This time-lapse, shot by photographer Bevan Percival on New Zealand’s North Island, has to be one of the most beautiful we’ve ever shared. Shot over the course of six months using a Canon 5D Mark II, various lenses, and a Dynamic Perception 6′ Stage Zero motorized dolly, it will keep your eyes glued to the screen all five minutes and fifty-nine seconds. Read more…

A crazy story of photo survival has emerged over in New Zealand. Apparently a couple had lost their camera during the Christchurch earthquake last February. They found the demolished camera yesterday, 18 months after it got buried in silt, and were overjoyed to find that their precious photos were still readable.
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Octopuses are known to be the most intelligent invertebrate, and this clever guy also seems to have an eye for pricey camera gear and a playful sense of humor.

Diver Victor Huang was exploring off the coast of Wellington, New Zealand, when he happened upon the octopus. Like something out of a horror movie, a tentacled arm reached out and seized his own arm, and then carried off his bright blue Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2. The camera was still recording video in 720p.

Huang wrote in his YouTube description:

While trying to get video of a wild octopus, it suddenly dashed towards me and rips my shiny new camera from out of my hands, then swims off, all while the camera is recording! he swam away very quickly like a naughty shoplifter. after a 5 minute chase, I placed my speargun underneath him and he quickly and curiously grabbed hold of the gun as well, giving me enough time to reach in and grab the camera from out of his mouth. I didn’t feel threatened at all during the whole ordeal. he seemed to be fixated on the shiny metallic blue digital camera. the only confusing behavior was how he dashed off with it like a thief…

Huang said the “cheeky” octopus finally returned his camera, albeit reluctantly.

(via Metro.uk.co)