Tidal Flow and Morning Glow — How It Earned a Highly Commended at the 2025 APP

Tidal Flow & Morning Glow — How It Earned a Highly Commended at the 2025 Australian Photographic Prize

Seascape at sunrise with flowing tidal water over rocks – Highly Commended, 2025 Australian Photographic Prize, Landscape Category
Award: Highly Commended  |  Category: Landscape  |  Final Score: 77
Submitted: 22 June 2025  |  Location: Rugged coastline, Eastern Australia

Story Behind the Shot

Pastel dawn sky meets surging flow across jagged rock. Objective: keep movement alive without losing texture or highlight detail.

Why It Scored Well

  • Compelling lead-in lines; water flow drives the eye.
  • Warm sky hues play against cool water—pleasing colour contrast.
  • Good timing on shutter for streak texture.

Where It Could Improve

  • Slight edge softness in extreme foreground; micro-focus adjust or faster shutter.
  • Some highlight streaks approach clipping; blend/bracket to protect whites.
  • Sky structure is gentle; higher drama could lift impact score.

Lessons

  • Use graduated ND or bracket for flow highlights.
  • Angle for side-light to enhance foreground texture.
  • Revisit when sky energy matches a strong foreground.

See the series hub • Book a seascape session.