Western Australia has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the world, and the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is one of the most iconic and special. Only 2 hours north of Perth City, this amazing place is famous for its towering limestone pillars, set against a backdrop of golden sands, white sand dunes and the big blue sky. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur who loves landscapes, the Pinnacles Tours has plenty of opportunities to get some amazing shots of one of Western Australia’s most stunning landscapes.
Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park has thousands of ancient limestone pillars that were formed over thousands of years by natural forces. They rise out of the yellow sand of the desert and look like something from another planet. This is a photographer’s playground with opportunities for close up shots of the pillars and wide shots of the landscape at dawn or dusk.
For professional photographers and enthusiasts, the Pinnacles Desert is a great opportunity to get some amazing shots in a challenging and rewarding environment. The desert changes throughout the day and offers different photographic opportunities depending on the time of day, weather and lighting conditions.
Best Time for Photography in the Pinnacles Desert
One of the key elements to capturing the beauty of the Pinnacles Desert is timing. The best time to visit for photography is during the golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset. During these times, the low angle of the sun casts long shadows and bathes the limestone pillars in a soft, warm light, perfect for getting great shots. Midday is tough for photographers as the light is harsh, washes out the colours, and creates too much contrast. But even during these bright hours, there are still plenty of opportunities to get creative, especially if you use filters or shoot in the shade.
If you are into night photography the Pinnacles Desert is the place to be. With no light pollution the night sky is incredibly clear and perfect for shooting the night sky and stars. The limestone pillars make great foregrounds for your astrophotography and the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye so you can compose your shot. Western Australia’s dry climate and open spaces are ideal for this type of night photography.
Pinnacles Desert Photography Tips
To get the most out of your Pinnacles Tours in Nambung National Park, here are some photography tips to keep in mind:
- Bring Multiple Lenses: The Pinnacles Desert is best shot with multiple lenses. A wide angle lens is essential for the big landscapes and the scale of the limestone formations against the desert. For more detailed shots of the rock formations or macro of the desert textures a telephoto or macro lens will help you zoom in on the smaller details.
- Bring a Tripod: A tripod is essential for low light conditions especially during the golden hours or at night. Night photography requires longer exposures and a tripod will ensure your images are sharp.
- Polarizing Filters and ND Filters: To manage the light reflecting off the golden sands and white sand dunes, a polarizing filter is used to reduce glare and enhance the colours of the landscape. An ND filter is good for long exposure shots, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- Protect Your Gear from Sand: The desert environment can be harsh on your camera gear. Bring protective covers and lens caps to stop sand from getting into your camera. Be mindful of the wind, especially during the coastal winds that blow through the Pinnacles Desert from the nearby ocean.
- Scout the Location: Before you start shooting take some time to walk around the area. The Pinnacles Desert has many different locations that look different at different times of the day and lighting. Find the best vantage points and think about how you can use the natural beauty of the landscape to create unique compositions.
Best Places to Shoot in Nambung National Park
While the Pinnacles Desert is the main attraction of Nambung National Park there are other photographic opportunities in the surrounding area.
- Hangover Bay: Just a short drive from the Pinnacles, Hangover Bay has pristine beaches with clear waters. The contrast between the coastal dunes and the ocean is another dimension to your photography. Western Australia’s coastline is rugged and beautiful, perfect for shooting the interaction between land and sea.
- Elizabeth Quay and Kings Park: Not part of the Pinnacles Tours but great for shooting the city skyline or the Botanic Garden. Kings Park has lush greenery and historical significance, a nice change from the desert landscape of the Pinnacles Desert.
- Kalbarri National Park and Badgingarra National Park: These nearby parks have rugged outback landscapes and dramatic granite rock formations, as well as endless photo opportunities for those who want to explore more of Western Australia’s natural wonders.
The Pinnacles’ Natural Forces
The limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert are beautiful but they also tell a story of natural forces at work over thousands of years. Formed from shells deposited in an ancient sea bed, these geological formations were shaped by erosion, wind and rain. The interaction between the yellow sand of the desert, the coastal dunes and the ever changing environment is the most rewarding part of photographing the Pinnacles Desert.
In short the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia is a must visit for photographers. From the formations to night photography under the stars this is a playground for all levels of photographers. Whether a professional or just starting out the Pinnacles Desert is the ultimate opportunity to explore and capture one of Australia’s most unique landscapes.
FAQ
Why is the Pinnacles Desert a good photography destination?
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a great destination for photographers due to the limestone formations, otherworldly landscapes and golden hour and night photography opportunities.
Can I shoot at night in the Pinnacles Desert?
Yes, the Pinnacles Desert is perfect for night photography. With no light pollution, you can capture the night sky and stars in incredible detail. The limestone structures make great foregrounds for your astrophotography shots.
What camera gear should I bring to the Pinnacles Desert?
Bring a wide angle lens for the big shots of the desert, a telephoto or macro lens for the details, a tripod for low light and filters for the bright desert sun and reflections from the golden sand.
Are there any other places to photograph near the Pinnacles Desert?
Yes, Hangover Bay has beautiful beaches, Badgingarra National Park and Kalbarri National Park have stunning landscapes and rock formations. The West Australian coast is famous for its beauty.
When should I photograph the Pinnacles Desert?
Golden hour at sunrise and sunset is best when the light is soft and the shadows are long. Night photography can be done anytime after dusk for the stars and Milky Way as there is no light pollution.
