Clovelly Rock Pool - Apr12

This will be my last rock pool shoot for some time as we are moving up to Brisbane for a new life! I have not even covered half the rock pools around the NSW coastline so this will be a long drawn out (but thoroughly enjoyable) project.

We hope to make frequent visits down to Sydney plus at some point, we'll hire a caravan for a week or so and I can cover quite a few at once.

Anyway, Clovelly is the latest rock pool to get the early morning shutter treatment. The small pool sits near the Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club (founded in 1907). The beach itself is excellent for snorkelling- I've been down there numerous times and even taken a few underwater shots of the fish.

Collaroy Rock Pool - Apr12

I continued my trek up the northern beaches and Collaroy got the rock pool photography treatment this weekend. Apparently Collaroy Beach is the second longest in Sydney, with a total length of 3.2km.

The rock pool, although very interesting, was fairly unremarkable. However I got a terrific sunrise, one, if not the best I have seen so far on this project. The light changed every few minutes and it seemed as though every hue was represented at some point. As usual, enjoy the shots and to enlarge, simply click on each image :-)

North Curl Curl Rock Pool - Mar11

This one was a challenge, at least from the logistical point of view! I found myself clambering over slippery rocks in an attempt to get there before the best of the morning light had gone. I had no idea about the small path that led you safely there from the car park. Anyway, I almost lost my gear in the incoming tide so decided to back track whereby I eventually found the path.

Other photographers were present and they probably thought I was some lunatic that had little respect for self-preservation (gear included)!

Anyway, I made it in time and did a very quick shoot. It was a lovely morning as well.

South Curl Curl Rock Pool - Feb11

Two rock pools in two weekends - I am on a roll! I loved this one, but the drive was fairly substantial (50 kms round trip).

The sodium lights create the rich orange hue. Some photographers do not like it, but it resonates with me. The light changed substantially during the one-hour shoot and there were plenty of people down there. I had a swim afterwards - a great pool and excellent for doing laps.

Sydney Rock Pools Part II - Coogee, Sydney - March 2009

I've surprised myself by getting up at 5.50am two consecutive Saturdays! My early start paid off as I witnessed some stunning early morning light and colours at two of Coogee's rock pools.

The smaller one, McIvor's Baths, was built in 1876 and is for women and children only so I didn't hang around for long. The larger one, Wylie's Baths, was established in 1907 by Henry Wylie who was a champion long-distance swimmer. It has an amazing proximity to the ocean and while I was there, water was constantly rushing into it.

The latter has a small fee for entry, but I skirted around the outside and took some slow shutter speed shots and caught the first rays of weekend sun. Enjoy the shots.



McIvor's Baths (above)



The shot above and all below are of Wylie's Baths

Sydney Rock Pools Rock! Mahon Pool, Maroubra - March 2009

I am fascinated by Sydney's rock pools. They are a unique feature of the city and many were built at the turn of the 19th Century. As public bathing on Sydney's beaches was forbidden during the day back then, the rock pools offered safe and legal swimming.

I am going to try and photograph as many of Sydney's rock pools as possible and catch them in a good light. To kick this series off, I headed down to Maroubra beach early one Saturday morning. The pool is Mahon pool - it was built in 1932 during the depression and has a spectacular view overlooking Lurline Bay. What makes it spectacular are the waves crashing around the pool. Many of the photos below are off the waves approaching the pool.



The rock pool and surrounding area



The next few shots were fun to take as had to get right amongst the rocks!

Given the textures and tones, this worked well black 'n white.

Another photographer...

The sun starting to make a full appearance....

Not so much the rock pool or surf, but the surrounding area has plenty of interesting boulders

The shallow end