Retrospective - Tangalooma Wrecks: A World Below, From A Birdseye Perspective
Hello and welcome to another Keeping Up with Matt – Retrospective. At my recent market stall in Elwood Park, just east of Melbourne’s CBD, I showcased today's photo. Constantly discussing this photo inspired me to write about it, as it represents a fantastic time in my life, both personally and artistically. So, let's dive in!
Tangalooma Wrecks from above
In January 2021, fresh out of my Tafe Course, I hunted for photography jobs, watching my bank account dwindle. One opportunity stood out—a tour photographer on Moreton Island. Exciting, right? I applied, got a quick callback, and was told to wait. Assuming I didn't get it, I called back after a week. Turns out, previous interviewees weren't up to par, and I was invited for an on-island interview the next week. It was a cool experience, my first time on the island, and a free trip at that. The interview was swift, and I was asked to move and start the job the following week. I've always liked these fast-paced gigs—no second-guessing, just get here and start working.
Living and working on an island is ideal for a landscape photographer. I spent six months capturing photos daily. To truly hone your craft, immerse yourself in a job that lets you continuously use your skills. Even if you love what you do, there's a desire to shoot beyond work hours.
The featured photo of Tangalooma wrecks was taken during a lunch break amidst desert shifts. Commuting on a bus, climbing a 30m sand dune, and photographing people on melamine boards filled my morning. With about 90 minutes for lunch, I grabbed my drone, headed to the wrecks (a 20-minute walk), and launched it for the first time on the island. The wrecks, intentionally sunk to protect the coastline, posed a challenge to capture fully. Opting to focus on the coolest wrecks with intricate details, I shot from a close perspective.
Choosing this lunch break was crucial; low tide made more wrecks visible, a rare opportunity. After a sprint to capture images, realizing I had only 10 minutes before my next shift, I left my drone with friends and rushed back to the store, successfully making it in time.
The main challenge for this photo was deciding on the orientation, given its versatile viewing options. Choosing a landscape format with boats spanning from bottom left to top right felt most natural for Western viewers accustomed to reading left to right. Minimal editing was needed as the drone exposure was well-executed. Capturing the Tangalooma wrecks, a highly photographed landmark on Moreton Island, presented the challenge of offering a unique perspective. Despite this, I'm delighted with the result. Displayed in my home, it serves as a reminder of the enjoyable time spent on the island. If you find yourself in Brisbane with a day to spare, consider visiting my former home; you might just fall in love with it as I did.
