Day 201 of 366: A Serene Aerial Perspective of Werri Lagoon

Navigating Wind and Weather for the Perfect Shot

Today’s photography adventure took me to the Werri Lagoon, a spot I've frequented before but never ceases to amaze with its changing landscape. Despite a forecast that threatened to keep my drone grounded with high winds all week, a window of opportunity presented itself after a morning job in Kiama.

The Lagoon from Above

The lagoon is currently brimming due to the recent heavy seas, creating a spectacular scene of isolated water bodies surrounded by flooded land. My objective was to capture a specific area I had noticed on previous visits, which looked particularly striking now with its encircling waters and intricate patterns across the landscape.

Technique and Challenges

To truly do justice to the sprawling beauty of Werri Lagoon, a single top-down shot wouldn't suffice. I opted for a panoramic approach, stitching together multiple overhead shots to capture the vastness and details of the landscape. This method allowed me to encompass the entire area and showcase the natural patterns and textures of the lagoon’s environment.

Post-Processing Mastery

Back at home, the real challenge began—stitching the images together in Lightroom to create a seamless panorama. This process was meticulous, ensuring each frame aligned perfectly without losing the fine details of the watery landscape. The result was a comprehensive and stunning representation of Werri Lagoon in its current state, highlighting the unique interplay of water and land from an aerial perspective.

Reflections on the Journey

Today’s shoot at Werri Lagoon was a reminder of the dynamic nature of natural landscapes and the importance of timing in aerial photography. Capturing the lagoon at full tide, surrounded by the intricate patterns of the flooded plains, provided a fresh perspective on an already familiar location. As I progress in this 366-day photography challenge, each day offers new insights and techniques, reaffirming my love for capturing the ever-changing beauty of natural environments.