Creating Landscapes Under The Sea
Fishermans Bay, PORT STEPHENS
The whales were breaching, the sea birds were diving for fish but I have to admit I really love taking photos of life under the surface of the water in the rock pools around the coastline of Port Stephens. Today's target: Fishermans Bay. Now I have to say there's a bit of an art to finding just the right rock pool to photograph. It needs to have some fresh water inflow so that it has life but not so much inflow that the life can't stay in the rockpool. That means it needs to be the perfect balance of a little protected, a little exposed and of course deep enough for critters to hide in. It also needs to be not too soon after a storm or big swell but not after too long a period of calm swell. And if you're looking for a rockpool with a constant influx of water then you are, of course, standing in the wave zone. With a camera. Which you are trying to hold underwater for long enough and in the right spot to capture the colours of the pond but without another wave coming in to ruin the reflection on the surface.... Sounds easy right? Well I got a photo today which made the day worthwhile.