My Big Fat Creek Heading

Silver Water Glistens Under A Rising Sun

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

A couple of weeks ago, when I shot this series of photographs, I could see we were in for a great sunrise. Crisp morning. Clear blue sky. Smattering of white cloud low on the horizon.


So I drove to a nearby creek to try and capture a uniquely Australian perspective across a flat dry land.


I was intrigued by this scene (above) with the range of light across the sky, followed by the utter darkness across the barren landscape in the middle of the frame and finally the beautiful reflection in the still water of the creek, at the very bottom of the frame.


For this series, I chose the 70-300mm lens rather than the 18-125mm lens because I didn't want to keep changing lenses throughout the shoot. While I walked closer to the creek bed, I realised that the best colour range was being played out in the sky, so I swung my camera upwards again.


These shots were all taken with a focal length of 70mm - and only six minutes elapsed between the first frame and the last one. As always, I felt privileged to explore (and to share with you) the dramatic manner in which light conditions change rapidly and a landscape can change complexion several time in a few minutes.

For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch Friday.