This image was captured this past January near Lochiel, South Australia which lies at the south end of Lake Bumbunga.

This area is very sparsely populated with mile after mile of nothingness. Lake Bumbunga is a colorful 15 sq km salt water lake in the winter. But in the Australian summer it is reduced to a mostly dry salt flat.

As we drove around the lake I noticed a group of people wandering far out on the dry landscape. The temperature that day was over 100 degrees F (40c) with a blazing hot sun. I wondered what might they be doing out there in such conditions. My photographic curiosity told me to stop the car and wander out for a look.

As I approached I could tell they were a group of Chinese tourists, probably on a family vacation. I found the situation to be interesting and visually compelling. As I meandered around the group, at a distance, I noticed how they had basically stopped, in no hurry to go anywhere. They were just milling about in one general location, each doing their “own thing” as if standing in their own backyard.

To me the scene seemed almost bizarre. I began to shoot a series of different views and angles. They seemingly had no interest in me or what I was doing.

I was constantly checking my exposure because of the bright, glaring nature of the setting. Images can be easily underexposed unless you are careful.

After viewing the variety of angles and exposures I settled on this one because there is a good separation between all the subjects. It seemed balanced. The exposure and processing were both tailored to convey the extreme and isolated nature of the setting.

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

Although I am not a hardcore minimalist, I do gravitate to a minimal look when it works well. I like that aspect of this image. The bright, clean composition was what I looked for in this scene. I think it worked.

Secondly, I like the fact that each subject has a bit of separation from the others giving it a balance.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

I’ve wondered if a slightly higher point of view, raising the distant edge of the lake above their heads, might have been better. But I’m quite happy with this view.

Bill Green shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Bill Green, U.S.
INSTAGRAM / VSCO

Equipment and Settings

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10