Sculptures by the Sea – Bondi at Sunrise Photography

Got up at 4 a.m. and made a dash to Sculptures by the Sea at Bondi Beach to catch the first light. There’s something magical about watching the sculptures slowly come to life as the sun rises — the light shifting, people wandering, kids climbing, everyone interacting in their own way. I chatted with a few locals, camera in hand, and captured some great moments in that short two-hour window.

This year, there weren’t as many grand installations as in the past — I guess funding is a bit thin — but there was still plenty of creativity and energy along the coastal walk.

My vision that morning was to capture people interacting with the sculptures, not to focus on the artworks themselves. I wanted to create images with layers and depth, where the human element became part of the composition — blending people, art, and light into one frame.

I love this kind of photography — call it street, travel, or just pure observation. It really sharpens your eye. You’ve got to react fast, read the light, and trust your intuition to frame and capture the moment in a split second. Experiences like this keep me evolving as a photographer — learning to pre-visualise, anticipate, and find that connection between people, art, and atmosphere.

Below are some of the images I captured during the morning — the light, the people, and the sculptures that made it worth the early start.

For mor images and inspiration visit my instagram feed or ANDRE MARTIN Photo