Really? Yes, Really! // Geoff Rankin: photography, graphic design, music, writing, illustration, art + more

Really? Yes, Really!
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Interesting... Intriguing... Sometimes you've gotta see it to believe it. Sometime you've got to photograph it to know that it's possible. Everything here is real. Really? Yes, really!

Conrod Carnage

No one else took photos of this crash, just TV video. And the driver survived. Really? Yes, Really!

Ever been hit by your brother? Not like this, you haven't!

In this photo Aussie Racing Car driver Damien Flack's car was clipped by the car being driven by his brother Adrian on the fastest part of the track and sent careering out of control into the wall at around 240km/h, then flipped over and over and over and over before finally coming to rest between those power poles, but not before hitting the wall a second time and bursting into flames! It was horrendous to watch, and surreal to photograph (I have photos of the whole thing, having started taking photos when I saw his car veering sideways). His brother feared he'd died. He very well could have. Thankfully though Damien escaped with only broken ribs and a punctured lung. It could have been so much worse!

The Mount Panorama race circuit at Bathurst is an incredible track. If you haven't been there, you really must go some day. Watching the cars fly across the top of Mt Panorama then launch themselves down through the Esses, Forest Elbow, and then down Conrod Straight (which concludes with one of the fastest corners in world sport) is breathtaking!

Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia

Incredible Light Show / Composite

I've been asked if it's real. It’s all real. They're all my photos. It's the one storm. I've aligned the photos over one another - though you have to select the bits that show and the bits that don’t. I haven't moved bits around. No funny business etc. So it's as real as a composite image can be. Really? Yes, Really!

This is my composite image of this incredible storm (19 Feb 2020) as viewed from Mt Coot-tha, Brisbane. It’s 12 of my photos laid over the top of one another. And to think this was only the tail end of the storm. Thankfully it didn’t rain, or at least it didn’t at Mt Coot-tha. Brisbane city is in the middle. The straight lines & dotted lines are from planes flying into Brisbane Airport.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Mates, Pre-Battle On Snapper Rocks

Of all the photos taken by all the photographers past & present, this was the only one used on Owen Wright’s social media channels to say goodbye to retiring 3x World Champ Mick Fanning. Really? Yes, Really!

Just prior to the commencement of knockout Round 4, two mates & surfing royalty - defending champ Owen Wright & retiring 3x World Champ Mick Fanning - share a touching moment of respect, admiration & camaraderie on Snapper Rocks. It was a calm before the storm that was to be Mick’s last ever Gold Coast surf as a full-time Championship Tour competitor. 2018 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

The Rarest Insects In The World!

The rarest insects in the world, thought extinct for 100 years, recently found on a big rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Really? Yes, Really!

Meet Bruce, Bernard, Bernice, Babs & Betty - the Famous Phasmid Five!

These flightless Lord Howe Island Phasmids were eaten into extinction 100 years ago on Lord Howe Island by introduced rats. I guess for rats they were a bit like all-you-can-eat churros. Remarkably they were rediscovered in 2001 on a nearby rock island and brought back from near extinction. They have been called the rarest insect in the world and are currently listed as Critically Endangered.

There's not really a famous phasmid five. But there should be. These ones are living in a glass enclosure, but as they are super-super-rare I thought I'd include them here even though they're not in their natural wild state, especially because Babs is smiling at me. Cutie :)

Unnatural light, handheld

Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia

Photo by Michael... Sweet!

Michael Sweet (has sold over 8 million albums with his band Stryper) paused his solo show to take this photo for me with with my camera. Really? Yes, Really!

Two thumbs up from me. Yeah, that's me on the left sticking my tongue out with both thumbs up.

So... I was leaning over the speaker in front of me, taking photos with a very wide-angle lens, when Michael asked me if I was taking photos of his shoes (see photo here where you can actually see his shoes). I explained I was getting everything from the floor to the roof and showed him on my camera. I then asked him if he'd take a photo of the crowd for me. He said he was very happy to do so. I handed him my camera, told him which button to press, and this is the resulting image.

So thanks for taking the photo, Michael!

It wasn't a big crowd. There were multiple concerts on that night in Brisbane including at the showgrounds. But everyone there loved the show and I think it shows. Michael Sweet - The Voice Of Stryper - Intimate & Acoustic at the Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane. Presented by Silverback Touring. Fri 15 Nov 2019.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

© Copyright Geoff Rankin

More CONCERT photos here...

Didga The Great

The world's smartest cat. Really? Yes, Really!

Didga, the most talented cat on the planet, chills on a post at the coast. She has over 100,000,000 Facebook video views & is the Guiness World Record holder of 'Most Tricks By A Cat In One Minute', and I photograph her simply sitting on a post. What was I thinking???

Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia

Fantastic Gymnastic

I took this photo from the crowd (I didn't apply for accreditation), and she landed perfectly on the 10cm wide beam below her like it was easy. Really? Yes, Really!

Come back down Georgia-Rose Brown! Australia’s Georgia-Rose Brown rises high over the Balance Beam - an elevated 10cm strip that any normal person would have trouble balancing on, let alone landing a reverse summersault jumpy thing. But she did win a silver medal for the event so she's clearly not 'normal' :)

For those who aren’t exactly sure what’s happening in this photo, Georgia-Rose has leapt from the Balance Beam - the strip that has ‘Gold Coast 2018’ written on it - and will again land on it with grace & poise. The green below is the floor behind, as is the floor behind.

I like how she's clearly focused on where her feet are going to land. Women's Artistic Gymnastics Balance Beam, 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Welcome To Quokka Isle

This is a wild quokka and it really is this adorable. Really? Yes, Really!

Is there anything cuter, happier & friendlier than a wild quokka? No. This guy could have easily been the official welcoming party if it wasn't just a random quokka living away from the hustle and bustle of development.

And do mother quokkas really throw their babies at predators in order to save themselves? Of course not! Don’t believe everything you read on the interwebs, kids!

Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Australia

Backstage: Shania Twain & Sheléa

I'm the only person who got this shot. Actually I was the only person to get LOTS of shots. I was accredited to shoot the gig & was the only photographer allowed backstage afterwards. Really? Yes, Really!

It was an absolute blast to be invited to shoot this concert and be invited backstage afterwards to shoot some more. All other photographers were only allowed the first few minutes backstage behind a barrier. I was the only photographer allowed beyond the barrier and allowed to stay for as long as I liked. So no other photographer got any of these backstage photos because I was the only one there.

Backstage: Quincy Jones + Sinfonietta de Lausanne @ 2019 Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland.

2019 Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland

© Copyright Geoff Rankin

More QUINCY JONES + SHELÉA photos here...

Outer Space Outer The Window

I was on a regular flight, in a regular seat when I took this photo out my window. I handheld my camera for 8 seconds. It's all one photo. Nothing has been added. Really? Yes, Really!

This is one single eight second exposure, handheld, taken last night through the window of our Qantas Airbus A330 (the air temperature outside was -59C so I was hesitant to open the window) while travelling at 880km/h, heading west at 12km above southern Western Australia en route to Perth.

The Southern Cross is dipping behind the wing while the clouds of the Milky Way are lightly visible above the horizon. Canopus and Achernar shine brightest in the sky above. Both the Large Magellanic Cloud & Small Magellanic Cloud put in an appearance. There is even a satellite on the move above the Two Pointers - Agena & Alpha Centauri - so there’s something for everyone. Good show all round. - 06 Nov 2019

Somewhere over southern Western Australia, Australia

Tiny Tiny Tiny Bee

Australia has over 1500 types of native bees. Really? Yes, Really!

This bee is tiny. It's easily the smallest bee I've ever seen - about the size of an ant. Apart from the Western Honey Bee (the type of bee most people think of when they think of a bee), all bees in Australia are native - and we have so many different species - over 1500 of them! I've got no idea what type of bee this is, but it's noticeably smaller than a little black stingless bee, and so much prettier. So keep an eye out for them, though one eye is probably not going to be enough:)

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

Iron Maiden - 'The Book Of Souls World Tour'

I took this photo from in the moshpit, 6 rows of people from the front. I didn't have accreditation and camera rules weren't so strict. The moshpit? Yes, it was the one time I've seriously feared for the life of my camera. It's like trying to take photos of the outside world while being inside a washing machine. Crazy, definitely! Really? Yes, Really!

Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith & Dave Murray play up a storm during their 2016 'The Book Of Souls World Tour' at BEC. I was in the storm ie moshpit trying to get a couple of nice shots while trying to ensure the survival of myself and my camera. Not recommended, but all worked out ok. And the concert was incredible!

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Chasing Gold

This is the one image Genevieve LaCaze posted on all her social media channels after the race. That's pretty cool seeing as I was just a random fan in the crowd, having not applied for accreditation. Really? Yes, Really!

Genevieve LaCaze tried her best but it wasn't enough for a medal, coming in 5th in the 3000m Steeplechase Final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She said her preparation hadn't been as good as she'd have liked. Still, she's the Australian champ & record holder, so that's amazing in itself. Wed 11 April 2018.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accelerating At 5G

These Top Fuel cars are accelerating so quickly from a standing start that if a race car started the race already doing its top speed of 400km/hr, these cars would still be first across the finish line only 400m away. Really? Yes, Really!

These top fuel dragsters are racing at the 2016 WinterNats, the biggest event of its kind outside North America. They are accelerating at 5 G's - literally exploding past. They're the fastest accelerating vehicles on the planet - faster than any aircraft or manned rocket including the Space Shuttle! The noise is not only deafening but scary. They've got to be seen to be believed. The top speed for the day - a world record = 536km/h!

Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

Saturn Handheld - 1:1

This is the planet Saturn taken with my camera whilst standing in the middle of a suburban Brisbane shopping centre car park, without the use of a tripod or leaning on anything. Really? Yes, Really!

I was talking to a friend, showing him how to take photos of Jupiter while we were chatting in a shopping centre car park around 9pm. I told him I'd also taken handheld photos of Saturn. Yeah, he couldn't quite believe that. I had my camera with me so I took this photo right there & then. Let's just say his eyebrows were raised in surprise for some time:) After all Saturn is only 1.2 billion kms away at it's closest!

This photo is at 1:1 resolution ie it's not enlarged or reduced in size. I've not "improved" the image at all apart from increasing brightness, as I found you have to underexpose when photographing it to show the gap between the ring and the planet.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Airport Rifle

In a bin inside an airport terminal. Really? Yes, Really!

I took this photo while queuing to check-in my luggage at Melbourne “Tullermarine” Airport. It wasn’t loaded - my luggage, that is. I guess someone read the list of what you can and can’t take on a plane AFTER they’d got to the airport - you know how it is :)

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Australia's Rarest Bird. Ever.

People were flying in from all over the country to see this one, single, goofy-looking bird. Really? Yes, Really!

This funny-looking bird might appear to be relatively ordinary, but that didn't stop hordes of bird-lovers from flying in from all over the country in 2014 just to see it. You think I'm joking, or at least exaggerating. I'm not. This Yellow Bittern was the first of its kind ever to be seen on mainland Australia, and for unknown reasons ended up at North Lakes, north of Brisbane. It was there for about a week and then it vanished, never to be eaten, I mean 'seen' again.

No I didn't eat the bird. That was a joke.

North Lakes, Queensland, Australia

High Flyer

This is the only photo the 2015 World Champ posted on Instagram of himself surfing during competition at the 2017 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. And I took this photo while standing on the beach. Really? Yes, Really!

2015 World Champ & Brazilian legend Adriano de Souza is certainly not afraid of heights, flying high in his heat at 2017 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, 18 Mar 2017.

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Sea Through

This is an underwater scene taken from above the water. You are looking through sea water. Really? Yes, Really!

This photo was taken from above the water, peering through ridiculously clear sea water to the rocks and growths below it. The whole scene is underwater. This is all thanks to the incredibly clear sea water in & around Albany, Western Australia. You've got to see it (if you can) to believe it.

Albany, Western Australia, Australia

22° Halo

22° halos are more common than rainbows. Really? Yes, Really!

Up in the sky… mystery. Down on the ground… history.

The super-interesting thing about this photo is NOT the old abandoned house somewhere in South Australia’s iconic Flinders Ranges (as fascinating as that is), it’s the halo around the sun. You didn’t notice it, or thought it was just some sort of lens flare? No, sir. This is a common optical phenomenon - like rainbows - that most of us are completely oblivious to.

But it’s not a rainbow. It’s a 22° halo. A what? Exactly!

A rainbow is formed with suspended water droplets, has 7 distinct colour bands, and needs the sun to be directly behind you (the shadow of your head is actually the exact centre of the rainbow’s arc). In direct contrast, 22° halos form with suspended ice crystals, are almost colourless, and need you to be looking directly at the sun rather than away from it. As we aren’t in the habit of looking directly at the sun they usually go unseen by all, except maybe for that crazy guy who lives near the station. Don't look at the sun, folks, no matter what anyone says! Thus 22° halos remain unknown to most and an enigma to many, even though they occur more frequently than rainbows do. True story.

Oh, and it was certainly a very cool place to spend some time exploring. (I'd almost forgotten about the rest of the photo.)

P.S. A 22° halo is a perfect circle. This one is skewed due to me using a wide-angle lens. And did you notice just a hint of colour too?

Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia

Horse And Zebras

This is one single photo. Really? Yes, Really!

I was taking a photo of these Zebra Finches and could see the horse coming closer in the background and wondered whether it might wander past. I got myself into the right position at the right time and "Hooray".

This is the one photo, not one superimposed over another. I know you can't trust photos these days. I get as frustrated as anyone else with other people doctoring their photos - it's more common than you think. But this is the real deal as all my photos are, unless I make it clear otherwise.

Tropaeolum Dew

A photo where you can see the dew drops on the flower behind taken through dew drops on it's leaf. Really? Yes, Really!

I grew up calling these plants 'Nasturtians' when the rest of the world (apart from my grandparents & possibly JRR Tolkien) called them 'Nasturtiums'. Their actual name is 'Tropaeolum', which I've no idea how to pronounce anyway :)

If you look closely you can make out the dew on the flower as seen through the dew on the leaf. As with this photo, I take almost all photos hand-held, without a flash, only using available light. I love keeping it natural & as real-life as possible.

And thanks, Terry, for inviting me around that morning for breakfast. It was delicious!

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Lookout Snake

This snake popped its head out three times then slithered out to me. Really? Yes, Really!

Is it a snake, a meerkat, a sock puppet, a cross between all three? This Common Tree Snake ('Common' - not likely!) was merrily sunning itself when it saw me, took fright and slithered off into some nearby foliage (sage, for the diehard plant fans). I didn’t get a photo so I stuck around to see if it came back out. After about five minutes, to my complete surprise and utter amazement, I saw this - the snake checking out if I was still there or not! A few moments later it was gone. It did this two more times, each time a little closer, before partially slithering out for a closer inspection of me. Then, in a flash, it was gone for good, leaving me alone with some cute snake photos as mementoes.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

The Captain & The Albatross

This Shy Albatross flew right up to the boat I was in and posed for photos despite an uncooperative Captain. Really? Yes, really!

Everyone on the boat knew I wanted to take albatross photos. I’d mentioned it to the Captain as I boarded and then to the people I sat near. I’d never seen one until a couple of days beforehand & here I was on an adventure cruise in the rolling seas off the coast of Tasmania in the hope of getting a good photo of one. People would call out when they saw an albatross in the distance & I’d grab a photo or two - it turned into a game of Spot The Albatross.

I’d requested a number of times to the Captain that we venture nearer to where the albatrosses were flying, but to no avail.

We were about to turn for home when I heard a loud cry of "Albatross!" & gasp after gasp. I turned and watched with awe as this one landed right near the boat. Everyone was calling out in astonishment, having trouble believing it was happening. Even the Captain said he’d never seen it happen before, but he’s never been out photographing with me before.

So this Shy Albatross defied its name, flew in to say “Hi” and happily posed for photos.

After a minute or two the grumpy Captain asked me if I’d taken enough photos. I said I’d get a few more. In a huff he just turned the boat around and hurried back to base, getting back early. Weird behaviour by the Captain & from the albatross. I wonder if he’s ever read The Rime of the Ancient Mariner! :)

Somewhere off the southern coast of Tasmania, Australia

Saint Omer

I took this 1/4 second, handheld night shot while afloat on a boat. Really? Yes, Really!

“Ay, you be right thar, Cap’n… There be no prawns for catchin’ up ‘ere!”

The trawler Saint Omer is an iconic feature of the Eat Street Northshore food markets, serving a bounty of seafood to discerning Brisbane diners. Where it once trawled for prawns in the Pacific Ocean it now trawls for customers on specific land.

This photo was taken from aboard 24m luxury charter yacht Pure Adrenalin Charters which is an incredible vessel - both boats are pretty awesome! As it turns out the captain is a friend of the trawler’s former owner and held the ship steady for me so I could get the shot. 1/4 second, handheld, ISO200 night shot taken from a boat afloat - nice!

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Jump Back Whale

I took this photo. Really? Yes, Really!

“Did you really take that?” Yes. Of all the photos I've taken this is the one that this is asked most about. And the question stems not from questioning my skill as a photographer but rather a mingling of the awe and wonder of something so magnificent with the thought of capturing it so clearly and vividly. It still blows me away that whales can do this, as I’m sure it does you too!

Being out on the water, watching whales jump and splash about is one of nature's remarkable experiences. I highly recommend a visit during whale watching season if you get the chance.

Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane City Dwarfed By Mega Bolt

This lightning bolt is kilometres in height from top to bottom. Really? Yes, Really!

This single lightning bolt looks spectacular. Then you notice the size of it compared to the city buildings. Incredible!!! So glad to have captured it, and pretty happy to be nowhere near it :)

And, no, this photo was not part of my composite, although it’s the same epic storm. ~19.02.20

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia