I’ve made a promise to myself this year - I must get out there and shoot more landscapes. Afterall it’s what drew me to photography in the first place and much as I love what I’m doing with corporate photography I have been missing the buzz of chasing the perfect sunrise.

So this weekend Truc, Alfie and I ventured down to Kiama ,about 2 hours south of Sydney, to see what we could see. Originally we had planned to join a group to shoot some astrophotography down there. It’s that season now where the galactic core can be photographed in all its majesty on a clear and moonless night.

Unfortunately the forecast cloud cover meant that the group shoot was postponed but we carried on regardless.

Bombo Quarry is just a few kilometres away from Kiama and has some of the most dramatic coastline features in Australia. Its an old blue metal mining quarry which has been disused for 100 years now but the majestic Basalt columns give the place a moon-like feel. its a favourite destination of landscape photographers from all over the world and has long been somewhere that I’ve been wanting to visit having jealously admired images from other photographers.

After taking Alfie for a swim at Bombo beach (parts of it is dog friendly) we wandered up to the quarry for sunset. Although more famous for its sunrise images there are still a lot of opportunities here at any time of day (and night!). Our patience was rewarded as we were treated to a fleeting burst of colour which helped to perfectly frame the impressive surroundings.

Although the skies were turned out to be fairly clear we didn’t attempt the astrophotography (but I will go back), instead opting to get back out there for sunrise. Unfortunately conditions weren’t great with a thick band of cloud on the horizon and clear skies above. The exact opposite of what you want as a photographer. But we persevered and despite the 5am start we still got nice selection of images. (and an even broader selection of mosquito bites!)

Moonlight on the foreground as first light appears on the horizon

First rays of light hit the rock as the waves crash in.

And of course if there isn’t a lot of colour in the sky there’s always the option of making something moody in black&white. And I love the way that this one came out. I really want to go back there when the seas are a tad fiercer as it has the potential to be absolutely spectacular.

Ideally we’d have spent a few more days down there to get a greater understanding of the variable conditions; you can see how it would change with every season, every tide, every type of weather. I’ll definitely go back and when I do I’d like to spend a bit of time also visiting Cathedral Rocks which is nearby. This awesome sea monument will be great for sunrise and astro photography. Unfortunately we only had time to see it in the mid-day sun on our way home, but still got some nice shots …. and of Alfie having a great time playing on the beach.

Can’t wait to go back. Happy for the company if anybody wants to come along.

And of course all of these images are available as limited edition wall art prints. Get in touch for more details.

Tony.