by admin | May 3, 2023 | News, Photo Tips
Glen Brook Damn, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia
Obviously the answer has to be “A Camera”, right?
Sure, a camera is pretty useful (for obvious reasons) but it’s certainly not the most important ingredient. I believe we first have to answer another question.
“Why are we photographing the Natural World?”
Twenty-Eight Parrot, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia
If you want a piccy of what everyone else sees then charge on out there with your camera, grab your snaps of what you see on the way and head back home before the rush hour.
But that’s not really how you experience nature or, for that matter, get the most out of life.
If you really want to experience and photograph nature then the most important thing to have available is “Time”.
Without spending Time you’re simply experiencing an unreal snapshot of the Natural World as you rush through and scatter all living creatures to the four winds, that’s not exactly natural now is it?
Soldier Ant, John Forrest National Park, WA
Stop by that brook that you have walked past dozens of times or under your favourite tree or off the beaten track of a popular bush walk though a National Park. Sit on the grass or set up a chair then grab a book or just sit and meditate, but make sure you take Time and use lots of it.
You’ll be amazed at what happens around you when you just sit quietly and relax.
The birds get used to you being there and stop by for a visit, you start to notice their behaviour and patterns, you even get to predict when they will give you a great photo opportunity.
You’ll also start to notice things around you that never stood out before, the patterns in the branches above you, the subtle textures of the leaves and how the light shines through them, or maybe just that enormous Soldier Ant that is out scouting the forest floor for some sinister reason!
This is a good time to grab your camera and start experimenting, some of your best photos will come at a time you least expect it.
Everyone has their own answer to my second question “Why Photograph the Natural World?”, my answer is “Because of how it makes me feel”. I want to share those amazing moments in time when we are surrounded by nature and observe some of the most wondrous events that we never expected.
I would love to hear why you “Photograph the Natural World?”
And don’t forget that spending Time in nature is a great way to de-stress from the hectic world man has made.
by admin | May 2, 2023 | News, Our Journey, Photo Tips, Photo Walks
Environment ~ Photo Tips ~ Shop ~ Links ~ Directions
About 6 months ago we were at John Forrest National Park to see if the waterfall was as lively as Lesmurdie Falls had been and to enjoy a day out in one of Perth’s most beautiful and oldest National Parks.
Water Ribbon, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia
First, A Little History
Forest Path, John Forrest National Park, Western Australia
John Forrest National Park was the first area to be given National Park status in Western Australia in 1900 though it was originally named Greenmount National Park until it was renamed in later years to honor Lord John Forrest, the first Premier of Western Australia.
During the Great Depression sustenance worker’s built gardens, picnic shelters & even swimming areas which can still be seen around the visitor area. Sadly most of the bridges built across Jane Brook are in need of repair and not currently usable.
There also used to be a railway line to the Park which was part of the original route of the Eastern Railway that now runs from Freo to Northam. In the early 1900’s visitors regularly traveled out to the Park from Perth by rail for a day out in the forest. Sadly this is no longer possible as the rail link was rebuilt through the Avon Valley but you can now walk much of the abandoned railway line by following the 59km Railway Reserves Heritage Trail which passes through the Park.
Before heading out on any of the trails it’s worth having a look around the picnic area and seeing the landscaping that was done, it is a unique piece of history and an interesting place to explore with some amazing photo opportunities.
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by Dave | May 2, 2023 | Featured, MADCAT Photography, News
Dave has created Landscape & Wildlife Photography for over 10 years and has some stunning images from around Western Australia to Turn Your Walls into Windows with magnificent views.
Solitude, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia
You can purchase Dave’s Images as Prints, Canvas, Metal Prints and much more and will make an amazing addition to your home, your office or your Art Collection.
And don’t forget that many of Dave’s images are available here on our awesome photo products:
Ocean Tranquility, Yanchep, Perth, Western Australia
Dave’s work has been featured in many publications over the years, including:
- Experience Perth Holiday Planner
- Sunset Coast Holiday Planner
- Swan Valley Holiday Guide & other Brochures
- Mandurah & Peel Holiday Planner
- Coral Coast Hoilday Planner
- Mindarie Marina Website & Brochures
- Capricorn Yanchep Website
- Rottnest Fast Ferries Website & Brochures
South Perth Vista, Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
If you would like to have some of Dave’s Art to Turn Your Walls into Windows then visit our MADCAT Photography Website to pick a print that will give your walls that natural feeling!
Sleepy Duck, Yanchep National Park, Perth, Western Australia
by admin | Apr 29, 2023 | Featured, News, Special Offers
Offer: Buy any 2 MAD About WA Scarves from our RedBubble store and save 25%
Expires: Check on RedBubble.com
Use Code: Not Required
by Dave & Maggie | Apr 28, 2023 | Lifestyle, News, Our Journey
Welcome to our new lifestyle …
Lesmurdie Falls, Lesmurdie National Park, Kalamunda, Western Australia
Firstly let us introduce ourselves, we are Dave & Maggie Catley of MADCAT Photography living in Perth, Western Australia.
We have recently been questioning our direction in life and looking for a way to make our journey together in life as rewarding as possible, and this is it!
Not only are we mad about where we live we are also Maggie And Dave getting About in WA, hence we are literally MAD About WA and we want to share our experiences in this amazing place with everyone else.
Sunset, Bunker Bay, Geographe Bay, Western Australia
We have also recently been looking inward at ourselves in an effort to discover how we can make the rest of our lives as happy, healthy & long as we possibly can and we would also like to share the new lifestyle we are creating along the way.
Dave’s Photography will continue to be a big part of what we do and we will be showcasing the places we love to visit, eat, drink, relax and have fun in.
There will be healthy tips such as how we cold brew our own herbal teas and make our own yogurt and why we believe meditation is the best thing since sliced bread.
White Thunder 4, Indian Ocean, Perth, Western Australia
Then again there will be fun stuff such as our love for local craft beers, tasty cuisine and fun events.
What there won’t be is a trail of criticism and negativity, this is a reflection of our lives and we want it to be positive & fun. If it wasn’t enjoyable we simply won’t talk about it.
All that being said, this is not only about our lifestyle, it is also about our livelihood and we plan to bring the wonders of Western Australia for you to enjoy in your own lives.
Samu, Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia
Of course we will be continuing to sell Dave’s Fine Art Prints along with a myriad of photographic products such as:
Our dream is to enrich our lives and your lives with the natural beauty around us and the wonderful creations of the people around us, we hope you will join us on our journey to help make the world a happier place …
The Secret Garden, Gwelup, Perth, Western Australia
We are continuously looking for more places to visit, eat, drink, relax in and around Perth & Western Australia and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Who knows, there may even be some freebies in your future!
Looking forward to seeing you all out and about in this wonderful place we call home.
Dave & Maggie
