New South Wales is home to a plethora of picturesque water bodies that beg to be captured through the lens. Here are some of the top locations in NSW to get your perfect ocean photo, along with essential tips to make your images truly extraordinary.
1. Royal National Park – Wattamolla Beach: Waterfall, River, and Ocean
When: Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most magical light.
How: At Wattamolla Beach, you’ll witness the convergence of a waterfall, river, and ocean, creating a captivating scene. To capture the beauty of these elements, use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired effect on the waterfall, from silky smooth to frozen in motion. Your copy of the ocean photo below can be found here.
2. Royal National Park – Eagle Rock
When: Preferably during or just after rainfall for fuller waterfalls.
How: At Eagle Rock, you’ll find enchanting waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. To photograph the flowing waters, use a tripod to stabilize your camera during longer exposures. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and enhance the colors of the surroundings. Get close to the waterfalls to capture the dynamic and immersive nature of this scenic spot. Consider using a wider lens to capture the breathtaking expanse of the ocean that greets the waterfall.
3. Blue Mountains – Wentworth Falls
When: Early morning or late afternoon to capture the warm light.
How: At Wentworth Falls, the rocks add an interesting element to your composition. Use a circular polarizer to reveal the vibrant colors of the rocks and foliage. To emphasize the water’s motion, try using a slower shutter speed to create a dreamy and ethereal effect. Include the logs in your composition and explore different heights and angles. Experiment with shutter speed to capture reflections, fluctuations in light, and create a captivating visual impact. Click here to get your personal copy of the photo below
4. Booderee National Park – The End of Kitty’s Track
When: During low tide to explore the stunning rock pools and tidal platforms.
How: At the end of Kitty’s Track, you’ll encounter unique rock formations and crystal-clear tidal pools. Photograph during low tide to reveal these captivating features. Consider using a wide-angle lens to include both the rocks and the horizon in your frame, showcasing the convergence of land and sea. Click here to get your copy of the ocean photo below.
5. Jervis Bay – Green Patch
When: Green Patch is both renowned and serves as a campground, resulting in high visitation. Arriving early in the morning grants the opportunity for shots with minimal crowds. Alternatively, consider visiting during the quieter winter season.
How: To capture the best photo of the water at Green Patch in Jervis Bay with a full palette of colors, take a few steps back to add the orange river to the turquoise waters, blue sky and white sand. Use a polarizing filter to minimize reflections and enhance the colors of the water, sky, and sand. Given that the sand reflects sunlight, consider intentionally under-exposing your photo to achieve a well-exposed final image.
6. Jervis Bay – Murrays Beach
When: The angle of the sun can significantly impact the color of the water. The best time to achieve turquoise colors is when the sun is high in the sky, directly overhead. This reduces reflections on the water’s surface and allows the true color to come through. Alternately, aim for the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. During these times, the light is soft and warm, which enhances the colors and reduces harsh contrasts.
How: Capturing the perfect shot of the turquoise waters at Murrays Beach involves a combination of technical skills, creativity, and an understanding of the natural environment. To achieve a stunning photograph, follow the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition. Place the horizon on either the top third (if the sky is more captivating) or the bottom third (if the water is the main focus) of the frame. In addition, think about adding a captivating foreground element, such as rock formations that introduce colors and textures to the image, enhancing its depth and visual appeal.
Conclusion
NSW offers an abundance of opportunities to photograph the beauty of water in its various forms. As you embark on your photographic journey, be mindful of lighting conditions, compositions, and camera settings to convey the essence of these stunning water bodies. With each click of the shutter, let your images transport viewers to the serene and captivating world of waters in NSW. Happy shooting!