I wanted to gauge people reactions and feedback to the photographic art above.  It's not something i do a lot of but i was interested to see if i could make a series of images that are closer to traditional art than true photography.  This is the same series of photos that i took from my recent trip to Bali, Indonesia and i wanted to create something a little different.

Using a series of lighting techniques using adjustment layers and filters in Adobe Photoshop CS5 i have created these highly stylised portraits that have been cropped to a square format.  I think they would look great in a series of canvas prints

While i definitely wont be doing this regularly i certainly had fun creating these photographic art portraits and may look to create some more down the line.  If anyone is interested in purchasing one of these on a canvas please let me know as i can get some great pricing on quality archival canvas that would be sure to create a talking point in your lounge room.

I would love feedback of any sort so please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

The latest free wallpaper on offer features the textures and colour of the amazing and exotic fruit from Bali, Indonesia. This shot was taken up in the mountains of Bali while i was on a cycling tour from Kintamani down to Ubud. Can highly recommend the cycling tour as it's a great way to experience the way the Balinese live.  Its a gentle ride down the the mountain and takes in the local villages and Balinese people living their traditional lifestyles.  If you are going to Bali and are interested i can recommend: www.balibintangtour.com

For this free wallpaper and others for computers and moblie phones such as iphones please visit the free wallpapers link.

In January I have been fortunate enough to be able to take some time off and travel to Bali, Indonesia. These images were taken when I was presented a unique opportunity to go inside a family commune on the outskirts of Ubud.  Hidden behind high walls was a small congregation of basic accommodation and buildings.

It was fascinating to discover how these people live and associate with each other.  Generations of family living in close proximity to each other with a hierarchy of buildings dedicated to God, the elderly grandparents (pictured here) as well as food and meal areas and special recognition for chickens who are important in their culture.

I absolutely love the faces of the elderly grandparents i have photographed in these two images.  To me it feels like you can see the wisdom and experience in every contour of their face. Being invited to experience the way of life for these traditional Balinese people was probably the highlight of my trip.  These type of experiences are what makes travel photography so rewarding, particularly when you visit cultures and places that are so different from our western lives.

Travel photography is so enjoyable and as an Australian, I feel so lucky to have Asia on our doorstep to offer amazing experiences and photographic opportunities.  Bali is only 3 hours flight from Perth and in less than a day you can leave behind the demands and hectic lifestyle of a modern western city and feel like you've traveled back in time where people live such basic, yet happy and fulfilling lives. It often makes me question who has it better?  Yes i have plasma TV, ADSL internet, brand name clothes...but for what?  Are we any happier than these traditional people who live off the land and live in a tight community where family is everything?

I always come home asking myself these questions and that's what i love Asia for.

For more images from my latest trip to Bali, Indonesia: Click here