Day 144 of 366: Bright Blooms and Ocean Views at Kiama Heights

Whale Watching at Kiama Heights:

Today, I headed to Kiama Heights with the hope of capturing some shots of the whales as they migrate north for the winter. Watching these majestic creatures glide gracefully through the water has always been a favourite pastime of mine. The anticipation of spotting a pod and capturing their journey filled me with excitement.

The Elusive Whales:

After setting up my camera and waiting patiently, I finally spotted my first pod of the season. They were cruising by at a steady pace, their dorsal fins slicing through the water. While I managed to capture a few shots of them as they passed, none of the photos stood out as exceptional. The whales were not breaching or performing any dramatic movements, simply coasting by on their long journey.

Despite the lack of dramatic whale shots, the experience of watching them was incredibly rewarding. The serene beauty of the whales and the rhythmic motion of the ocean provided a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for the day.

Discovering the Wildflowers:

As I continued to watch the whales, I noticed something else that caught my eye—the vibrant wildflowers growing on the rocky cliffs. These bright yellow blooms were clinging to the sparse patches of earth amidst the rocks, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue ocean. Their resilience and beauty were captivating, and I knew I had to capture this unexpected scene.

Capturing the Moment:

I turned my attention to the wildflowers, adjusting my camera settings to focus on their vivid colours and delicate forms. The brilliant yellow petals stood out sharply against the expansive blue of the ocean, creating a visually stunning image. The composition was simple yet powerful, highlighting the tenacity of life in even the harshest conditions.

Editing and Enhancing the Image:

Back home, I began the editing process by fine-tuning the exposure and enhancing the colours to make the yellow of the flowers and the blue of the ocean pop. Adjusting the contrast helped to define the textures of the rocks and the delicate petals of the flowers. The final image captured the essence of the scene—a small but vibrant piece of nature thriving against the odds.

Reflecting on the Experience:

Today's experience at Kiama Heights was a reminder of the unexpected beauty that can be found when we take the time to look closely. While my primary goal was to photograph the whales, it was the wildflowers that ultimately provided the most compelling image of the day. This reinforced the importance of staying open to new opportunities and finding joy in the small, often overlooked details of the natural world.