157 of 366: Sunrise at Werri Beach Pool

5 June

A Morning of Unexpected Beauty

This morning began with a debate: should I venture out for a sunrise shoot despite the heavy clouds looming from my front veranda? The forecast predicted rain later, but something nudged me to go. As I rounded the hill and looked down on Gerringong, I was greeted by a spectacular clear patch of sky, illuminated with vibrant orange hues. Sometimes, it's those spontaneous decisions that lead to the most rewarding experiences.

Arriving at Werri Beach Pool

Werri Beach Pool, one of the most direct points to shoot the ocean from my home, was my destination. Upon arrival, the colours in the sky were breathtaking. The sunrise painted the sky with a palette of warm tones that contrasted beautifully against the cool blues of the ocean. The waves were crashing against the rocks, creating dynamic and ever-changing compositions. I started with my long lens, capturing the details of the waves and the light. Then I switched to my wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the morning colours and the landscape. The final touch was putting up my drone to capture some top-down shots of the waves breaking on the rock reef just off the headland, giving a unique perspective of the scene.

Capturing the Moment

The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The sunrise illuminated the sky with a spectrum of colours, and the waves added a sense of movement and energy to the images. As I worked, the rain began to move in. Just as I was about to pack up, I saw a whale breach to the south. Excitedly, I hopped in the car to try and capture it from the Gerringong cemetery, but the rain became too heavy, forcing me to head home for breakfast and start the sorting and editing process.

Editing and Reflection

Editing today's photos was a joy, albeit a challenging one. Sometimes, the hardest part is choosing "the one" image that stands out among many great shots. This morning was one of those times. The colours, the motion, and the fleeting moments of a whale breaching made it a memorable shoot. I found myself reliving the excitement and the serenity of the morning as I went through the images. The one I chose to highlight captures the essence of the experience: the dynamic waves, the glowing sunrise, and the tranquil yet powerful presence of the ocean.