These scattered pylons are all that remain of the Port Willunga Jetty. Just south of Adelaide, the old jetty was originally built in 1853 and was one of the busiest ports in South Australia, used predominantly as a grain port.

I had been aware of these pylons for many years and first visited in September of 2015 while in Adelaide planning our 'Alluring Adelaide' photography workshop. I visited a number of times while staying in Glenelg but was always greeted by clear skies or mediocre light.

On the arrival of little Zachariah Gray in November 2015 (our first child), I decided to put my camera gear away and focus on my proud new role of being a father. After 4 months learning the new skills required for parenthood, it was time to dust off the gear and get back on the road again, this time with Suzy and Zach coming along for the ride. Travelling with a 4 month old baby was an adventure that's for sure!

We travelled across to Adelaide via Port Fairy then down to Kangaroo Island. On our return from Kangaroo Island we headed back to Glenelg for a few nights.

On our arrival in Glenelg it was nearing the time of sunset but it was raining steadily. I decided to check the radar and satellite anyway and to my surprise I could see strong potential for some beautiful light! I quickly said goodbye to the family and hit the road south towards Port Willunga.

I was really cutting it fine for time but had the sudden realisation on the way that I was most likely going to need an umbrella to avoid rain drops on my lens.  I made a hasty stop at a petrol station and secured the best umbrella they had on offer, a flimsy $10 job but it was going to have to do!

When I arrived at Port Willunga the sky was already lighting up so I raced down to the pylons where I was met by a couple of local photographers who had clearly been watching the weather too. The rain had stopped briefly so I setup my gear and found my composition.  

Soon after arriving the rain began again and the other photographers retreated to shelter. I pulled out my trusty umbrella and was quickly offered assistance by a drunk local that wanted to hold it over the camera and lens for me! I humoured him but he wasn’t doing a great job to be honest. Thankfully he lost interest fairly quickly so I took it back, cleaned my lens and got back to work.

The light and colour in the sky continued to improve over the next 20 minutes until it finally peaked amongst big brooding storms clouds.

I captured this photograph just as the light peaked, using a long exposure and timing the receding wave to draw one's eye into the photograph.

What an incredible moment in time.