Photo of the month – The perfect balance

We are a multi-talented workforce, a community that is driven by excellence, to bring creativity and innovation to everything we do. SPOKE continues its ‘Photo of the Month’ to celebrate the creativity and talent amongst our people.

Each month, we will showcase inspiring photography that has captured our imagination and tells a compelling visual story, taken by our colleagues from around the GFG network. From landscapes and intricate details to spontaneous moments of life, we want to celebrate moments of beauty and inspiration. So, if you believe you have what it takes, have a keen eye for detail and a passion for visual storytelling, we invite you to submit your best work for a chance to be featured in our ‘Photo of the Month’ section. Email us at spoke@gfgalliance.com

July’s Photo of the Month, is by Sam Herd, Safety Training Coordinator at InfraBuild

It was a serendipitous evening at Lake Macquarie when Sam Herd, an amateur photographer stumbled upon a moment of sheer beauty. Located about 200 meters from his home, Lake Macquarie in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, served as the backdrop for this incredible moment. As he gazed at the setting sun, he also noticed the moon and what looked like Venus standing out against the evening sky. Taking out his trusty iPhone 14 Pro Max, he knew that they had the opportunity to capture something special.

Family time is very important to me, so I often in the afternoons go for a walk with my 3-year-old son to see if we can spot some pelicans or ducks on the water. We were watching some ducks on the water’s edge and as the sun was setting the horizon just looked perfect.

So, I decided to take some photos of the sun setting against the night sky in what I would call a “perfect balance”.

How often do you get to see the sunset, moon and stars with such a beautiful setting all in one photo!

Sam Herd

On 23 May 2023, with no filters to alter its natural beauty, Sam captured the fine balance of the setting sun, rising moon, and stars, against the lake’s shimmering waters. The image is a perfect mix of elements – taken at the right place, at the right time.

The history of the region – Aboriginal people of the Awabakal nation lived in the area surrounding what is now known as Lake Macquarie for thousands of years. The name Awaba, which means ‘a plain surface’ was used to describe the lagoon. There are several significant sites in and around this country. Including Butterfly Cave, Glenrock State Reserve and Pulbah Island Nature Reserve.

The first outside encounter with Lake Macquarie dates back to July 1800 when Captain William Reid stumbled upon this natural wonder while seeking coal from the Hunter River’s outcropping seams. A mix-up in location led to the name ‘Reid’s Mistake’, but later, in honour of Governor Lachlan Macquarie, the lagoon was officially renamed Lake Macquarie.

For Sam, photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about creating cherished memories with loved ones.

As a non-professional photographer, this experience has taught Sam to always be prepared to seize the day, to capture unexpected moments of beauty and to appreciate the wonders that surround us. Lake Macquarie, with its rich cultural history and natural beauty, continues to be his backyard inspiration, an opportunity to capture the drama of nature with a simple iPhone.

It serves as a reminder that extraordinary moments can be found in everyday places, and with an open mind and heart and keen eye, you can find beauty everywhere.