Day 24: Celestial Symphony at Ourie Ocean Pool

The 24th day of my photographic quest began while the world still slumbered, driven by a vision that had been forming in my mind for some time. I aimed to capture the celestial ballet of stars as the Milky Way's core ascended in the eastern sky, and my destination was the serene Ourie Ocean Pool at Werri Beach.

 As I set up in the tranquil predawn, the horizon began to softly blush with the first light of day, a quiet announcement of the sun's impending arrival. Above, Venus shone brilliantly, assuming its role as the morning star, a beacon amidst the fading constellations.

 The heart of the Milky Way, a hazy stretch of cosmic dust and distant suns, began its rise from the edge of dawn's embrace. The sight was awe-inspiring, a reminder of the vastness beyond our own world, a glimpse into the galaxy that cradles our planet.

 Capturing this scene was a delicate dance with exposure and timing. The objective was to balance the faint light of the stars with the emerging day, ensuring each element—from the pool's reflective waters to the glowing horizon and the star-studded sky—was represented in harmony.

 The final image is a panorama that speaks of the quiet majesty of the universe. It captures the juxtaposition of earthly tranquillity and celestial wonder, with the man-made pool in the foreground.

 Today's early start was rewarded with a moment of pure beauty, where the universe seemed to converge over a small ocean pool. It's these experiences, where time stands still and the cosmos puts on a show, that remind me why I chase the light and the dark in equal measure.