Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
I shot about two dozen frames very quickly, using different focal lengths and several variations of compositions to try and capture the colours as they spread and morphed across a wide expanse of sky. Looking at these shots, you wouldn't think I had power lines right across the scene in front of me. Sometimes the lines themselves can add to the perspective, but only half the shots I took that day have the power lines across them.
I was using a 300mm Sigma lens on my Pentax K100D - and it's always interesting to see the incredible amount of detail and clarity that the lens picks up. I was concentrating totally on the colours and the framing of each shot, but when I got home and looked at the images on my computer, I was intrigued to see what looks like a tiny purple ship on the right-hand side of the horizon.
If you look carefully, you can even see it on these low-res versions of the original shots. Could it perhaps be a 21st century version of the famous ghost ship, the Mary Celeste? Naaaaah, I don't think so.
In actual fact, I think the "ship" is really the office buildings of Melbourne's central business district - but I need to return to this hill and take some more shots to check this out.
I've shot sunsets from this point before, because it gives me wonderful access across a gentle but dramatic valley - and I ain't never noticed the tall buildings of the city from this vantage point. At this stage I should point out that the city is at least 35 kilometres away from Narre Warren, as the crow flies. No, I’m not kidding. It’s 35 kilometres – or almost 22 miles. Amazing, isn’t it?
So stand by and we'll solve this mystery together. Soon.
For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch Friday.