Jona Photography in Varsity Lakes, Queensland | Photographer

Jona Photography

Locality: Varsity Lakes, Queensland

Phone: +61 404 078 248

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Photographer
• Photography and videography

25.01.2022 Last night's sunset on the Gold Coast was insane. The colours were spectacular and I realised about 2 hours before it happened that this was likely. That meant heading down to the beach to capture it. These 3 shots show the progression at Miami lookout as it happened . As it got later in the evening my exposure also was longer as you'll see from the settings on each shot. I'm constantly trying to get better. Sometimes that's really frustrating and painful but it's also reward...ing. Without that drive and passion my shots wouldn't improve. I could tell you multiple things of how I could have had better results last night but I can also say that I got to witness the amazing colours, I got to say wow and I even got to have a chat with a fellow photographer while it was happening. Hope you enjoy and if you do feel free to share so others get to. See more

25.01.2022 I wanted koalas and I’ve got them. Just joined Currumbin Sanctuary membership The koalas even woke up for me.

25.01.2022 Kangaroos flaunting the rules. On the right corner is the social distancing sign and these guys are completely ignoring it. What a morning. This is what got me here and these guys did not disappoint. I haven’t looked at all my shots but this seems so current times appropriate. More than happy for you to share (with credit).

24.01.2022 Why not say like bees in petals instead of pigs in mud? I saw these bees having a great time on my daily walk so went home and got my camera.

24.01.2022 Confession time. I have so many photos and moments I want to share from my crazy short only 4 nights away trip but have so many other ideas and plans. That means I'm going to post them in dribs and drabs and not necessarily the best shots but rather the best memories. The kangaroos and wallabies on the beach was the highlight so here are a few more of those shots.

23.01.2022 The unedited shot Of 1770 sunrise this morning. I got up at 4:15am to get here in time and yes I made it. I wondered if I could have traveled a little closer to this place last night but I had the best campsite so preferred to be in bed earlier. When I was driving here, about 20 minutes before I arrived, the sky had the most beautiful fiery clouds and of course I tried not to get upset that I was the only one that got to see such an amazing sight. Today is onto Cape Hillsboroug. I can’t believe it’s still over 600kms to go so better get cracking.

23.01.2022 I watched this bee and thought "maybe you can go to a bigger flower, maybe something open?" But this bee knew something I didn't.

22.01.2022 Last night I went over to NSW. Six months ago that would have been no big deal as it's only an 80km drive and compared to some of the places I've driven to quite close. As a Queenslander going to NSW isn't difficult (coming back not so easy) but I realise that some people are really hurting from these border restrictions and Covid-19 in general. My heart especially goes out to Melbournians, to which I was once one. I can't imagine the fear and uncertainty some people are expe...riencing as their movements are restricted and they're not able to see family, have job security and feel that vulnerability. I'm really not sure what to say but my heart and prayers go out to those that are struggling during this time. Finally, as this is my photography page, I should post a photo from last evening. I was wanting to get the Milky Way with the Byron Bay lighthouse. I forgot that getting a photo of a huge big light in the sky from a lighthouse with stars that need darkness to show off their best would be challenging. However I'm pretty happy with this. It's easy to say Stay Safe but how about stay connected. If you're hurting talk to someone, if you're scared, let it out and let's all pray (even if you don't believe in prayer) that this comes to an end soon. See more

21.01.2022 Frog with music with friends in Tara.

21.01.2022 The new improved website is getting there. In the gallery (portfolio) I now have a portrait edition so check it out. There's over 40 options and could be more if you'd like to give suggestions. I know there should be more than one whale shot. New price list is also getting closer. https://jona.com.au/portfolio-item/portrait-edition/

21.01.2022 Which one are you? Part of the action, flying by the action or just sitting watching. The galahs were in full force in Tara. This is with my 28-300mm lens.

20.01.2022 I hope you had a wonderful Christmas yesterday. I don't have any nature/wildlife Christmas photos so you don't get any Christmas Day shots. Maybe I could throw some tinsel on a snake or something next year. This is a few shots from my harvesting outing a few days ago. I hope all the farmers (wives included) had a break or have finished harvesting. For those city people this is a view of farm living in the Mallee just before Christmas. You can even say your favourite.

20.01.2022 Last night I went out to the stars. It's not easy getting to the stars and then it's a few hours outside in the middle of the night but I get to share the Milky Way. The bright dot above the Milky Way is Jupiter while the smaller one above Jupiter to the right is Saturn (I think that's right). The best part of last night was seeing a falling star. It was definitely WOW. Of course the camera was doing a long exposure in the other direction. This shot is with my 20mm lens 25 se...cond exposure f/1.8, ISO 2000. I would love to get more astrophotography so if you know any areas near the Gold Coast that have a view, is dark and I can go (especially Toowoomba area since flower festival is about to start there) let me know. I've just been given a swag (thanks Tania you're awesome) and got a few camping specials from Aldi this morning. This shot is Camp Moogerah at Moogerah Dam. See more

19.01.2022 When you feel someone watching at your window.

18.01.2022 Having a hot chocolate at Wood St Cafe with my Mum and of course got a picture with my canvas prints. This used to be my aunt’s haberdashery shop in the 70’s to the 90’s. Definitely a lot of memories coming in and looking at the different drapes.

18.01.2022 Yesterday the water was so crystal clear it was amazing. The whales were everywhere and it was funny when you'd hear this strange noise and realise it was a whale making it's presence known. Some dolphins came to say hello so I thought I'd share a few shots of them swimming under the water. I also wanted to update you (which I might do a few times) that I'm completely revamping my price list. I know it's pretty tough for many at the moment and so I'm reducing my prices on my entire list. I'm also introducing a portrait edition range as that's been a popular theme recently. Once again my heart and prayers go to those struggling emotionally, mentally, financially and spiritually.

17.01.2022 Today it rained. It even hailed. There was lightning and thunder and buckets of rain. However just in the last seconds of daylight the sun came out. I really only had seconds to catch it as I was outside photographing the water droplets on the leaves. I would have liked to have changed my settings but it was just about capturing the moment.

17.01.2022 Discovering the perfect light at the perfect time in the perfect place. This morning I came up to Broken River for the platypuses. As I watched them there was a real freedom and joy in their playing, in their movements. It really was beautiful but not something easily captured so I barely tried. Instead I saw these rapids, the sunlight and the fog and that was my joy. There is no editing here just the warm sunshine. Actually it wasn’t warm. Travelling to this spot it was 6 degrees! But the joy of the shot warmed me instead. Today more driving to Carnarvon Gorge.

16.01.2022 Driving driving driving. Didn't capture the hours sitting behind cars.

15.01.2022 A true friend. One that supports you to stand. One that gives you a massage when you're sore. One that scratches that itch you can't reach. One that gives you a hug when you need. But most importantly one that doesn't have to say a word but is just there because you are loved by them. Special note of thanks to my kangaroo friends for helping with the point.

15.01.2022 One thing I did Friday night on my visit to the stars was take multiple long exposure shots. With those shots I was able to stack them together and get some unexpected results. I thought I'd be a bit creative with the editing and show what a combination of the night sky, photography and creativity can produce. Today I'm also finally being a good patient since right before I left for my Friday night visit I dropped a chest drawer on my big toe. It's a bit sore, a bit throbbing and a bit bruised so resting it this afternoon. Anyway hope you enjoy this out there shots.

14.01.2022 BEST OF 2020 on Instagram. It’s been a year like no other. I hope that with all the challenges, hardships and even pain you’ve grown and come out a better, more loving, more compassionate person. I think that’s what I want for 2021. More compassion, more love and because I’m spiritual more prayer. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and now that 2021 is so close to starting 2021 calendars are half price. Be quick, I don’t have many left.

12.01.2022 I’m driving home (yes only a few hundred kms to go) and I have to keep looking over my shoulder at the sky. There’s no place to take a photo so I jump out of my car with my phone to show you what I’m seeing. It’s amazing. Thank you for following my journey. I know I haven’t posted as much as I’ve wanted to but I just hadn’t had a chance to look at the photos that I’ve taken. Like always this is a quick trip, just 5 days, but a lot of photos were taken. The next few days I get to go through them so finally that’s when I’ll get to share them.

12.01.2022 Just a couple of guys fishing just north of Hervey Bay. First day of road tripping done. Might do a video later.

12.01.2022 A Jona riddle: What can you hear and smell before you see them and to see them you have to look up? The smelly, noisy but cute bats that live along my daily walking track.

12.01.2022 If we weren't in the time we're in I would not believe that I have only spent 2 nights away this year, and that was to visit my Mum. But tomorrow I'm going on a road trip. I'm staying in Queensland but there is so much to see here. You could spend months exploring this state but I'm just having 5 night away and it's only an 1/8 of the way up the coast. That's still a lot of kms. I thought I'd share a shot that I took the last time I was away in Donald, Victoria. I'm so grateful I got to visit my Mum just days before borders started closing. My heart goes out to those struggling, especially in Victoria, and my prayers are with you.

11.01.2022 That ladies and gentlemen is just outside the amphitheatre!

10.01.2022 Last night I went out for astrophotography. I look at this and go wow when can I return? But the reality is it's really challenging. Being in the Gold Coast I've got to get further enough away from the city lights to get something like this. Then the places I go need a lookout or something in the foreground which means getting even further away. The Milky Way was setting at about 1-2am so this is taken just before midnight and of course it's also cold. The moon had set so it ...gave a beautiful yellow glow in the distance. Thankfully I feel like my nursing training has prepared me for night photography. Feeling cold but still got to do the job (who's been in operating theatre?). That's a yes. Getting up in the middle of the night and being totally focused on the job. Another yes. Not thinking about needing to wee, eat or drink because you have a job to do? Another yes. Thankfully I have a very supportive husband who spent the entire trip back (til 2:30am) chatting to me on the phone. Nikon D850, Nikon 20mm lens, f/1.8, 15 seconds, ISO 1600. See more

09.01.2022 Welcome to Koala Monday! Ok maybe not but a few weeks ago I went to Currumbin Sanctuary and my main hope was for koalas. Of course it wasn't hard to find them, it's the first thing you see when you walk in the entrance. Here's a few of these cute creatures.

09.01.2022 Yesterday I wanted to go and photograph a waterfall. I did but first sharing what I did after. I went to Byron Bay lighthouse. It was really windy and I didn't think my tripod would cope but thankfully it did. I hope you have a positive weekend. Negativity sells so theres a lot out there but keep your mind healthy, active and positive. Just this week studies found an optimistic person was more likely to live 2 more years than the pessimistic. I'm not sure how they found that one out.

08.01.2022 Last night I had a plan. I was going to get up and take photos of the moon crescent right before the sunrise. As I watched the colours on the beach this morning I realised my plan wouldn’t work. The dawn was too bright to see the moon rising. Instead I watched the people enjoying the water and the sun while it shone on my face. Even though my plan didn’t succeed it still was a good way to start the day and really the week. I find watching the sun rise over the ocean puts life into perspective. All those worries don’t seem so big watching the sun rise.

08.01.2022 This morning I went to Toowoomba Flower Festival. I'm not sure what I took more photos of, the bees or the flowers. I really love watching bees and that absolute joy they have buzzing around, collecting pollen, all very busy but not being able to get enough of the flowers while they roll around in the seeds. Although things were different this year at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers due to Covid they had the best elements of it still there. That was of course the flowers an...d the colour. For those wondering there is no parade, no entry to viewing platforms (disappointing that you can't get an aerial view of the flower bed artwork) and no charging for special gardens. This year I only went to the public parks, not because of Covid but because there were just so many flowers displayed in the parks and that was enough for me. By lunch time it was time to go home as the best photography light had passed and as always I was just doing a quick trip. Have a wonderful weekend to you all and if you're near Toowoomba in the next 10 days and have the time I highly recommend a visit. See more

08.01.2022 Look who got photo of the week! Normally I don’t enter competitions or submit photos to news outlets. Last week a friend posted this link and I thought why not. Then another friend sent me a screenshot shot of MY (!!!) photo of the week. I’m very excited .

07.01.2022 I went out Wednesday evening with a plan for the full moon. I realised it wasn't going to happen in the way I wanted so instead I turned and shot the other way. Very pretty pastel sunset at Tallebudgera.

05.01.2022 This morning I went to church. At the end of the service one of the ladies (who I’ve met on Zoom but not in person) invited me and two others to her home for a cup of tea. As soon as we arrived the magpie father welcomed us. Then his baby came along for food. I went out and recorded this. Originally I was going to have brunch with a friend who cancelled. You know those mornings that you are something totally else planned but things change and you’re blessed by it. That was one of those mornings.

05.01.2022 Toowoomba Flower Festival has just started but not everyone can go so I thought I'd share a video of the beauty of flowers and bees. For those that enjoy this please share with others.

05.01.2022 Yesterday morning I went for a walk with a friend and she showed me this amazing lookout at Burleigh. That meant this evening I revisited it with my camera. I took a little video to show how beautiful it was. If you put the sound on you'll hear a very faint humming. That was me! I just randomly started humming and then realised I was recording. I should have hummed something memorable. I'm looking forward to posting some photos but for now I'm having a night at home watching The Voice for the first time in years and yes it's quite different while my 2 dogs cover my lap so really can't move.

04.01.2022 Who hates to spend money? ME! Who loves a bargain? ME! After weeks, if not months, of anticipation I am releasing my new print prices. My prices reflect the quality of what I provide. You might see prints at your shopping centre or local discount shop but take a closer look. The prices reflect the quality. My prints will last and not lose quality from the day they come into your home. When I asked who likes a bargain it’s because these prices are as low as I can go without ...compromising on quality. I want people to be blessed with the moments that I’ve captured on my lens. I’m even offering payment plans, just ask me for the details. Postage throughout Australia is free. To order email/message/text me and we’ll talk details. https://jona.com.au/price-list-prints/ See more

03.01.2022 Another sunset in the wheat belt. I’d decided on a different location tonight but as the sun came closer to the horizon I thought a better setting was behind the silos instead of over where the grain storage sheds were. I only had a few minutes, but thankfully that’s all it would take, so I drove around to Racecourse Rd, jumped past a barbed wire fence, ran up the dam bank, startled some sheep and got this.

03.01.2022 When you’re standing in the bush with your camera wearing your bright yellow t-shirt & this happens. Taken just after I was watching emus and kangaroos leaping off into the distance so I was not expecting others to come over.

03.01.2022 Hi - I'm feeling a bit slack at the moment. I'm at that point where I'm about to have holidays and just want to have a break. There's so many plans I have with my time off. Some are photography, some are Jona photography plans. For now I'll share this shot I took last Thursday evening. I'd gone to a waterfall near Byron Bay (which I realise I STILL haven't shared) and then of course realised I could also pop into Byron to take a few photos of the lighthouse. On the way I saw this surf beach and the light looked incredible. I managed to get a parking spot (that was a prayer in itself) and got a few shots here.

02.01.2022 Toowoomba you’ve done it again. Thank you to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. So happy to have made it and celebrate the colour with others. I think this might be the first day. @toowoomba

02.01.2022 Did I mention I might be doing a few kangaroo/wallaby posts. Today I looked at a few shots I'd previously overlooked or thought a different shot was better and found these. Hope you enjoy. Of course I'm supposed to be planning next year's calendar and getting distracted. I can try and convince myself this is helping me chose a kangaroo shot for 2021 but who am I kidding.

01.01.2022 I'm completely revamping my prices and introducing a special portrait edition. It's exciting but will take a bit of work so go to my website http://www.jona.com.au work out what prints you want, even suggest a landscape shot you'd love as a portrait frame, and come back next week to see the new prices.

01.01.2022 I wonder what I’m doing today? That’s right it’s whale watching with the awesome Coolangatta Whale Watching team. This was a shot from June. I’m a little nervous, a little excited and feeling prepared. Hoping the whales are. #Coolangattawhalewatch