Photography Highlights // Geoff Rankin: photography, graphic design, music, writing, illustration, art + more

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Here are a few of my favourite photos. If you like them, explore some more. Feel free to let me know which ones you like best. Which other ones do you think I should have also included here?

Incredible Light Show / Composite

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.

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.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Backstage: Shania Twain & Sheléa

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...

Green-and-white Hummingbird at Machu Picchu

Hummingbirds. They're one of the things I've always wanted to photograph in the wild. To do so while overlooking Machu Picchu is even more special.

You can't get enough of these guys whirling past. They're so small, cute and fast. No trip to anywhere that has hummingbirds is complete without seeing them. It's fantastic to watch them interact with their natural environment. The Green-and-white Hummingbird is endemic to this area of Peru.

I photographed this one in a fleeting moment between flowers right at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) not long after sunrise. A very sweet breakfast for sure. Dec 2019.

Inti Punku, Machu Picchu, Peru

Outer Space Outer The Window

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

Quincy Jones @ 2019 Montreux Jazz Festival

What a night! What an epic show! 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 wanted. 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...

Yeah Nick

Taking photos for Nick Kyrgios has been very cool, just like this shot taken during Nick Kyrgios' first match in his title defense. 2019 Brisbane International.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Heartfelt

Being on court taking photos for Nick Kyrgios as he took time out of his practice schedule to meet and play with (if possible) seriously ill young fans has been a highlight.

Melbourne, Queensland, Australia

Fantastic Gymnastic

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

Jump Back Whale

“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

High Flyer

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.

This is the only photo Adriano posted on Instagram of himself surfing during competition at the 2017 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Nice!

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Skilling It!

Skillet guitarist & keyboardist Corey Cooper killing it at Eatons Hill Hotel on Skillet's 2018 Australian Tour, presented by Metropolis Touring. Sat 17 Nov 2018.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Conrod Carnage

Highly Commended: Colour Prints
2016 Royal Queensland Show

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!

Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia

© Copyright Geoff Rankin

More RACING photos here...

Eastern Brown Snake

Don't be fooled by the wry smile or rugged good-looks, this is...

THE SECOND-MOST VENOMOUS LAND SNAKE ON THE PLANET!

I encountered this Eastern Brown Snake at Point Venom, I mean Point Vernon, Hervey Bay. It happily posed for a few photos before slithering on its way.

Treatment for a bite is to remain as still as possible (though you've gotta get help ASAP), and apply a pressure bandage to the bite site. I don't think they are all as friendly as this one!

Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia

Bulging Ball!

A tennis ball bulges through Maria Shakkari's racquet during a match at the 2019 Australian Open. Very cool!

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Flippin' Truck!

These things really can fly, roll and flip! In this photo Stadium Super Trucks driver Rob Whyte has clipped the chicane, rolled the truck, crashed into the fence, and is on his way back down onto the track the wrong way up. Hmmm... Not a good day at the office then. Stadium Super Trucks, 2016 Townsville 400.

Reid Park, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

NRLW Launch: Human Missile

The girls show they can hit just as hard as the guys. It's Round One - the NRLW has definitely been launched!

Holli Wheeler launches herself like a human missile into Chelsea Lenarduzzi, stopping her in her tracks. The only tracks Chelsea is making this time are back tracks. BAMMM!!! Round One - Broncos v Dragons, Suncorp Stadium, 09 Sep 2018.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Burn Baby Burn

Irish pop trio Ash - vocalist & guitarist Tim Wheeler, bassist Mark Hamilton and drummer Rick McMurray - delivered an energetic, 22-song set on the first stop of their 2018 Australian tour, presented by Metropolis Touring. Flying in from Manchester, if they were jet lagged they didn’t show it. Live, they were a whole lot more 'rock' than 'pop' which suited me just fine! The Zoo, Tue 13 Nov 2018.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Native Teddy Bear Bee In Flight

I love the challenge of capturing bees while flying (them not me). It's one of those things I never really thought I'd do. This Teddy Bear Bee (yes, that's what they're called - honestly) is one of the many varieties of Australian native bees that regularly pop into our gardens, whether we've ever noticed them or not. I'm glad I do macro photography as I see things I'd otherwise miss. And now I've a soft spot for native bees of all kinds, especially the cuddly ones.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

© Copyright Geoff Rankin

More MACRO photos here...

That Sinking Feeling

Ever feel like this ball? Ever have that sinking feeling you were plunging headlong into the racquet of life at some ridiculous rate of knots seemingly out of control? The impact, the strain, the stress, the pain. We all go through those emotions. They’re very real. BUT… the ball will not sink ad infinitum. And it won’t sink for long. It’s about to be relaunched and returned with interest. It’s actually the sinking that is the very mechanism that catapults the ball even faster & further, maybe more than ever before. So if you feel like you’re sinking you may just be on the cusp of the rush. Hold on!

New kid on the block Frances Tiafoe plays a scintillating backhand against Aussie John Millman in an entertaining match. The Aussie dug deep in the Aussie heat and came back in three - 4-6, 7-6, 7-5. 2019 Sydney International.

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Super Sunset Takeover

This photo is special for a few reasons. The first is that it looks great - the action, the vibe. You can even see the golden light of sunset illuminating the track under both cars. Nice.

But what makes it even more special is the difficulty of getting the shot. You see, I'm shooting through two fences, not that you can see either. The first fence is the one you can see behind the cars that runs all the way around the track; it's big, high, massive. But this fence has holes in certain areas for TV cameras to poke through. This is where I am - behind the TV camera, cameraman and the accredited photographers. It was tough getting clear shots. But not only that, because there is that gap in the first fence, there is a second fence to protect the public in case debris goes through the first fence's gap. Thus I'm also behind that fence being a guest, not an accredited photographer or a TV cameraman. Two fences is would have to be.

So given all that, as well as being a crisp & exciting action shot late in the day, I'm pretty chuffed. Supercars, 2016 Townsville 400. Vroooom!

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Look Oooouuuuut!

Monica wields her buzz axe in my general direction @ Supernova 2017. Cosplay on overdrive! And I’ll just make it clear the no one was hurt in the making of this photo, especially me:)

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Kerber Crunch

Chosen as 1 of 10 photos to represent Queensland at APSCON 2018

Germany's Angelique Kerber crunches a ball mid-flight during her epic 2hr 20min Semi-final showdown with Romania’s Simona Halep at 2018 Australian Open, eventually going down 9-7 in a marathon third set.

It was easily one of the best matches I've ever seen. It was exhausting & heart-thumping. I was worn out just watching it! Both had match points, both scrambled as if their lives depended on it, both at stages looked as if they were so exhausted they couldn't go on, both kept lifting time & time again. It was awesome to be there and even more awesome to get some cool action shots as souvenirs. Thanks ladies, you’re both unbelievably unbelievable!

Although Angie took out the championship in 2016, this year wasn't to be. 2018 Australian Open Women's Singles Semi-final, Thursday 25 January 2018, Rod Laver Arena.

Honestly Shocked & Surprised!

I love the expression on this girl's face when she realises that Matt has accurately read people's minds.

Award-winning magician & mentalist Matt Tarrant surprised & entertained with his ‘Honestly Dishonest’ magic show during Wonderland Festival 2018. He was captivating from start to finish, inviting volunteers from the audience to participate in the hilarity. A very enjoyable evening.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Cat Scratch Fever

I was taking bodypainting photos in a function room. In the room next door was a bar with TVs showing horseracing. In between shoots I suggested we go next door to take some fun ones.

The king of the jungle has Cat Scratch Fever. His crown fallen, his willpower gone, he studies the form guide and can't take his eyes of those horses. He is just a big cat after all.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Horse And Zebras

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.

Bass Lick

Markus Großkopf of German band Helloween shows some love for his bass guitar. Or he spilt something there earlier and only just noticed. Either way, it was a bass lick to remember.

Pelican Sunrise

This photo was taken from dry land in the mighty Burdekin River. Although it floods annually, for much of the year it shrinks considerably leaving the sandy riverbed exposed.

It was just myself and one lone pelican for sunrise. I thought it’d be pretty awesome if the pelican swam through that brilliant beam of reflected sunlight as it casually ambled about seeking something for breakfast. So I waited, and waited, and hoped, and possibly prayed hehe, and finally the moment happened. Very happy! (And if you are wondering, the pelican has not been photoshopped at all. It's definitely one single & intact photo.)

Burdekin River, Queensland, Australia

Flat Out At Phillip Island

Speeding around Doohan Corner at somewhere between 200-250km/h (he was traveling at over 300km/h just moments before), Valentino Rossi proves once again why he's a living legend. Almost everyone was going for him - the greatest rider of all time. He may not have won the race but it was fun watching him try, fly and ride into our hearts for the millionth time.

Do you ever get nervous when taking photos? I do VERY rarely. This was one of those times. Very exciting and very nerve-racking!

2015 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

© Copyright Geoff Rankin

More MOTOGP photos here...

Broken For Us

A broken figurine of Jesus Christ on a gravestone reminds us of the historical figure crucified two thousand years ago. The writers of the New Testament make it clear that...

Jesus died in our place
To pay the price for our sin
Then He rose from the grave
So we can forever live with Him
~ Geoff Rankin, 2017

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this one is worth countless thousands more.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Motocross Mayhem / Composite

It took me hours to arrange all these photos. The are no overlaps!!! I think I should get an award for the arrangement alone:) All 20+ photos by me.

Showtime FMX riders Robbie Marshall & Pete Anderson put on an awesome display of aerial acrobatics that shouldn’t really be possible! What can be done mid-air and at speed, in variable wind conditions on - or off - a motorcycle blows me away!

All photos and their arrangement by me.

Brisbane City Dwarfed By Mega Bolt

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