Day 124 of 366: Capturing Gerringong’s Dynamic Coastline

Today’s journey through my year-long photography challenge brought me to the rugged and picturesque coastline of Gerringong, a spot I’ve come to know well but can always find something new to capture. The morning began with the soft patter of rain, a common companion in this region, which led me to postpone my photographic adventure until later in the day. By mid-afternoon, as the rain eased, I seized the opportunity to capture something spectacular, hopeful that the weather would offer a unique perspective of the landscape.

A Break in the Weather

Gerringong always holds a visual feast, no matter the weather. Today, after the rain subsided, the remaining clouds hung low, adding a dramatic touch to the vast sky as patches of blue began to peek through. The air was fresh, and the recent downpour seemed to amplify the vivid colours of the natural surroundings. The ocean, in particular, displayed a striking shade of blue that was too enticing to ignore.

Choosing the Scene

I decided to head towards Boat Harbour, a place where the sea meets rugged rock formations, creating a natural spectacle that never fails to impress. The harbour, with its calm waters contrasted against the wild ocean, offers a dual view of nature’s temperament that is perfect for long exposure photography. My goal was to capture this contrast, highlighting the serene pool against the backdrop of the turbulent sea.

The Drone’s Perspective

Utilizing my drone, I aimed to capture an angle that isn’t possible from the ground. Sending it skywards, I was able to view the scene through a fresh lens. The drone’s eye revealed the distinct separation between the ocean’s dynamic waves and the tranquility of the pool. This aerial perspective allowed me to appreciate the area’s beauty in a new and exciting way, providing a comprehensive view of the contrasting elements at play.

Capturing the Blues

As I maneuverer the drone over the landscape, my focus was drawn to the brilliant blues of the ocean that I had admired on my drive. The recent rain seemed to have deepened the hues, making the scene even more captivating. I positioned the drone to capture the natural gutter leading into the ocean pool, framing it with the pool in the background. This composition not only showcased the vibrant blues but also the sculpted geography of the coastline.

The Art of Editing

Returning home, I was eager to bring out the best in the images I had captured. The editing process is as crucial as the shoot itself, allowing me to enhance and emphasize the elements that caught my eye on location. For this set of images, I focused on enhancing the blues and refining the light to reflect the scene as vividly as it appeared in person. The goal was to make the viewer feel as close to standing at the edge of Boat Harbour as possible, feeling the spray of the sea and the calmness of the pool.

Reflections on the Day

Day 124 reminded me of the ever-changing beauty of Gerringong and how different weather conditions can transform a familiar scene into something extraordinary. The challenge of adapting to the elements and finding new angles to capture a well-known location keeps my passion for photography burning bright. Each visit to Boat Harbour not only adds to my portfolio but also deepens my connection with this special place.

Through today’s images, I hope to convey not just the visual beauty of Gerringong’s coastline but also the emotion and tranquillity that this picturesque part of the world inspires. Whether viewed through a drone’s camera or from the shore, the dynamic landscape of Gerringong continues to be a source of inspiration and awe.