Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

Every 27 minutes the water level of Lake Wakatipu rises and falls nearly 8 inches. This strange, yet consistent, phenomenon is known as a seiche (SAYSH) or a standing wave that progresses from one end of the lake to the other. The rhythm of this micro tide has created a small shelf, or drop-off, that lines the beaches of the lake. Without knowing any of the above, I became fascinated by the difference in tonality of the two levels of the shelf – the warmer toned shallows proceeded immediately by the cooler toned depths. Walking the shores of the lake in search of the perfect exposure, eventually I noticed the changing water levels and was able to time the perfect evening light with the peak water level to depict the two beautiful tones that line this iconic glacier-carved lake.