Hi-Fidelity 360 Photography: Photographing Sydney's Iconic Ocean Pools in Hi-Fidelity 360VR

While showing my Sydney travel photographs to the marketing manager of a boutique hotel in Italy; the show stopping picture in my portfolio was a 360 image of the Andrew (Boy) Charleton pool. Nestled on the edge of the Domain Parkland in the heart of Sydney, a liminal space between land, water and desire.. Well what was actually said to me was along the lines of '(gasp) is that a swimming pool on Sydney harbour, OMG it is so beautiful, I really want to visit Sydney.' And there I was in Venice thinking 'this is the most beautiful and exotic place in the world!'

Bronte ocean pool, headland and beach in full 360VR photography by Kent Johnson Travel photographer, Sydney, Australia.

Back home in Sydney wondering what I might photograph - as a portfolio showcase in 360VR Panoramas - that would compliment the travel imagery that I had created in Italy... Sydney Opera House, Ferries at Circular Quay and the Harbour Bridge; I've heard it said, that is all there is to see, to photograph in Sydney! Well I personally don't think that is true; but then.. you don't have an architectural Renaissance masterpiece on every block - as you do in parts of Italy. Aside from those previously mentioned local Icons; I had that useful clue from Venice as to what I could travel-photograph at home in Sydney.

North Cronulla ocean pool in 360VR photography by Kent Johnson Travel photographer, Sydney, Australia.

When I started to think hard about what is most special, most unique, most distinctive, even the most architecturally exclusive aspect of visiting Sydney. Memories of the reaction to my image of the pool on the edge of the harbour came back to me. So I decided I should bring my photographic vision to bear on Sydney's ocean pools and the harbour pools too. Beaches with nets, swimming pontoons, or a boardwalk over the water qualify as pools (or baths), and are usually referred to as such. So the project has begun and I think it is really quite different to other ocean pool projects I have seen. So far I have avoided the dawn and sunset approach (maybe later..) and focused on sparsely populated pools, blue sky, blue and aqua green water, ochre rocks, white sand - or concrete and timbers.. as a unifying approach to the imagery. You can view all of the 360VR panorama Ocean Pool Portfolio on the device of your choice (large screens recommended) HERE.

Domain and Boy Charlton Pool in 360VR photography by Kent Johnson Travel photographer, Sydney, Australia.

Thus far I have photographed 16 ocean pools producing over 50 full 360VR panoramas of which 22 are currently included in the portfolio. All of the images are available for licensing, just drop me a line here kent@artcommunication.com.au or should you require high quality custom 360 images to promote your destination, tourist attraction, hotel or resort, please feel free to contact me for a consultation. In the meantime, please enjoy the Ocean Pool 360 project and my Hotels and Views of Venice here!