The big storm waves had already passed but I was in Sydney on the morning of 6 July so I wanted to see what shots I could take of interesting waves. While the sea was calming down I thought that there was still drama in the surging water that would make heading out in the rain worthwhile. Even from sheltered Camp Cove I could see that there was white-capped water everywhere in the outer parts of Sydney Harbour. Walking along the well maintained footpath, then descended a slippery muddy track, I found a place just inside the base of South Head below Hornby Lighthouse. The storm-tossed sea was a greyish-green with waves dashing ashore every few seconds. I was reluctant to walk further around the rock platform because the only possible route took me across an area that was occasionally inundated by rushing waves. Despite not being in the best spot for the compositions I was thrilled to be watching the harbour waters contorting with the waves running across them. I hope that you enjoy the photographs below.
More of this story is on my blog at https://bit.ly/3RXPTuR
Storm wave refracting around South Head
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 278mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Waves crashing on the inside of South Head
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 176mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
The sea was choppy and unfriendly with waves rolling in from across the Pacific Ocean
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 164mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Waves kept their strength when they arrived at the harbour entrance
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 278mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Angry waves beating at the water and fighting with the wind
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Waves crashing onto Middle Head
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1250, 400mm, f/10 and 1/1000 SEC])
Crashing foam frozen by the camera in fantastical patterns
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 800, 271mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Waves dripping down a rock
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Ferry’s bow out of the water
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2500, 176mm, f/7.1 and 1/1000 SEC])
Silver Gull flying
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 1250, 400mm, f/8 and 1/1250 SEC])
Purple Swift-footed Rock Crab
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 2000, 400mm, f/5.6 and 1/400 SEC])
I am glad that I went out in some unpleasant rain and wind to photograph the waves on Sydney Harbour. I was a solitary figure on South Head but the waves were worth it. They were all different sizes and shapes and I probably missed more shots than I took but it was a thrilling experience to watch those breakers roll in. I still need more practice with this style of photography but I am looking forward to the next opportunity already.
Thanks for reading this post and thanks also for looking at my photos. I hope you come back again to read more about some of the wonderful natural things that south-east Australia has on offer. All the best until the next post.
