May I begin by congratulating the QCG for its brilliant organisation and gathering of quality photographers. As a relatively new member (after visiting the exhibition in 2018) I am impressed with the dedication and passion of so many keen and creative artists.
My history as a cameraperson is rather spasmodic. In the early 80’s I joined the Dalby Photography Club and discovered that there was good value in being part of such a hobby group. However, since the Dalby days I have been just a holiday and travel snapper. Only since my recent retirement have I challenged myself to do more with the interest I have in this medium. Needless to say I have learnt heaps from the competitions, outings and guest speakers organised by QCG.
What gear do you shoot with? Currently I have a Nikon 750D camera and two lenses – the Micro-Nikkor 105mm and a Sigma 35mm Art. I am pleased with the results these precision items produce. I have no particular speciality that I focus on. I like to look for good pictures anywhere and try to capture them digitally.
My best holiday? I like to tell people that in retirement every day is a holiday. In the last 6-7 years my wife and I and the miniature schnauzer have travelled many kilometres in a motorhome, seeing the sights along most of the main highways and roads of this huge country. For two consecutive winters we went gold prospecting in Western Australia. Recently we enjoyed a few weeks in Norway and on the waterways of Russia. It was great for photography, except for the crowds.
Saxon
The Wealth of Russia, by Ray Eisenmenger.
Favourite music? In music I have two major interests. I love the music and songs of the sixties – Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Dusty Springfield and many more; but I also listen to a lot of classical works by all the great composers. Two of my favourites pieces are the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. For a few years now I have tried to better understand and appreciate the life and works of the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich (1906 to 1975).
One very different orchestral piece which I often view on Youtube is found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enuOArEfqGo. Let me know what you think!
Favourite Restaurant: My favourite restaurant has to be the Long Paddock in the main street of Lindenow, Victoria (near Bairnsdale.) Our son, Anton and his partner Tanya own this small café. They serve up the best pies and salad and irresistible gnocchi with prawns. The NY Times has even given them a write-up.
See: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/dining/long-paddock-review.html
Favourite image by another QCG member: “Two Bridges” by Gaye Slade on the Group’s home page is one photo that impacts me whenever I go online. But there are many similar quality shots stored in the gallery that I find very pleasing
Two Bridges by Gaye Slade.
Favourite image of my own: I finish with my “Bridges” photo which is not quite as impressive as the one mentioned above. Thanks for reading.
Indooroopilly Bridges by Ray Eisenmenger.
$20 beer in Bergen, along with Ray Eisenmenger.