Photographing Trial Bay Gaol in Harsh Light

Black & White Photography That Tells a Story

📸 Craig Williams Photography & John Armytage Photography recently hosted a Crescent Head Photography Workshop exploring the rugged beauty of the Macleay Valley. While the coastline and landscapes offered plenty of golden hour magic, one location stood out for its ability to turn harsh midday light into a dramatic storytelling tool: Trial Bay Gaol.

☀️ Shooting in Harsh Light (9am–3pm)

Most photographers avoid shooting between 9am and 3pm due to the intensity of the sun. But at Trial Bay Gaol, the harsh light becomes an asset. The vintage stone walls, iron bars, and open courtyards cast deep shadows and stark contrasts—perfect for black and white photography.

This historic site, located near South West Rocks, transforms under the midday sun. The architecture creates leading lines, angular shadows, and high contrast compositions that evoke emotion and atmosphere.

🖤 Why Black & White Works at Trial Bay Gaol

Black and white photography strips away distraction and focuses on texture, light, and emotion. At Trial Bay Gaol, this approach amplifies the feeling of:

• Isolation in empty cells

• Loneliness in shadowed corridors

• Fear and reflection in stark light

The absence of color allows photographers to explore the emotive power of contrast, using light and shadow to tell stories that resonate.

📷 Workshop Highlights

During the workshop, participants were guided by Craig and John to:

✅ Embrace harsh light as a creative tool
✅ Use shadows to create mood and depth
✅ Capture the essence of Trial Bay Gaol through monochrome storytelling

This segment was a standout moment in our Mid North Coast photography workshop, showing that great images can be made at any time of day—if you know how to use the light.

🌍 Join Us Across Australia and Beyond

Based out of Port Macquarie, our photography workshops explore not only the stunning NSW Mid North Coast—including Crescent Head, South West Rocks, and the Macleay Valley—but also extend to street photography in Melbourne, the NSW New England region in autumn, Western Australia, Tasmania, and internationally to New Zealand and Japan. Whether you're just starting out or refining your craft, Craig Williams and John Armytage offer hands-on guidance in unforgettable locations.
📬 Please feel free to reach out—we’d love for you to join us on our next adventure.