Some from Dubai

[singingsnapper]

Just come back from a weekend in Dubai. Unfortunately there were sandstorms no opportunity to take photographs of the skyline, even at night except last night when we had no time before our flight home.

We spent a few hours making the most of the sun and heat (33 degrees) at the Sheraton resort at Jumeirah Beach. I only brought the one lens with me (my 24 - 70L) and spotted this Red Veined darter on one of the sunbeds taking in the rays. I regretted not having my macro with me but as we were originally returning to our hotel 36km away in Deira for a safari trip I elected to take only 1 lens with me to the beach. I think the 24 - 70 proved a very useful tool even so, and the dragonfly was a willing model.

Canon 5D mk III EF 24 - 70L @ f/13 and 70mm ISO 250 1/640


Dubai-critter-enjoying-the-sun by singingsnapper, on Flickr

We took a trip out to the sand dunes on a local safari from the Sheraton so we could spend more time in the sun, and our driver was very entertaining and bouncing around the dunes in large Toyota Landcruisers was great fun. At times he would drive while conducting the music coming out of the radio.

Canon 5D mk III EF 24 - 70L at f/16 and 52mm ISO 100 1/60


Our-safari-driver by singingsnapper, on Flickr

same lens/camera: 59mm, f/16 ISO 100 1/80


Our-driver-and-car-for-safari by singingsnapper, on Flickr

[singingsnapper]

There were some well built mosques around the area we were staying in Dubai, the busy district of Deira. After arriving at midnight, Friday prayers being announced at 4.45am, wasn't welcomed with open arms, but was something we got used to. This is a mosque around the corner from our hotel:

Canon 5D mk III EF 24 - 70L f/11 and 28mm, 1/25 ISO 500


deira mosque by singingsnapper, on Flickr

The courtyard with its very clean floor;

Canon 5D mk III EF 24 - 70 at 24mm and f/10 1/30 ISO 800


deira mosque courtyard by singingsnapper, on Flickr

[Troy]

Love these sorts of shots, Paul. It's great to experience a part of the world i'll probably never visit.

But please, please straighten that last shot!