📸 Day 13 – 30 Day Aerial Photo Challenge

Allan Godley
Jul 13
2 min read

Updated: Aug 29

# Night Lights: A Personal Journey Under the Stars

The Beauty of Rockingham Foreshore

Tonight’s image captures the Rockingham Foreshore lit up under the night sky. The calm water reflects the glowing lights, while the Palm Beach Jetty stands beautifully illuminated. This spot is not just visually stunning; it holds deep personal meaning for me.

A Life-Changing Moment

Back in August 2020, this was nearly the last place I ever stood. While sailing my RC 1M Yacht off the lower platform of the jetty, I suffered a seizure and fell into the ocean. During that terrifying moment, a brave soul named Joanna acted quickly. She reached me just in time, holding my head above water until help arrived. I will never forget her courage.

Later in the hospital, scans revealed a 3–5cm brain tumour pressing on my right frontal lobe. Surgery was successful, and while life threw me a massive curveball, it gave me a new outlook. That’s why I revisit and capture this place often. It holds a piece of me.

The Importance of Night Photography

Night photography presents unique challenges and rewards. The low light conditions require manual settings to capture the beauty of illuminated scenes. Understanding how to adjust your camera settings is crucial.

Camera Settings for Night Photography

ISO: Start with a higher ISO to capture more light. However, be cautious of noise.
Aperture: Use a wide aperture (like f/2.8) to allow more light in.
Shutter Speed: A slower shutter speed can help gather light but may require a tripod to avoid blurriness.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Night Shots

Use a Tripod: Stability is key for long exposures.
Experiment with Exposure: Don’t be afraid to try different exposure times to find the perfect shot.
Focus Manually: Autofocus can struggle in low light, so manual focus is often more reliable.

Reflecting on Life and Photography

Photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about telling stories. Each photo I take at the Rockingham Foreshore reminds me of my journey. It symbolizes resilience and gratitude.

I encourage everyone to find a place that holds special meaning. Capture it through your lens. You may discover new perspectives and insights along the way.

📷 No image for yesterday’s Day 12 (Aerial Portrait) due to the weather, and nothing suitable in the archive — so I’ll roll on and pick it back up later.