Ajay Lamichhane, Blue to the point (June theme: The Great Outdoors)

This is a photograph of Stockton Lake in Western Australia, a former open-cut mine now filled with water, known for its remarkably vibrant turquoise blue hue. In the foreground, dark green foliage on the right partially frames the scene, hinting at the natural growth around the lake. The immediate shoreline in the foreground is rocky with sparse, dry vegetation. The dominant feature of the image is the intensely colored water of Stockton Lake, stretching across the middle ground. Its striking, almost unnatural blue-green color is a direct result of the mineral content from its mining past. On the opposite bank, a light-colored, sandy or whitish shoreline contrasts sharply with the deep blue water, leading up to a dense band of dark green trees that line the horizon. The sky above is heavily overcast, displaying a distinctive reddish-brown or sepia tone. This atmospheric coloration could be due to natural phenomena such as dust in the air or the effects of distant bushfire smoke, adding a dramatic and almost otherworldly quality to the landscape. The muted sky beautifully complements the vividness of the lake. The photograph captures the serene yet unique beauty of this reclaimed mining site, highlighting its most famous feature – the brilliantly colored water set against a dramatic sky.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.