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 was my first visit to this magnificent destination. Although I had captured the lighthouse at sunset two days before, and at sunrise, the day before, from where I shot from in front of the lighthouse. So, it was technically my first sunrise, shooting from behind the lighthouse.
I was so excited about doing a sunrise shoot at Nugget Point, that I could barely sleep. I purposefully visited it when I first arrived at Kaka Point, as I wanted to experience the lighthouse with the landscape lens of my choice. It worked perfectly. The sunset shoot was a trial photo shoot.
The weather was perfect. Of course, it is in an exposed area, so the winds become very strong, early in the day. But on that morning the light and weather conditions were still and breathtaking.
Driving to Nugget Point Lighthouse was a little hair raising the first time I drove there. But I have become accustomed to the narrow roads in New Zealand, with extremely narrow blind corners and one-way bridges. It adds to the intrigue and excitement of the upcoming shoot.
My accommodation was close by. I intentionally chose convenience, but also comfortable accommodation. I was delighted when I realised, I was the first person to arrive at the car park. Iconic landmarks become competitive amongst photographers as whoever arrives first, usually has the pick of the area to shoot from. That can be expected!
The pathway is good to the lighthouse, it ribbons around the steep cliffs with the ocean an impressive distance from where humanity seeks and explores the region. I had the equipment I needed with me, making my camera bag as light as possible as I was aware of the steep ascent to the car park.
It did not take me long to secure my camera to my tripod and to start shooting. In the distance I noticed a vehicle’s headlights so I realised the next visitors would be arriving soon. I was well into my shoot when a group of tourists arrived. Amongst them were artists and a photographer.
It turned out be an incredible photo shoot, not only due to a spectacular sunrise but we started talking. The one lady lives in Christchurch, she was an interpreter. We had so much fun. Our photo shoot was extended with laughter and great memories.
When I packed away my photographic equipment, I knew I had some special shots that I’d captured that morning.