The Moeraki boulders, described as one of the natural wonders of the world, lay along Koekohe beach on the East coast of New Zealand's south island.
These huge spherical boulders, which can weigh as much as three tons, were formed as long as 65 million years ago. These formations are the result of crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles, in a similar manner to the creation of pearls, only on a much larger scale. About 15 million years ago the soft mudstone enclosing the boulders raised from the seabed, erosion by rain, wind, and waves is slowly revealing them from the cliffs along the shore.
Arriving early in the hope of catching some interesting light, I met some other people taking photos. Fortunately there were not too many footprints, and by checking the viewfinder it was possible to avoid them.
The circular boulders were obvious subjects, but I found the partially eroded and broken stones gave a more interesting image. Some slight pink colour in the clouds offset the interesting shapes of the broken boulders and seaweed in this image.
Equipment.
Canon EOS1DII, ISO 200, 17-40mm L at 23mm, polariser, 1/6th, f16, tripod, mlu, cable release.
Digital Darkroom.
Converted & dusted Adobe Lightroom.
Moeraki Boulders sunrise.
