One of the keys to good landscape photography is doing your homework and being in the right location when the light is just right.
Sometimes though the simplest of subjects and just the right light, which comes unexpectedly can make an outstanding landscape.
Perhaps another key is some good luck
The banks of the Wilochra Creek near the ghost town of Simmonston between Hawker and Quorn in the Flinders Ranges.
Walkers on the Heysen Trail would pass very close to this spot and under most circumstances never notice it.
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Stunning lighting and the reflections are magical
Hey, great photo. Certainly I agree with doing some homework in regards to lighting.
But can I ask, what do you mean by the statement about walkers on the Heysen not noticing it? The banks, or this specific location? I've walked the trail, and it's impossible not to notice the Willochra Creek – it's cliff banks, it's water! The approach is loaded with anticipation as you can see the cliff bank from quite a distance, and the water. Having crossed the creek and climbed the cliff bank (via some handy stairs) it is just breathtaking to look back and see the creek and cliffs wind back east towards Simmonston, with the distant Mt Ragless finishing off the impressive view.
Jez , you really know your Heysen Trail. The people I have spoken to who have walked the Trail have all needed a bit of prompting about the location of the shot. It's usually the stairs that pinpoint it for them.
My comments mainly concerned the times I have passed this spot again. It has never been quite so beautiful to me as it was on this day,