Thrill of the Chase

There are some photos you have to be there to quickly capture the moment, and then there are some that you have planned in your head, waiting for the right moment to present itself, telling yourself you will be ready when that happens. This weekend I was able to chase after one such photo.

I was riding my bike yesterday afternoon, testing out our new GoPro (post to follow) when I noticed the clouds had the potential to contribute to a terrific sunset, one that turns the whole sky red. I had a vision of a photo down on the salt flats were someone, I'm not sure who, probably a bunch of different people, have placed different pieces of 'art' in the ponds for the salt crystals to grow. This is along the highway between Karratha and Dampier. The Rio train runs behind it, with the setting sun in the background. One of the art signs spells 'Karratha' with sharks circling and a lone hand reaching for the sky...I'm not sure what it's supposed to symbolise but it adds character.

So with the promise of a spectacular sunset I abandoned the curry I had cooking at home, left my husband to great our guest coming for dinner that night, and...followed the speed limit...down the highway to salt flats where I pulled over and started clicking madly away. An ore train was passing as I got there, which gave me the opportunity to include it in the shot.

Chasing after photos you have thought about for a long time - they never work out as you imagined. But still, I thought they came out alright, even if they aren't up to a 'pro' standard...

You can see how the shape of the clouds got me excited!

 Our 'public art'. This is the shot I was planning, although in my head you had more clouds and the sun just behind the train...I guess nature just didn't get the message.

I took a couple. I played with the colours a little bit in Photoshop - the actual colour is somewhere between the purple and the green. Still learning how to run that RAW editor!

My verdict? It won't be the last time I'm on those salt flats - I've still got the Loch Ness Monster, the Titanic, the man and the kangaroo to snap! The salt flat itself is challenging because of the way it reflects the colours. After this exercise I think I'm better off trying to take the photo first go, rather than messing around with them in Photoshop. But hey, isn't it all about the thrill of the chase?

I'm also pleased to report that while pulled over I was only honked at once!

Until next time Amigos! (and watch out for the GoPro post...)