by Maggie Catley | Feb 6, 2024 | Lifestyle, News, Shopping, Special Offers
Special Introductory Offer – No Setup Fee on Personalised Photo Gifts
Click here to order now
There is always someone on your gift list that is hard to buy for. Whether they have everything or they are just hard to please it is always a struggle to find just the right thing.
Personalised Mug of Mist the Cat
What if you could get them something personal that you cannot just buy in the shops that will make an unforgettable present.
We can help you do just that!
Personalised Mug featuring Doogle
Why not get them their favourite pet, family members or favourite scene printed as Personalised Photo Gifts!
Your family member on an acryllic Block that will stand nice on any flat surface at home or in the office
Thanks to the suppliers we use we can print one off Personalised Photo Gifts without it costing an arm and a leg, just a little time.
All you have to do is send us the image that resonates with your loved one, the products you wish it to be printed on and we will do the rest.
Products available include:
- Key Rings
- Mugs
- Tote Bags
- Throw Pillows
- Matted Prints
- Phone Cases
- Travel Mug
- iPad Case
- Clock
- Acrylic Block
Special Introductory Offer – No Setup Fee on Personalised Photo Gifts
Click here to order now
If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Please allow between 2-4 weeks for manufacturing. Times depend on the products ordered. Express postage will reduce Delivery times for an additional fee.
We will provide you with an estimated time of delivery at the time of ordering. Provided there are no unforeseen incidents our estimates are generally very accurate, but we will be sure to keep you up to date with the progress of your order.
Cheers
Maggie
by Dave | Nov 11, 2023 | Lifestyle, News, Photo Tours, Shopping
There are some great new Local Markets springing up in Wanneroo and we have been approached by the City of Wanneroo to write a short guest blog post for their upcomming Tourism website DiscoverWanneroo.com.au about some of these local markets.
We thought we’d take the opportunity to post an extended article here so you can see more of the images and our thoughts on the Local Markets.
The 2 Markets we have picked to visit are the Eden Beach Farmers Market and the Yanchep Monthly Market.
Farmers Market at Eden Beach, Jindalee
Eden Beach Farmers Market
Wanneroo is home to some of the best local produce in Perth so it makes sense that it is also a great location for Markets. Wanneroo also has some of the best beaches in Perth so when we heard about the newly reinstated Farmers Market at Eden Beach, Jindalee we were very excited.
The market is held every Saturday from 8am to 12pm and is located in a recently developed park right on the foreshore. There is an excellent children’s playground right next door and plenty of parking, you could not ask for a better location for a local Farmers Market.
Below is a slideshow of photos from our walk around the Market:
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When we returned a few weeks later to stock up on locally grown garlic the Market had a completely new layout, a few more stalls and a giant bouncy castle for the kids. We loved the variety in layout and products available though it was good to see many of the same stalls still around, it certainly looks like the market is growing stronger every week ?
Bouncy Castle at Eden Beach Farmers Market, Jindalee
Local stallholders get to show off their handmade crafts, goods & services along side local WA growers selling their freshly picked fruit and veg. The Eden Beach Farmers Market is definitely a great way to get your weekly produce, have a bit of family fun and get some fresh sea air.
There are also plenty of tasty treats on offer from the various food trucks, ranging from gourmet hotdogs, to tasty Italian snacks and excellent looking fresh baked bread (get in early before it’s all gone).
Watch the slideshow below to see just a few of the stalls we visited at the Market:
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If you are interested in more information about Eden Beach Farmers Market then check out their website at thelocalfarmersmarket.com.au. This Market is sponsored by Satterley, the land developers at Eden Beach.
Yanchep Monthly Markets, Yanchep Sports Club, Wanneroo, Western Australia
Yanchep Monthly Markets
The other local Market we visited in Wanneroo is the Yanchep Monthly Markets which are held on the last Sunday of the Month from January to November in the grounds of the Yanchep Sports Club.
This Market has been running a lot longer than the Eden Beach Farmers Market and has in excess of 50 stall holders, including a pet food truck, yes dogs are welcome!
The Treat Truck for Dog Snacks, Yanchep Monthly Markets, Wanneroo, Western Australia
Here is our slideshow of photos from our walk around the Market:
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There are a wide variety of stallholders at the Yanchep Monthly Market including fresh fruit & veg, fresh olives & honey, takeaway food, local crafts & artists, health products like organic soaps and candles and much more.
Our friends from Native Animal Rescue also had their stall at the Market promoting the great work they do helping our native wildlife ? They were parked right next door to the Jamaican Chicken food stall, lucky the chickens aren’t an endangered species 
Animal Rescue & Jamaican Chicken, Yanchep Monthly Markets, Wanneroo, Western Australia
Just a few days ago we were at Native Animal Rescue photographing some of their gorgeous native wildlife which we will be putting on a wide range of products with a donation going back to the organisation, watch this space for news …
Kyle the Brushtail Possum, Native Animal Rescue, Perth, Western Australia
Watch the slideshow below to see a small sample of some of the stallholders at the Yanchep Monthly Martket:
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There is also plenty of entertainment on offer including demonstrations, free tastings and local bands playing through out the day. The Sports Bar is open from 11am and the Bistro serves lunch.
The Yanchep Monthly Market runs from 9am to 2pm with lots to do for all the family. If you are interested in the Yanchep Monthly Markets visit their Facebook page or contact the organiser Clare Sharp on 0407523445.
Wanneroo Market
Although we didn’t visit the Wanneroo Market for this article it is is also a great place to get your locally grown fresh fruit and veg. It is a much larger Market with permanent stalls (as opposed to the other two markets) and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and on Public Holidays.
With a large range of stalls selling anything from garden items to household items, a dedicated food hall, deli hall and several variety stall areas, there is a lot to see and do for all the family.
Cheers,
Dave & Maggie
by Maggie Catley | Nov 7, 2023 | Lifestyle, MADCAT Photography, News, Photos
A visit to the Yanchep National Park is not complete without wandering through the Koala enclosure spotting the koalas in the trees. Most of the time they are high up in the trees and fast asleep but sometimes you will get lucky and spot one who is a bit more active.
Mum decided to move from her perch up in the trees, with baby hanging on, “Do I go up or down”.
Mum and Baby Koala in Yanchep National Park, Perth, Western Australia
I wonder what’s over there? Hold on tight Joey!
Hang On Tight Joey Yanchep National Park, Perth, Western Australia
Let’s go!
We Can Fly Yanchep National Park, Perth, Western Australia
Although I do not have the photographic evidence she landed safely with Joey still attached I assure you she did.
Dave took these pictures back in 2004 during the early days of MADCAT Photography. The photos where processed using Lightroom CC and ON1 Photo 10.
We have a few products with koala pictures available through our RedBubble store like this bag I ordered ?
Interesting facts about Koalas:
- Koala is an aboriginal word that means no water, Koalas get 90% of their liquid intake from the leaves they eat
- Koalas eat up to 1Kg of leaves a day, hence their dependence on the eucalyptus forests, and it takes a hundred trees per koala to have a sustainable population
- Koalas have been around for over 20 million years
- Koalas are listed as vulnerable and are only found wild in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
The Australian Koala Foundation, Save The Koala Website has some great information about the fight to save our wild Koala Population, you can even adopt a Joey (a baby Koala).
Here is a video from National Geographic endangered species Koala page that explains why Koalas are not bears, some great Koala footage ?
Stay Safe & Happy Exploring,
Maggie
by Maggie Catley | Oct 28, 2023 | Lifestyle, News, Photos
We have been visiting places around Perth where you may have to drive for between half and hour and an hour but you don’t have to go far to see some amazing sites around Perth including a relative of the albatross.
Take the other day when we decided to go to Burns Beach and walk up the beach North towards Mindarie, we often walk from Mindarie but we thought we would check out the beach from the other direction.
We did not have to walk far to be greeted by the wonders of our oceanic birdlife so here are a sample of the sights to behold.
Osprey flying high above Burns Beach, hunting the dunes.
A pair of Petrels on the rocks enjoying the waves, they let us get pretty close.
Petrels are related to the Albatross as mentioned above.
Sooty Oystercatcher with the most amazing red eyes and red beak, foraging for food on the edge of the waves.
Provided you tread carefully and do not frighten the wildlife they will reward you with a fairly close encounter, just remember to give them space.
For the more adventurous you can wander into the dunes, just don’t get lost!
Sand dunes near Burns Beach that stretches all the way to Mindarie and across to Marmion Avenue.
I recommend getting out and communing with nature, there is plenty of sights to encourage you to go around the next corner and before you know it you will be fitter and more relaxed!
Don’t forget the sun is getting stronger and the temperatures are rising, take plenty of water, wear a shirt, put on sunscreen, take a hat, anyone remember Slip Slop Slap.
Stay safe and happy exploring
Maggie
by Maggie Catley | Oct 14, 2023 | Lifestyle, News, Our Journey, Photo Walks, Shopping
Wildflowers of Whiteman Park Photo Walk – Part 1
Environment ~ Photo Tips ~ Shop ~ Links ~ Directions
Whiteman Park is a great place to take the family for a fun day out soaking up the sunshine. If, however, you are prepared to take a walk along one of their well marked trails then spring is a great time for wildflower spotting.
Dave and I decided to go out to Whiteman Park to walk the Wunanga Trail which is the longest walk trail in the park at 4.3 km long. Wunanga is a Noongar word meaning ‘quiet’ or ‘peaceful’. The trail is well marked with Yellow/Orange topped pine poles some of which have a letter on top. Each letter refers to notes on the trail guide giving you more information about the area you are walking through.
Here is what I found that caught my eye.
Not exactly a native wildflower but very pretty all the same.
These bushes are very common and absolutely covered in these gorgeous yellow flowers.
What looks to me like a white orchid but I cannot find a reference to it anywhere.
Another array of yellow flowers, beautiful!
New growth showing from the burnt out remains of what once was a giant Jarrah tree, nature always prevails.
Came across this bobtail lizard, nearly stood on him, if you look closely you can see my footprint!
I took a few more pictures but I am still learning and they were not sharp enough for public display.
For those knowledgeable botanists out there, please feel free to leave a comment and help me identify the flowers above, especially that white one!
Just from these few pictures alone I hope you will be encouraged to visit Whiteman Park and get off the beaten track and walk one of the walk trails.
Please remember to dress appropriately, slop on the sunscreen, slap on a hat and carry plenty of water.
Dave will be posting Part 2 of this blog with lots of amazing pictures from the walk and some great photo tips.
Stay Safe & Happy Exploring,
Maggie
Environmental Issues
When visiting natural environments such as this please be respectful of the flora and fauna, take your litter home and treat the environment with respect.
Leave No Trace
Take Nothing but Pictures
Leave Nothing but Footprints
Kill Nothing but Time
Keep Nothing But Memories
Burn Nothing but Calories
Original Quotes
“Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
~ Quote: Chief Seattle (Dkhw’Duw’Absh chief, c. 1786 – June 7, 2023)
“This we know: the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth.”
~ Quote: Chief Seattle (Dkhw’Duw’Absh chief, c. 1786 – June 7, 2023)
“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.”
~ Australian Aboriginal Proverb
Photo Tips
Dave will have some more photo tips in Part 2 of this blog series.
All images in this article were taken on an iPhone 6s by me and processed in Lightroom CC.
Get Good Photo Editing Software
You will need to post process your images to get the most out of them. Software tools such as Adobe Lightroom & On1 Photo 10.5 are affordable and essential for getting the best out of your photos.
Free trials or licensed products are available for Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop & ON1 Photo 10.5 at the following links:
Related Clothing & Photo Products
As usual we’re planning a whole range of clothing & products featuring our “Whiteman Park” images. More details in Part 2 of this blog series.
Meanwhile you can take a look at all of the amazing images and products that we currently have available in our shop, all based on Dave’s photography.
Everlasting Daisies, Kings Park Drawstring Bag design by Dave Catley featuring Kings Park Everlasting Daisies available from our MADCAT.RedBubble.com store.
Useful Links
Directions
Whiteman Park is located to the west of the Swan Valley with entrances from Lord St & Beechboro Rd and is 18 km northeast of Perth.
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by Dave | Sep 28, 2023 | Lifestyle, MADCAT Photography, News, Our Journey, Photo Tips, Photo Walks, Shopping
Noble Falls Photo Walk – Part 2
Environment ~ Photo Tips ~ Shop ~ Links ~ Directions
Last time we visited Noble Falls in Gidgegannup there was barely a trickle of water flowing over the rocks. Not so this time, the falls are in full flow and a truly amazing sight to see.
Wooroloo Brook, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
The weather was perfect, blue skies and puffy white clouds making it an ideal day for a hike around Noble Falls along Wooroloo Brook and back the other side. Also great conditions for taking some photos of this beautiful area.
The falls themselves are visible from the car park and can be approached from either side with ease. Despite being so close to the road and car park it retains that feeling of being out in the natural world.
As I mentioned above the falls are in full flow, allowing for some amazing long(ish) exposures to be captured.
Waterfall in Full Flow, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
I generally avoid using filters so getting long exposures during the daytime can be a bit of a challenge. I do sometimes use a Neutral Density filter to get much longer exposure times but in this instance I was able to achieve shutter speeds of around 1/5th sec which still gives the water a nice smooth look.
Anything lower than around 1/30th sec will start to give you that flowing effect on the water, just make sure you’re using a tripod.
Flowing Waters, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Maggie has acquired a new-found interest in photography lately and I managed to pull myself away from the myriad of natural photo opportunities to grab this shot of her using her iPhone to get some pics of the incredibly colourful Wattle bushes.
You can see one of Maggie’s Wattle pics in Part 1 of this blog series.
Maggie the Photographer, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
The two available walk trails both start on the north side of Wooroloo Brook and follow the river to the north-west as it meanders through the bush.
The paths are very well maintained and signposted and so are easily accessible to anyone with a moderate level of fitness.
The shorter trail is 1.5 km return and great if you just want to see the falls and a bit of the river. It doesn’t take long to reach the first bridge across the river which signals the return crossing for this shorter trail.
Bridge for the Short Walk, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Bridge for the Short Walk, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
The photo opportunities here are endless, especially at this time of year and with such perfect weather.
All around the ground was covered with a lush green carpet which was teaming with small yellow flowers showing the signs of the beginning of our wildflower season.
Contrasting the lush green was the typically Western Australian red dirt that made up the soil and trail paths.
Standing on the first bridge is a nice spot to get some photos up and down the river.
View North of the Bridge, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
View South of the Bridge, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Shortly after bypassing the bridge over Wooroloo Brook for the shorter trail we came across a shallow ford which created a mini version of Noble Falls, less spectacular but still an amazing sight.
It’s well worth the extra distance to see the ford even if you’re going to turn around and return to the first bridge.
Ford River Crossing, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Ford River Crossing, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Ford River Crossing, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
The walk along the fast flowing river was unbelievably luscious & green, spring really is a great time of year to be out in nature.
Lusciously Green, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Lusciously Green, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
After following the river for a while the path opens up onto a bitumen road, Kooringal Vale, and then turns left on to Brennan Rise for a while.
According to the trail guide (which we were not using) there is a dry weather optional route here which takes a left down onto the “Kangaroo Track” and then back up to Kooringal Vale.
Kooringal Vale, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Sadly, we didn’t notice any signs so we missed the “Kangaroo Track” but I would recommend taking this track for a slightly more interesting walk.
Note to self, always take a trail guide with you!
Continue along Brennan Rise across the Wooroloo Brook bridge and rejoin the dirt trail at the corner of Brennan Rise & Old Coach Road.
Brennan Rise Bridge, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Rejoin the Dirt Trail, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Rejoin the Dirt Trail, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
From here the trail continues back along the river towards Noble Falls. Again, having the trail guide will help you take the correct route as there are two possible paths you could take.
The trail guide recommends you take a left to the lower fire-break path which follows the river however we missed the sign and went straight on following the higher fire-break path which you will eventually join anyway. Either way the views are still amazing ?
High Fire-Break, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Whichever route you took you’ll eventually come across a sharp bend in the river offering another great photo opportunity.
Bend in the River, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
What forest wouldn’t be complete without an old rusty car wreck? Not to disappoint there is one just off the path here not far past the river bend. It always pays to keep your eyes open.
Did I mention lots of great photo opportunities!
Old Rusty Car, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Not much further along you’ll find yourself approaching Toodyay Road and returning to Noble Falls end the end of the walk trail.
By now it was approaching 5pm and the sun was getting low enough to add some nice coloured light to the scenery, however from this side of the river it was getting tricky to get a decent shot of the falls without lens flare or exposure problems.
Cascading Falls, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
If you do want to get some photo’s at this time of day make sure that you keep the sun’s flare outside of the field of view and use a lens hood to minimise the risks.
As you can see below I still got a bit of lens flare and the edges of the clouds are blown out, but if I had turned my camera any further to the right too much of the image would have become overexposed.
Another way to approach situations like this would be to use a tripod and take multiple exposures which can be merged later on with software such as Adobe Lightroom.
Lens Flare, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
When shooting into the sun becomes a problem I like to try a few different ideas such as switching to a longer lens and getting in close for a few abstract shots …
Crystal Chaos, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
or some cool reflections …
Noble Reflections, Noble Falls, Perth, Western Australia
Noble Falls is definitely a great place to visit for a day out in the Perth Hills with plenty of photo opportunities, amazing scenery and 2 walk trails to choose from.
There are plenty of facilities at Noble Falls too, there’s a big car park, a picnic & barbecue area, toilets and the Noble Falls Tavern is just across the road with stunning views over the falls and very good quality food.
We highly recommend making a trip there any time of year but early spring when the water is flowing and the weather is good would be the best.
Also you can take your dog there too ?
Cheers,
Dave
Environmental Issues
When visiting natural environments such as this please be respectful of the flora and fauna, take your litter home and treat the environment with respect.
Leave No Trace
Take Nothing but Pictures
Leave Nothing but Footprints
Kill Nothing but Time
Keep Nothing But Memories
Burn Nothing but Calories
Original Quotes
“Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
~ Quote: Chief Seattle (Dkhw’Duw’Absh chief, c. 1786 – June 7, 2023)
“This we know: the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth.”
~ Quote: Chief Seattle (Dkhw’Duw’Absh chief, c. 1786 – June 7, 2023)
“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.”
~ Australian Aboriginal Proverb
Photo Tips
All images in this article I took on my Canon 5D MKII with an EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens or an EF 70-200mm f4L USM Lens unless otherwise stated and processed in Lightroom CC & ON1 Photo 10.5 & Photoshop CC.
Shooting Long Exposures
A tripod is pretty much essential for getting good results with long exposures.
You can get a water trail effect with exposures longer than 1/30th sec but around 1/5th sec or longer will give a better result. the best way to learn is to experiment with different settings.
To achieve longer exposure times you can do 1 or more of the following:
- Reduce your ISO to the minimum setting, this will have no effect on image quality.
- Shoot later in the day when the natural light is lower, this will have no effect on image quality unless it is too dark to use lower ISO settings.
- Use a Neutral Density and / or a Polarising filter, this will affect image quality marginally depending on the quality of the filters you use.
- Reduce your aperture setting to it’s minimum (usually around F22 or higher). This will have minimal effect on image quality depending on your lens.Reduce your ISO to the minimum setting, this will have no effect on image quality.
- Overexpose your image by increasing your shutter speed with your camera’s exposure compensation function or manually. This will effect the quality of your image depending on how much you overexpose the image and how good your are at post processing your images. Always bear in mind that overexposed highlights are much harder to recover in post processing.
- Place a tissue over the front of your lens, this will result in a terrible photo and give everyone around you a good laugh ?
Get Good Photo Editing Software
You will need to post process your images to get the most out of them. Software tools such as Adobe Lightroom & On1 Photo 10.5 are affordable and essential for getting the best out of your photos.
Free trials or licensed products are available for Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop & ON1 Photo 10.5 at the following links:
Related Clothing & Photo Products
We’re planning whole range of clothing & products featuring our “Noble Falls” images here are a few samples of what we have in our store:
Ebb and Flow, Noble Falls iPhone Case design by Dave Catley featuring Noble Falls winter water flow available from our MADCAT.RedBubble.com store.
Ebb and Flow, Noble Falls Hardcover Journal design by Dave Catley featuring Noble Falls winter water flow available from our MADCAT.RedBubble.com store.
Ebb and Flow, Noble Falls Round Beach Towel design by Dave Catley featuring Noble Falls winter water flow available from our Dave-Catley.pixels.com store.
Ebb and Flow, Noble Falls Tote Bag design by Dave Catley featuring Noble Falls winter water flow available from our Dave-Catley.pixels.com store.
Ebb and Flow, Noble Falls Mug design by Dave Catley featuring Noble Falls winter water flow available from our MADCAT.RedBubble.com store.
Useful Links
Directions
Noble Falls is located just of Toodyay Road in the township of Gidgegannup, City of Swan approx 40 km northeast of Perth.
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