Philip Tsourlinis Photography

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Philip Tsourlinis Photography My photographic style is diverse and ever-evolving. I'm not confined to one genre or technique. Formerly known as Chilli Photography & Design.
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Captured Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in Goonellabah, surrounded by the usual local flora. Four weeks ago, at 4 a...
21/10/2024

Captured Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in Goonellabah, surrounded by the usual local flora. Four weeks ago, at 4 am in Yamba, I first caught this comet on its journey toward the Sun. Now, it’s heading westward, leaving the Sun behind as it ventures back to the outer solar system. It’s a long farewell—it won’t return until the year 2127.

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). See you when you return in 80,000 years.
14/10/2024

Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS). See you when you return in 80,000 years.

For those interested.I missed the colossal aurora peak on Friday night—the fiery finale from 8 to 10 pm. (Came out of no...
13/10/2024

For those interested.

I missed the colossal aurora peak on Friday night—the fiery finale from 8 to 10 pm. (Came out of nowhere).

Tied up with usual adult responsibilities, I didn't leave until 10 pm. I was counting on the predicted peaks to continue through the night until Saturday morning. But, to my surprise, the show ended earlier than expected. The night prior was also incredible, with many capturing stunning photos of the lights, which I also missed.

Solar forecasting is only 30 minutes in the future. More on that below.

So, once again, I missed the aurora. I'll capture it one day, maybe in the next event in 20 years. 😂

I am so pleased with the photos people took. People nailed it, even with smartphones. Breathtaking photos I am grateful people captured. No matter the quality of the photo, I enjoy seeing the light.🙏

But these sudden changes in prediction or one of many other factors (like weather) can always play a part in making astronomical events work or not. In this game, you win some and lose some.

How are solar event measurements conducted? Is it easy or hard? The answer will surprise you: hard.

Space weather forecasting is tricky. Solar physicists monitor the Sun for eruptions that could trigger auroras, but its magnetic field constantly shifts.

With limited data between the Sun and Earth, we rely on solar wind models to estimate if and when a solar burst will hit us. Only when particles are 1.5 million kilometres away can we measure the solar wind’s speed and magnetic field—giving just a 30-minute warning.

These crucial measurements come from the L1 Lagrange point, a spot in space where the Earth's and Sun's gravitational forces balance perfectly, allowing a satellite to stay fixed. However, since L1 only offers a snapshot from one location, it might not capture the whole picture. Researchers are working on better forecasting methods, but we mostly rely on ‘nowcasting.’

I may not have captured it, but I still had one of the best nights out learning about measurements and predictions and trying to chase the fire. 🔥

Tonight, the Northern Rivers might be graced by a rare spectacle—a G4 or G5 geomagnetic storm that could light up the sk...
11/10/2024

Tonight, the Northern Rivers might be graced by a rare spectacle—a G4 or G5 geomagnetic storm that could light up the skies with the aurora australis. Three or four days ago, the Sun unleashed a massive solar flare, and now its effects are reaching Earth. While there’s no guarantee we’ll see the aurora this far north, the strength of this storm makes it a distinct possibility.

For the best chance of catching the lights, step outside between 1:30 and 2:30 am when the skies should be clearest as the moon sets at 1.30am. Look to the south and try capturing a long-exposure photo (around five seconds) on your smartphone. Cloud cover is expected to roll in by 2:30am, so this window offers your best shot at glimpsing or photographing the unique event.

Sunrise at YambaAt dawn in Yamba, sunlight strikes the spray from waves crashing on the rock formations, creating a gold...
09/10/2024

Sunrise at Yamba

At dawn in Yamba, sunlight strikes the spray from waves crashing on the rock formations, creating a golden mist. I love golden mist.

From this spot, I also captured Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-Atlas), its tail stretching high in the morning sky. (Previous photo I posted).

Yamba’s North Coast beaches and laid-back vibe make it a draw for surfers and nature lovers.

Very lucky to only live just over an hour away from this beautiful town.

I captured Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS at sunrise in Yamba.
05/10/2024

I captured Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS at sunrise in Yamba.

Last month, I had the pleasure of photographing these fantastic Highland Cows in Goolmangar. With the rolling hills, it ...
17/08/2024

Last month, I had the pleasure of photographing these fantastic Highland Cows in Goolmangar. With the rolling hills, it almost feels like Scotland!

These Highlands are also available for sale (details below).

Highland Cows are renowned for their striking russet and gold coats, distinctive horns and calm temperament. They're known for their friendly, curious nature, which is evident in the photos. Their unique appearance makes them a valuable and captivating addition to any herd.

Absolute pleasure photographing them.

For more information or to enquire about purchasing these beautiful Highlands, please contact Jan at Goolmangar on 0435 316 550.

Near the Bentley car park of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, I was fascinated to discover several Grass Trees bunched to...
23/07/2024

Near the Bentley car park of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, I was fascinated to discover several Grass Trees bunched together. With their unique appearance and long lifespan, these trees, scientifically known as Xanthorrhoea (Greek name), blended well with the Milky Way core.

Common names for the plants include grasstree, grass gum-tree (for resin-yielding species), kangaroo tail, balga (Western Australia), yakka (South Australia), yamina (Tasmania) and black boy (or "blackboy").

The photo, looking up at the Milky Way, was a fantastic composition and it was great to share it with the Grass Trees. I felt like the Grass Trees were also enjoying the clear but freezing view of the Milky Way.

Both photos were taken between 8pm to 11pm in early July 2024.

At 2:30 am, in the chill of a 4-degree night, I captured a shot of the Canberra Bomber at Willowbank, Queensland. If you...
21/07/2024

At 2:30 am, in the chill of a 4-degree night, I captured a shot of the Canberra Bomber at Willowbank, Queensland.

If you haven't been to Willowbank, it's a small town just outside of Ipswich in country Queensland. The Willowbank Caravan Park and Camping purchased the Canberra bomber privately. It was a key player in Australia's Cold War aviation.

I like that the Milky Way core flows at a similar angle to the Canberra.

Hey folks, I wanted to share a photo I took at the South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare Inc. The Milky Way rising above some...
13/06/2024

Hey folks, I wanted to share a photo I took at the South Lismore Duck Pond Landcare Inc. The Milky Way rising above some industrial-looking gear. Can anyone help me with what it might be? A silo?

This time around, I was after a unique challenge, and I sure found it. The Lismore CBD is just a few hundred metres behind this setup, and the light pollution made capturing the Milky Way difficult. But I managed to get a decent shot.

Something about the pitch darkness at the Duck Pond makes the experience slightly intense. The intensity lifted when I heard footsteps and saw a faint figure approaching. I'm located in a dead-end part of the Duck Pond, so anyone walking my way at that time of night can only mean trouble.

Turned out to be a local bloke who often sleeps in the bushes there. He was surprisingly friendly! Gotta love the heart-stopping moments that come with night-time astrophotography.

Latest astro nightscape photo.From Railway to Milky Way.Lismore region of Northern Rivers, NSW May 2024.
26/05/2024

Latest astro nightscape photo.
From Railway to Milky Way.
Lismore region of Northern Rivers, NSW May 2024.

The situation has changed. The male Tawny has been missing for the last three days. It's been the female roosting on her...
17/02/2024

The situation has changed. The male Tawny has been missing for the last three days. It's been the female roosting on her own.

They have been here for the last 60 days, but this is the first time they have not been together.

Experts say the male leaves the nest for a few days to look for new food sources or a new location for the coming autumn season.

Well, you wouldn't call it a nest, as all they do is roost on a branch. A male only builds a nest when they have eggs and chicks.

They are, in fact, pretty bad at building a solid nest. However, the flimsy nest still works most of the time, keeping the flock alive for another generation.

Anyway, he hasn't been seen for three days. I'm starting to get worried. She looks alone, slightly sad? However, she isn't making distressing sounds (they apparently make distressing sounds when they lose their 'for life' partner).

We wait.

People insult the Australian White Ibis, known as the 'Bin Chicken', but when did you last fly over Goonellabah into a b...
13/02/2024

People insult the Australian White Ibis, known as the 'Bin Chicken', but when did you last fly over Goonellabah into a beautiful sunset?

Tonight was one of the best sunsets I have seen in a while. The orange, beautiful ginger colour was a site to behold.

Kookaburra on the hunt set.In a true-blue Aussie display, this cheeky Kookaburra excels in rain, waiting patiently for a...
12/02/2024

Kookaburra on the hunt set.
In a true-blue Aussie display, this cheeky Kookaburra excels in rain, waiting patiently for a worm to surface.

And when the worm does surface, checkout the result and that final look. As if to say…”I hope you photographed that?”

Like any other bird, Tawny's are all about feather care, much like our hair and clothes combo. Even if it wakes up its s...
09/02/2024

Like any other bird, Tawny's are all about feather care, much like our hair and clothes combo. Even if it wakes up its sleeping partner, it's an important job to get done.

"Harold, let me sleep FFS".

They invest loads of time in keeping feathers s***k and span for warmth, waterproofing and smooth flying. Neglected feathers? That's a no-go in the bird dating world.

Feathers are complex. They've got a central shaft, side barbs and tiny barbules that lock together for that sleek look. Roughing it through bushes or scuffles can mess 'em up, but a quick preen gets those barbules zipped back together, making feathers look ace again.

My Frontyard project continues. They have come for their 52nd day straight to this tree. More to come.

It's a dark, gloomy, rainy Goonellabah evening and this 'for life' pair of Tawnys are huddling side by side.You can see ...
08/02/2024

It's a dark, gloomy, rainy Goonellabah evening and this 'for life' pair of Tawnys are huddling side by side.

You can see water dripping from the feathery tail and nose.

I have noticed they choose this branch when it rains, which tends to shield them.

It is now over 50 days straight they have come back to this tree.

The project continues.

For over 40 days, my front tree has become the cherished home to a pair of enigmatic Tawny Frogmouth birds. This unusual...
04/02/2024

For over 40 days, my front tree has become the cherished home to a pair of enigmatic Tawny Frogmouth birds. This unusual duo has graced my house with their presence every day since late December. It's a significant departure from their mysterious, fleeting visits in the past.

Through my lens, I've been privileged to document their lives, capturing moments of tranquillity, partnership, separation from one another and nature's sheer beauty right at my doorstep.

I will provide Tawny Frogmouth facts using images taken from the front tree over the coming weeks, maybe even months (depending on how long they stay).

This journey will help me understand these creatures more deeply and I hope to gain more respect for them.
This photo was taken on 20 January 2024.

The Goonellabah moon. A few days ago I witnessed the small phase of the moon setting over Goonellabah's horizon. It's a ...
17/12/2023

The Goonellabah moon. A few days ago I witnessed the small phase of the moon setting over Goonellabah's horizon. It's a sight unique to our hills and valleys. If you've been here, you know exactly the serene beauty I'm talking about.

I've recently taken a dive into the intricate world of macro photography, capturing the smallest details of our natural ...
24/10/2023

I've recently taken a dive into the intricate world of macro photography, capturing the smallest details of our natural world. For my first project, I had the unique opportunity to photograph two fascinating subjects: a common green bottle fly and a paper wasp.

Swipe to see the incredible detail in the intricate patterns on the bottle fly's wings, its eyes and the stunning colours that are often overlooked.

I captured the paper wasp tending to its nest. Did you know that paper wasps are actually quite maternal? The adult wasp is seen here with its larvae, which it meticulously cares for within the nest. The larvae are housed in individual cells, where the adult wasps feed them until they are ready to undergo metamorphosis and become adults themselves. It's truly a testament to the wonders of nature.

Hey everyone. As October sweeps in with its Spring breeze, I'm sharing my last astro snap of this Milky Way season, take...
15/10/2023

Hey everyone. As October sweeps in with its Spring breeze, I'm sharing my last astro snap of this Milky Way season, taken in the picturesque Tatham. What drew me here? The endless gravel roads leading the eye straight to the mesmerising galaxy arching low on the horizon. I love the country.

No bustling foreground. No drama. Just a simple, open road that beckons to the next chapter - both in my journey and perhaps, all of ours.

Ever wonder why we say goodbye to the Milky Way during this time of the year?

Here's a fun, little Milky Way 101:

The "Milky Way season" isn't about the galaxy taking a vacay, but how our planet orbits and tilts. During these months, our nighttime view shifts away from the galactic centre. So, Milky Way says, "BRB, see ya in March '24", like we're on MS Messenger chat in 1999.

I've had a fun 2023 Milky Way season where I have learnt so much about how to photograph it using local landmark foregrounds.

Mark your calendars for its comeback in March 2024. Until then, let's enjoy the journey down this cosmic road and anticipate the stars that await.

Step into a world of rustic charm and boundless love in the captivating snapshots from my latest maternity photoshoot. J...
07/10/2023

Step into a world of rustic charm and boundless love in the captivating snapshots from my latest maternity photoshoot. Join Yasmine, Beau, their 'Bub,' and their faithful companions, horses and dogs, as they bask in the radiant glow of impending parenthood.

Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of a picturesque countryside, I had the privilege of capturing this heartwarming journey, where every frame tells a tale of joy and anticipation.

Capturing the Beauty of Aviation through my lens.
24/09/2023

Capturing the Beauty of Aviation through my lens.

20/09/2023

Just released a new video. 🦅
Join me on my quest to capture the elusive Pacific Baza Bird in its natural habitat. Watch the adventure unfold - did I eventually encounter the mysterious Pacific Baza? 🌿📸

Captivated by the magical Nightscape at Winterton Parade Bridge using the old railway as the foreground to the stunning ...
17/09/2023

Captivated by the magical Nightscape at Winterton Parade Bridge using the old railway as the foreground to the stunning Milky Way low on the horizon.

As I stood there under the starry sky, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of the iconic Winterton Parade Bridge.

This historic railway bridge has been a part of our community's story for generations, and soon, it is hoped that it will be transformed into something truly remarkable – the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

This photo was shot as a symbolic gesture that when we farewell its railway days, let's celebrate the bright future ahead, where this section potentially will become a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, and walkers to explore the scenic beauty of our region.

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