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Tangalooma Rusty Wrecks
Most boaters love shipwrecks. The old rusty skeletons provide a feeling of mystery that can be discovered and appreciated. This photo was taken on a public holiday. The circumstances ensured an epic picture with so many boats and people enjoying life. It is a bird’s eye view of the instantly recognisable Tangalooma wrecks.
The wrecks are located in the northeast of Moreton Bay, with 15 wrecks deliberately scuttled to form a safe anchorage for visiting boats. The sunken vessels are actually old steam driven dredgers and barges that sit upon a natural sandbank. Clear visibility of the turquoise blue waters and the unique structures have created a startling boating destination. Below the surface is an amazing underwater world to explore while snorkelling or scuba diving. There is an abundance of marine life including reef fish, coral formations, and if you are lucky, dolphins, dugongs and wobbegongs (carpet sharks).
A note of warning: Having just excited you to explore this area, please be careful and abide by these simple rules. Don’t try to battle the strong current that sweeps around the structures; rather, use it to help you cross from the shoreline or your boat. The Tangalooma beach is unpatrolled, so there are no lifesavers on duty to assist should you or your friends get into trouble. More importantly, there is a high number of boats and PWCs passing through this area, so make yourself visible when swimming to the wrecks. Recently, the government has cut off the tops of the wrecks in an effort to discourage swimmers from climbing the wrecks; so for your own safety, do not climb on the wrecks.
Photo tips: By using a drone, you have the privilege of looking down into the sea and below the surface. To avoid shadows from the boats and wrecks that might take away from the details, I shot this image within 30 minutes of midday. I used my DJI Mavic Pro, a small yet powerful drone that turns the sky into my creative canvas, helping me capture magnificent aerial moments. It is of compact size with a high degree ofcomplexity. The transmission system has a 7km range, and a 4K camera stabilised by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal.
When taking photos at seas, I encourage you to take as many as you can. You will never create the same shot again. If you are using a drone, fly around until you get the right shot you want, and then take your photos at different heights with 20 metres intervals, so later while editing you can choose your best angle.
If you are using an DSLR, I believe the mirrorless system is best. I use a Sony A9, which suits my needs. Paired with the Sony lenses, the quality is always stunning.
About the photographer: I started taking photos for people doing stunts on their jet skis, and could see how much enjoyment they were getting from the sport. It immediately took hold of my senses, and I became committed to being extremely skilled at this photographic niche, so much so it has become my addiction.
I enjoy taking photos on Moreton Bay, as each image is totally original, even if it’s taken in the same place. The weather, the boats, the seas are never exactly the same, and the many islands and different colours of the water make a wonderful backdrop.
While life is high paced I do try to live very relaxed here on the Gold Coast. I feel privileged to experience such a naturally beautiful boating life, right here on our doorstep. I have lived and worked on the water for 30 years, ever since 1989 when my parents bought a catamaran and we all lived onboard. I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with new boaters.
Of late, I am on the water three to four times a month, whether on my jet ski or boat. The goal is to buy a sailing catamaran for the stability, and the ability to take my home offshore whenever I want to get away.
Image and text by Jeff Christensen
Interview by Andy Kancachian
Jeff owns Nautical Image Photography, and manages the “Everything Watercraft” Facebook page.