I love to photograph animals and birds in order to put their photos into my DVDs or on products in places like CafePress and Zazzle (http://www.cafepress.com.au/profile/franwest1 and
http://www.zazzle.com/adventurerfran).
One of the animal programmes which I watch is Bondi Vet.
Last episode had the Twinnies and their Pelican & Seabird Rescue place, so I decided to make a donation to help them out. They're located in Queensland.
If you want to help out here's the site: http://twinnies.com.au/. Every little bit counts!
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Greater Flamingo at the Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
Last year, "Greater", the Greater Flamingo at the Adelaide Zoo, South Australia, died at the ripe old age of 83 years.
I remember seeing the flamingo standing on one leg right from the time when I was a child many years ago.
The bird was beautiful with its stately plumage and not much went unnoticed as the bird watched people pass by its home.
I'm sure its photo has been taken countless times but here's the photo which I took and made into a series of interactive jigsaw puzzles.
I've had the pleasure of seeing flamingos in the wild when I was trekking in South America, but they were never that close that I could have touched them like "Greater" at the Adelaide Zoo.
Maybe you don't agree with animals and birds being kept in captivity, but many modern zoos these days love and respect the creatures they care for and provide them with food, a home, safety (free from predators) and their own free medical health plan.
And for the people who aren't able to travel to places from where the animals come, zoos provide a tiny glimpse of wildlife which lives on our planet.
Animal and bird photography can be a bit tricky at times, so patience is required. Standing or sitting quietly and not making any sudden movements is also essential.
In a walk-in bird aviary a telephoto lens isn't really necessary unless you want close ups of plumage etc. However, a telephoto or zoom lens can be of real benefit when photographing in the wild and you are unable to get really close to the subject.
The Birds Interactive Jigsaw Puzzle CD is available for purchase below. Here's the link for more information on my jigsaw puzzles on CD.
I remember seeing the flamingo standing on one leg right from the time when I was a child many years ago.
The bird was beautiful with its stately plumage and not much went unnoticed as the bird watched people pass by its home.
I'm sure its photo has been taken countless times but here's the photo which I took and made into a series of interactive jigsaw puzzles.
Maybe you don't agree with animals and birds being kept in captivity, but many modern zoos these days love and respect the creatures they care for and provide them with food, a home, safety (free from predators) and their own free medical health plan.
And for the people who aren't able to travel to places from where the animals come, zoos provide a tiny glimpse of wildlife which lives on our planet.
Animal and bird photography can be a bit tricky at times, so patience is required. Standing or sitting quietly and not making any sudden movements is also essential.
In a walk-in bird aviary a telephoto lens isn't really necessary unless you want close ups of plumage etc. However, a telephoto or zoom lens can be of real benefit when photographing in the wild and you are unable to get really close to the subject.
The Birds Interactive Jigsaw Puzzle CD is available for purchase below. Here's the link for more information on my jigsaw puzzles on CD.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Australia's Coast from the Air Detour to the Argyle Diamond Mine, Western Australia
During the "Australia's Coast from the Air" flight, a detour was made to the Argyle Diamond Mine, Western Australia. This blog post adds to the first post of "Diamond Adventure".
The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in the East Kimberley area of Western Australia, near Kununurra, is the world's largest single producer of natural coloured diamonds and is famous for its rare pink diamonds.
A commercial joyflight was taken from Kununurra to the diamond mine airstrip and then a bus tour followed. The bus trip was hot and dusty but FIFOs (people who Fly In and Fly Out) enjoy the work and the big money from mining in the Outback. A great lifestyle for people who want to work away from home and save their money. Western Australia really is the "State of Adventure and Excitement" with loads of opportunities for people who want to work hard and reap the monetary rewards.
The mine area is quite extensive with several buildings around the place (like those above and below).
However, the most impressive sight is that of the open pit mine (below) which is huge.
You can read more about the Argyle Diamond Mine and Rio Tinto's operations by clicking here.
The Argyle Diamond Mine, located in the East Kimberley area of Western Australia, near Kununurra, is the world's largest single producer of natural coloured diamonds and is famous for its rare pink diamonds.
A commercial joyflight was taken from Kununurra to the diamond mine airstrip and then a bus tour followed. The bus trip was hot and dusty but FIFOs (people who Fly In and Fly Out) enjoy the work and the big money from mining in the Outback. A great lifestyle for people who want to work away from home and save their money. Western Australia really is the "State of Adventure and Excitement" with loads of opportunities for people who want to work hard and reap the monetary rewards.
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| Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West |
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| Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West |
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| Argyle Diamond Mine, Kimberleys, Western Australia - Fran West |
As with any marathon flight or holiday, you need to take a break and let someone else do the flying (or driving) and just enjoy.
It was worth the effort of researching side trips for my flight and having time off every now and then.
By visiting the mine I learnt something special about my own country and I learnt more about diamonds. As far as I'm concerned diamonds aren't always a girl's best friend. Give me a beautiful blue Australian sapphire any day!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Natural Bridges National Monument Bridges the Gap Again
Although Natural Bridges National Monument isn't a huge park, it's still worth visiting. You may like to read the previous post about it before continuing on with this post - click here! This is Utah's first National Monument, declared in 1908, so it's been open for business for over a hundred years. It's famous for its bridges, naturally, but there's more to the park than just those. The rest of the terrain and the flora are outstanding.
The wildflowers and shrubs (above) are colourful as are the rock formations in the distance (below).
Wherever you drive or walk, there's something to enjoy and photograph. However, with all of these parks, to really appreciate what nature has to offer, you must spend longer than a few hours or even a day there.
In this desert country, as well as your trusty camera, camcorder or mobile phone etc., remember to take snacks and plenty of water. Sightseeing is very hungry and thirsty work! Many people have emailed me about my photos and where they're available for purchase. I've started loading a lot of the photos already onto CafePress where you can buy them on mugs, T-shirts, magnets, clothing etc., so here's the link to that - Fran West photos on CafePress. If you want to be more specific about Utah photos here's the link to those.
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| Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West |
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| Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West |
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| Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, USA - Fran West |
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Fran West Photos Available as Kindle Books from Amazon.com
Many people have emailed me about obtaining photos which have appeared in this blog and several of my other blogs.
In addition to the DVDs, CDs and photo downloads, some of the photos are now available as Kindle Books.
You can go to my page on Amazon to check them out.
Below is a movie clip of which photos are in each of the Kindle Books. Enjoy!
In addition to the DVDs, CDs and photo downloads, some of the photos are now available as Kindle Books.
You can go to my page on Amazon to check them out.
Below is a movie clip of which photos are in each of the Kindle Books. Enjoy!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Bryce is Beautiful - Bryce Canyon National Park That Is
Bryce Canyon National Park is just beautiful. This national park is one of the highlights of southern Utah and one of the USA's most memorable parks.
Since I was driving in a clockwise direction to visit the state's national parks, I travelled about 90 miles from Zion National Park in the southwest to Bryce Canyon.
Some of the route was along National Scenic Byway 12. I highly recommend planning your trip along these byways when possible because the scenery is well worth it.
These Scenic Byways are well marked as you can see from the sign.
There's a whole list of these in a little booklet which was sent to me in 2009 from the American Park Network - "Utah's National Parks: your complete guide to the parks".
When I arrived at Bryce Canyon it was pouring with rain, not a good omen for taking photos.
However, the weather cleared up at times with a few sunny patches here and there, revealing the scenery in the two photos below.
Quite an adventure walking the muddy trails after rain as it was slippery in sections and sometimes each step was like pulling my feet out of glue as I squelched along the track. I just love having my boots caked in mud!
Nevertheless, there's nothing like walking in amongst the multihued rock formations.
As you drive further into the park, you'll come across several lookouts like the one below.
To really explore Bryce Canyon you need more than the two and a half days which I had. The colours of the rocks change depending on the time of day, particularly sunrise and sunset, and you need to experience the park in several ways by driving, walking, biking or riding a mule into one of the canyons.
Here's a link to more information about Bryce Canyon National Park.
There are two photos of Bryce Canyon in my kindle book on Amazon. Just click on the photo for more information.
Since I was driving in a clockwise direction to visit the state's national parks, I travelled about 90 miles from Zion National Park in the southwest to Bryce Canyon.
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| Scenic Byway sign, Utah, USA - Fran West |
These Scenic Byways are well marked as you can see from the sign.
There's a whole list of these in a little booklet which was sent to me in 2009 from the American Park Network - "Utah's National Parks: your complete guide to the parks".
When I arrived at Bryce Canyon it was pouring with rain, not a good omen for taking photos.
However, the weather cleared up at times with a few sunny patches here and there, revealing the scenery in the two photos below.
Quite an adventure walking the muddy trails after rain as it was slippery in sections and sometimes each step was like pulling my feet out of glue as I squelched along the track. I just love having my boots caked in mud!
Nevertheless, there's nothing like walking in amongst the multihued rock formations.
 |
| Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West |
 |
| Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA - Fran West |
Here's a link to more information about Bryce Canyon National Park.
There are two photos of Bryce Canyon in my kindle book on Amazon. Just click on the photo for more information.
Friday, March 15, 2013
"Free Internet Marketing for Small Business" ebook out now
Free Internet Marketing for Small Business, by Fran West and Hilary Thompson, is an ebook full of practical tips for sole proprietors, home-based operators and small to medium enterprises.
It is a "must have" for anyone who is starting up a new business or trying to attract more clients/customers to an existing business.
Written in an easy to read and understand style, this ebook is an invaluable how-to manual with loads of illustrations and templates.
Testimonials
“I think your eBook will be most helpful to get all the Indie business owners out there started on internet marketing. It was all very clear and most importantly the links worked, making it easy to navigate. As an independent international publisher we already make use of some of your recommendations, but are pleased to know about all the others. We tend to cover just some of the ones you suggest because we are often just under overwhelm most of the time, what with all the other vital tasks that have to be covered. You make it easy for your readers to choose their own favourite tools and make an easy start on this most important activity.”
Robin Beck, Managing Director/Owner, Kima Global Publishers, Cape Town, South Africa, www.kimabooks.com
“Well done ladies. Simple, clear and easy to read. Our company is in the midst of a marketing facelift … change in strategy, website, brochure … work in progress. It is strange how at times things we need fall into our lap … it really is a lot about timing! I needed to be pointed to read the Google+ Guides to Business.”
Michelle Bassanesi, Resource Broker, Chief Operations/Financial Officer, Event Services, Rome, Italy, www.eventservices.it
“There's a lot of excellent information in these pages. The internet and modern communications have advanced beyond all recognition in the last 10 years or so, and your book gives an excellent overview of the techniques for marketing a small business in the 21st Century. There are many free resources that can help to make the difference between success and failure as a small business starts out. I've never really got to grips with Pinterest or Vimeo, but your book led me to the relevant information in a click! As a result I'm getting some ideas about how I might incorporate them into my site.”
Jon Fryer, Proprietor, Coffee Berry, Sheffield, UK, coffeeberry.org.uk
“This is an excellent resource that has been crying out to be written. My congratulations to the authors for their clear and detailed instructions that will appeal to the most nervous or unsure new business owners who wish to gain maximum exposure for their enterprises. You are led through the process by means of screen shots taken directly from the most relevant websites. Each stage has working links to the pertinent pages so the value of each practical suggestion can be checked immediately. Where there is cost involved for extra services from those sites, this is clearly pointed out, but you may never need the extras. When the authors say "free" they mean "free." I recommend this eBook without reservation.”
Penney Hughes, Special Education/Early Intervention Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia
“This book saved me hours of research time, and with the explanations of how sites work, it saved me even more time by trying to work out how to use them.”
Annie Waddington-Feather, Freelance Writer and Communications Consultant, Adelaide, South Australia, www.wadders.co.uk
“I have been waiting for a book like this for over 30 years, it debunks the myth that IT specialists are the only people who can teach us this medium. It is easy to follow and for a person like me it unlocks the mysteries of some of the software I have difficulty understanding how to use. Well done to the authors for such a great initiative, may I wish you all the success you deserve.”
Ken Wood, Interventionist, Optimist, Educator, Adelaide, South Australia, www.kenwoodspeaking.com.au/
“Free Internet Marketing for Small Business gives me practical information based on practical experience. Parted the waves for me through the ocean of free internet marketing opportunities deep enough to drown me - and which I couldn't spare the time to explore. Now I have my own easy-to-follow internet marketing bible. Thank you Fran and Hilary.”
Peter Nicholls, Australia's People Gardener - Growing Better People, Adelaide, South Australia, www.australiaspeoplegardener.com.au
“This is great! I can't believe how many great ideas are packed into this little e-book. It covers a wide range of internet promotion techniques and sites, and the screen shots show you exactly what to do. Even if you have never used the Internet to promote your business, this book gives you everything you need to make a start. Best of all, the authors walk their talk and talk their walk - you can easily adapt what they've done to suit your own needs.”
Shelley Dunstone, Innovation in Strategy, Adelaide, South Australia, www.legalcircles.com
To purchase at $9.95 go to:
It is a "must have" for anyone who is starting up a new business or trying to attract more clients/customers to an existing business.
Written in an easy to read and understand style, this ebook is an invaluable how-to manual with loads of illustrations and templates.
Testimonials
“I think your eBook will be most helpful to get all the Indie business owners out there started on internet marketing. It was all very clear and most importantly the links worked, making it easy to navigate. As an independent international publisher we already make use of some of your recommendations, but are pleased to know about all the others. We tend to cover just some of the ones you suggest because we are often just under overwhelm most of the time, what with all the other vital tasks that have to be covered. You make it easy for your readers to choose their own favourite tools and make an easy start on this most important activity.”
Robin Beck, Managing Director/Owner, Kima Global Publishers, Cape Town, South Africa, www.kimabooks.com
“Well done ladies. Simple, clear and easy to read. Our company is in the midst of a marketing facelift … change in strategy, website, brochure … work in progress. It is strange how at times things we need fall into our lap … it really is a lot about timing! I needed to be pointed to read the Google+ Guides to Business.”
Michelle Bassanesi, Resource Broker, Chief Operations/Financial Officer, Event Services, Rome, Italy, www.eventservices.it
“There's a lot of excellent information in these pages. The internet and modern communications have advanced beyond all recognition in the last 10 years or so, and your book gives an excellent overview of the techniques for marketing a small business in the 21st Century. There are many free resources that can help to make the difference between success and failure as a small business starts out. I've never really got to grips with Pinterest or Vimeo, but your book led me to the relevant information in a click! As a result I'm getting some ideas about how I might incorporate them into my site.”
Jon Fryer, Proprietor, Coffee Berry, Sheffield, UK, coffeeberry.org.uk
“This is an excellent resource that has been crying out to be written. My congratulations to the authors for their clear and detailed instructions that will appeal to the most nervous or unsure new business owners who wish to gain maximum exposure for their enterprises. You are led through the process by means of screen shots taken directly from the most relevant websites. Each stage has working links to the pertinent pages so the value of each practical suggestion can be checked immediately. Where there is cost involved for extra services from those sites, this is clearly pointed out, but you may never need the extras. When the authors say "free" they mean "free." I recommend this eBook without reservation.”
Penney Hughes, Special Education/Early Intervention Teacher, Adelaide, South Australia
“This book saved me hours of research time, and with the explanations of how sites work, it saved me even more time by trying to work out how to use them.”
Annie Waddington-Feather, Freelance Writer and Communications Consultant, Adelaide, South Australia, www.wadders.co.uk
“I have been waiting for a book like this for over 30 years, it debunks the myth that IT specialists are the only people who can teach us this medium. It is easy to follow and for a person like me it unlocks the mysteries of some of the software I have difficulty understanding how to use. Well done to the authors for such a great initiative, may I wish you all the success you deserve.”
Ken Wood, Interventionist, Optimist, Educator, Adelaide, South Australia, www.kenwoodspeaking.com.au/
“Free Internet Marketing for Small Business gives me practical information based on practical experience. Parted the waves for me through the ocean of free internet marketing opportunities deep enough to drown me - and which I couldn't spare the time to explore. Now I have my own easy-to-follow internet marketing bible. Thank you Fran and Hilary.”
Peter Nicholls, Australia's People Gardener - Growing Better People, Adelaide, South Australia, www.australiaspeoplegardener.com.au
“This is great! I can't believe how many great ideas are packed into this little e-book. It covers a wide range of internet promotion techniques and sites, and the screen shots show you exactly what to do. Even if you have never used the Internet to promote your business, this book gives you everything you need to make a start. Best of all, the authors walk their talk and talk their walk - you can easily adapt what they've done to suit your own needs.”
Shelley Dunstone, Innovation in Strategy, Adelaide, South Australia, www.legalcircles.com
To purchase at $9.95 go to:
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