Shi Fen Waterfall holds a special place in my heart, as I have visited it over the span of 25 years—first a quarter-century ago, then a decade ago, and now once more. Over time, the site has undergone numerous changes, including periods when access to the foothill of the falls was prohibited.
During my visit, I took great pleasure in strolling through the surrounding landscape, immersing myself in its beauty, and observing the majestic cascade of the waterfall. However, on this occasion, I did not bring a tripod, which prevented me from capturing proper long-exposure photographs.
This is one of the rare waterfalls in Southeast Adelaide. After much effort, Joel and I finally arrived at the site, only to discover a stagnant pond with no visible outlets near the waterfall. The air was heavy with the stench of decay, and swarms of mosquitoes hovered above the water. Disgusted by the scene, Joel refused to remain for a long exposure shot of the waterfall.
Despite the unpleasant conditions, I chose to capture the image nonetheless, as a testament to the effort it took to reach this secluded place.
Bridgewater Bay, located in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne, is a stunning coastal attraction known for its rugged beauty, striking rock formations, and picturesque ocean views. This secluded bay is a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and adventure.
Natural Beauty and Geography
Bridgewater Bay is characterized by its dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy coves. Unlike the more sheltered beaches on the bay side of the Mornington Peninsula, Bridgewater Bay faces the open ocean, resulting in powerful waves and a constantly changing landscape. The area is shaped by natural erosion, creating fascinating rock pools, sea caves, and arch formations that draw visitors seeking both exploration and relaxation.
Bridgewater Bay is part of the protected ecosystems within the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The region is home to unique flora and fauna, including coastal heathlands and bird species such as the Pacific gull. Conservation efforts ensure that the natural beauty of the bay is preserved while allowing visitors to appreciate its ecological importance.
Joel and I spent a considerable amount of time attempting to capture the waves on the rock. It was a time-consuming endeavor. Achieving a long exposure for the initial shot posed significant challenges. If there was an abundance of waves, the white section would become entirely overexposed. Additionally, the fast aperture click for the second shot was often hindered by latency, causing us to miss the golden moment. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable experience, as we were engaged in the art of photography.
On Flickr, I received an invitation to contribute to the Planet Earth project. Selecting images to submit to the group is quite challenging. The majority of images that I favor are cherished not because of their excellence, but due to the memories and experiences associated with each weekend adventure.
Recently, I received the land tax statement via email over the weekend. Quite an inconvenience!
At the time leading up to the setting of the sun, the atmosphere remained tranquil. The hues of the sky were devoid of sophistication, displaying an unsophisticated dullness typical of the summer season. Joel, exasperated by the mundane appearance of the sky, threw a bit of tantrum. In his wanderings, he discovered the sizable carcass of a seal amidst the rocky shore. I refrained from hastening to his aid, perceiving the shore as perilous and not worth the risk.
Upon reflecting on those moments, I began to gather photographs featuring Joel, who masterfully juggled the cherished memories. These images vividly capture the essence of our experiences, highlighting the diverse shots we took together
Lake Tyrrell is a breathtaking, shallow Salt Lake that's more than just a geological wonder. This ancient Salt Lake spans an impressive 20,860 hectares, making it Victoria's largest Salt Lake. But what truly makes Lake Tyrrell an Instagram-worthy marvel is its stunning reflective surface that mirrors the sky, creating otherworldly visuals that seem straight out of a dream
Over the years, I have amassed a collection of photographs of this lake, capturing its various lights and weathers. Although I haven't visited the lake monthly this year, each visit has offered a unique experience.
Last evening, Joel and I planned to explore an inner-city beach along the Mornington Peninsula. We aimed to discover a few hidden corners of the rocky coast, perfect for long exposure photography. However, the weather turned completely overcast, contrary to the sunny forecast. We decided to detour to St Kilda Pier, which had recently reopened after three years of construction (Australia is notoriously slow with major construction projects).
Joel introduced me to the peculiar "no-no" dance from Sweden. He showed me an official video clip on TikTok, where the government requested Finnish women to perform this dance just before their rape in the country. It was bizarre to hear about this news. We ended up discussing world events in a rather dismal 24/7 China bar, consuming terrible carbs and eating deep-fried food
Joel took me to a lovely Japanese sake bar. Great food and company. It was fun. Yet we did a long exposure shot of the old sign skipping girl at Richmond.
Joel and I visited Pinnacles last night. After the usual routine getting the sunset shots and long exposure in some dangerous locations, we noticed so many wallabies staring at us on the grass fields. They were like scouts evenly spaced out into the horizon. It was so eerie. We also spotted a fox popping its head out of the wattle tree bush then roamed through the grass fields like a giant earthworm. Joel enjoyed it but I was rather freaked out.
Yesterday I had a yum cha lunch with Leonid who visited Australia from US this year. We caught up and chatted for hours. He was trying to get me to work in US while I was trying to lure him back to Australia.
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