Last week, Corina and I embarked on a much-needed girls’ sneaky mid-weekie to Anna Bay in Port Stephens. Despite the chilly wind and cold, we were determined to capture the stunning landscapes this area is known for.
Corina captured us using her self timer
As photographers passionate about respecting and honouring the land we explore, we were mindful that Anna Bay and in particular Biribi Beach are part of the traditional lands of the Worimi people.
Braving the Elements
Our first morning started with the bracing sea breeze cutting through our jackets, but the breathtaking views more than made up for it. The sky was a mix of dramatic clouds and bursts of sunlight, perfect for the kind of landscape shots we were after.
Experimenting with Panoramas
Anna Bay’s vast, sweeping vistas are ideal for panoramic photography. Corina and I spent an afternoon capturing wide-angle shots of the bay, dunes, and surrounding hills. Stitching these photos together in Lightroom later was both challenging and rewarding, revealing expansive scenes that a single frame could never encompass.
This panorama of the coastline is a composite of 12 individual shots. The seamless blend of sky, sea, and land showcases the rugged beauty of Anna Bay and the dynamic weather we experienced throughout our trip.
Capturing the Magic of Twilight
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky gifted us with some orange and crimson, not the most spectacular sunset but enough to pop a little and reflect nicely in the shallows.
This shot, taken just after sunset, captures the serene, almost magical quality of twilight at Anna Bay. The wet sand reflected the subtle colours in the sky, creating a peaceful, dreamlike scene.
Slow Shutter Speed
The waves washing across the sand and against the rocks provided the perfect opportunity to experiment with slow shutter speeds. By slowing down the shutter, we attempted to capture the water in a silky, ethereal flow but we were foiled by the incoming tide. Many a shot was ruined by one of us having to run back out of the waves, camera in the air.
The next morning we tried out the ND filter again, although foolishly leaving the tripods in the car. Most of the shots taken were too blurry but we did luck a few with lovely smooshy water and sharpish rocks. You can see the difference between the two images below both taken at the same spot. In the second one, I used the ND filter and a shutter speed of 1.3 seconds. Both were taken at a focal length of 18 mm at f13.
Respecting the Land
Throughout our adventure, we remained conscious of our responsibility to the environment and the Worimi people, the traditional owners of this beautiful land. We made sure to leave no trace, respecting the natural beauty and cultural significance of Anna Bay.
With respect, we trod lightly on Worimi land. It took so little effort to pick up a few plastic bottles and pieces of styrofoam that had landed on the beach with the tide and place them in the bins near the park thus ensuring it was cleaner than when we arrived.
Final Thoughts
Our mid-week escape to Anna Bay was not just a photography trip, but a rejuvenating break from the routine, filled with laughter, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The cold and wind only added to the sense of accomplishment we felt with each shot captured.
We stayed at a lovely Airbnb called Zala on the edge of Anna Bay with spectacular views of the ocean. We were thrilled to spot whales passing by right from our windows.
If you ever get the chance to visit Anna Bay, embrace the elements and take the time to connect with the land. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Stay tuned for more adventures and photographic tips!