Unfortunately the forecast storms yesterday evening did not eventuate. In fact, up until the sun actually set (although I never saw it hidden behind many layers of clouds) it didn’t even rain down at Flinders. The first spatters of rain were just beginning to fall as I was packing up to head back to the car in the dark. As a result there was no dramatic storm lighting or lightning so I decided against the long walk into Cape Shank and instead chose the easier option and walked into the Flinders Blowhole area. I had not photographed here before but the area comprises of the same black basalt rock formations as Cape Shank and offers good easy access. The turn off is poorly signposted so I was hoping the area would not be to crowded being a long weekend. Thankfully there were only a few tourists and several other photographers working the area when I arrived a few hours before sunset; but they all left not long after I arrived.

I often just dive right into shooting when I arrive at a new location; being eager to get a few frames in the can as it were – especially if the light is good and/or changing fast. This time I took a slightly different approach and just sat and waited for an hour or so observing the rock formations and considering potential compositions. I watched the other photographers going about their work and took time to slow things down in my mind. Mental preparation and getting in the right frame of mind is a large component of successful landscape photography. It is sometimes difficult to go from the frenetic pace of life to a slower and more contemplative pace that is more conducive to making artwork. I feel this approach worked and I will make an effort to have more contemplation time and what will hereafter be referred to as ‘staring time’ in my photography.

This photograph was one of only three compositions I shot in the four hours or so I spent down at the Blowhole and it is my favourite. I like the foreground rock; which reminds of a knife block and the curve of the rocky coast leading the eye through the frame. The milky, wispy ocean serves to help soften the harshness of the rocks and its deep marine colour adds dimension. Whilst I would have preferred dramatic storm lighting and some colour in the clouds I nevertheless feel that this photograph works on several different levels.