but captivating. Here is another series of breathtaking photographs on nature.

Stunning Historical Photographs

By Dean McCleland in Historical 7 January 2015 3 Comments

As the pithy maxim states, “A picture paints a thousand words.” That is so true. It is not just the primary action or object which is being highlighted, but a whole array of other aspects. These embody the clothes being worn, the vehicles being driven and even the advertisements being displayed.

Each of these photographs in itself is a gem. Despite being an eclectic mix, each one evokes the ethos of a bygone, long forgotten era.

The Ethereal Dream World of an Underwater Park

By Dean McCleland in Landscapes 29 December 2014 0 Comment

Imagine swimming underwater anywhere. What will one normally see? Sand and rocks. That is not so in the case of the Gruner See – the Green Lake – in Styria, Austria. During the winter, the lake is only 1–2 m deep and the surrounding area is used as a county park. However, during the spring, when the temperature rises and the snow melts, the basin of land below the mountains fills with water. The lake reaches its maximum depth of around 12m from mid-May to June. Beneath the water one can view grass and not sand and mud. Looking up, one can spot the tops of the trees under the water.

A truly surreal experience

Got a Spare Six Months? Then Try This Hobby?

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 25 December 2014 0 Comment

Sergei Bobkov takes wood chips, soaks them in water for a few days, using a Red Cedar tree from Russia. Then he starts building his pieces which takes him about 6 months, 10-12 hours a day to finish.

He was offered a lot of money for 1 piece but won’t sell.

These exquisite peces are all made from wood chips

Main photograph: The finished product

Idyllic Beaches

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 24 December 2014 2 Comments

What is your idea of an idyllic beach? Mine is solitude, being away from the maddening crowds with miles of glistening white sand underfoot and not a care in the world. Of course some palm trees casting some shade over our picnic spot would be the cherry on the top.

Beaches in China

By Dean McCleland in Landscapes 24 December 2014 0 Comment

Isn’t the whole idea of going to the beach is to have a relaxing time. Instead one has to contend with thousands of people? If you do go for a swim, would you even be missed if you did not surface again but more importantly, would you be able to find your umbrella again. It probably is no different from being at the crowded shopping mall – being jostled, no privacy and raucous – the very antithesis of a relaxing peaceful visit.

The Opinion Pieces are an eclectic bunch on current affairs & history often with a human interest aspect. The Movie/DVDs reviews are mainly on documentaries with a smattering of movie reviews.

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