Join me in experiencing my adventures and excitement on my photo shoots, as I unwrap my journey involved in capturing images that linger, whilst reflecting spectacular scenery that soak the soul with peace and hope!
It had been a while since I’d done a photo shoot at Currumbin Beach. This beach is iconic with surfers, walkers, and photographers. It is versatile and beautiful. I looked at the weather conditions before I left home as I always do, and since we had passed the longest day, the time to separate my bedding is not quite as early as it has been.
The traffic is light at that time of the morning. It is a pleasure being on the road during the early hours of the morning. Currumbin Beach has a large rock shelf which is also popular with fishermen. My excitement that morning was that everything had come together for an exciting shoot. Big waves, perfect timing regarding the tide.
I don’t usually visit Currumbin beach, or Elephant Rock, as that location is well known, because if the waves are small and the tide is low it is only half as exciting as an incoming tide with impressive waves!
But when I arrived at the beach, even before I saw the waves, as it was just before first light, the power packed in the ocean informed me in advance that I needed to keep a safe distance from the waves. I have experienced a couple of ‘splashes’, including my equipment. So, I am always cautious at that beach.
Once I was ready to walk towards Elephant Rock, I studied the waves and the momentum of the tide. Very important. As, once again if you’re lacking in concentration, you will experience some serious ‘splashing’. I kept my camera and tripod a safe distance from the waves until I was quietly confident in securing my tripod on the rock and began shooting at first light.
Of course, the power of the waves and the unpredictability of where they would crash against the rocks, held me in suspense, which is what gives me a ‘buzz’ when I shoot from this iconic location. I was able to move closer to the waves during my shoot, but with each step forward, I had my eye on the activity of the water. It was a thrilling photo shoot.
To add excitement and interest, it rained, but I always have an umbrella handy, which proved its worth that morning. It did not rain for too long, but the clouds added drama to the scene, with the waves thrashing against the rocks in front of me and releasing impressive small waterfalls of water almost within touching distance. As the tide was receding, when the best of the light was also diminishing, the waves naturally reduced in height and power.
As you can imagine, it was a full-on shoot which, although I was tired and had a good drive to get home, I was expectant of some special shots. I was not disappointed. I packed away my equipment and walked with joy in my heart to my vehicle.