Views from above

Growing up in Australia, it takes a long time to get anywhere. So one of my favourite things about living in Europe is that you are just a short-haul flight from so many amazing destinations. Seeing as the flights are so short (usually 2-2.5 hours), I normally try and get a window seat if I can. And the result can sometimes be this (which is hands down my favourite 'view from above')

view as the plane was leaving Bergen

To upgrade or not to upgrade?

taken near Reykjavik, Iceland

As you might have guessed, I like taking photos. Lots of photos. I've only ever had a point-and-shoot camera (Panasonic Lumix TZ-20 is my current camera), and I can't help but wonder if its time to upgrade to a DSLR. (sidenote - both TZ cameras I've owned, including my current one, have had dust get inside the sensor, which I can see in the photos, hence why I'm thinking about a new camera).

I've seen photos taken with DSLRs, and I like the effects. A lot. I'd love to be able to get the shallow depth-of-field and other similar setups...my current camera won't quite do it. But then I look at the photo above, which is one of my favourites I've taken over the last couple of years. And I remember the story behind taking it....I was visiting the geysir area near Reykjavik on a day tour, and just happened to turn around back towards where the tour bus was parked, and saw the sun peeking out through the clouds (first time all day). I snapped a handful of photos of the scene, and 5 minutes later the cloud had come back over again. I'm glad I had my point-and-shoot that day, cause I'm not sure I would have managed to whip out a DSLR as quickly to get the photo....

So, I think I want to get a new camera (finances permitting). The only question - another point-and-shoot, or do I go for a DSLR?

Any thoughts/comments/suggestions welcome.

Story behind the photo - Bergen, Norway

OK, I'll be the first to admit, I've fallen completely off the (blogging) wagon, so to speak. I'm not really sure what happened, except that I think I lost interest/motivation....but I've decided to give this another shot. So here goes....

My most recent trip out of the UK was to Norway, more specifically to Bergen, which is also known as the 'gateway to the fjords.' Norway is known (I think) for its natural beauty, and Bergen didn't disappoint. (just make sure you've got deep pockets....Norway's expensive!)

This photo looks across the harbour to an area known as Bryggen. Bryggen is the only preserved business district from the Hanseatic period. It consists of the brightly coloured wooden buildings you can see in the photo, and is an UNESCO world heritage site. As well as looking at it from a distance, I would recommend wandering between the buildings - you can see the architecture of the buildings up close, and there's some lovely art galleries and stores to have a look at. For more information about Bryggen, go here