Photographer Captures Salt Lakes Resembling Eggs in Western Australia

Scott McCook, a photographer from Perth, has been photographing salt lakes in Western Australia's Wheatbelt for eight years. These lakes often appear round and are located in wheat and canola fields. Abc reported that McCook views them from helicopters and light planes, noting their shapes resemble eggs.

McCook discovered the lakes while photographing larger salt lakes from the air. He described seeing isolated round lakes beyond the main ones, which intrigued him. According to Abc, he began focusing on these smaller lakes as they change colors seasonally.

The salt lakes fill with water in winter and shift from green to orange or yellow as evaporation occurs. McCook explained that the lakes' colors transition in a way that creates patterns, such as a central area of water surrounded by evaporated salt. Abc noted that he compared some to poached or fried eggs, with the white-like ring being the dried salt and the center the remaining water.

To find these lakes, McCook uses near real-time satellite imagery to identify potential locations. This method has led him to drive thousands of kilometers across random spots in the Wheatbelt. Abc reported that he occasionally edits his images to enhance colors, particularly for pink and red lakes, while keeping the core features accurate.

By profession, McCook is a concreter, pursuing photography as a hobby to escape urban life. He initially did not disclose his construction job when selling images due to concerns about stigma in artistic circles. Over time, he realized this concern was unfounded and now shares his background openly.

McCook's photographs highlight the natural beauty of Western Australia's landscapes, including these salt lakes and rolling fields. He hopes his work inspires others to appreciate the region's features. Abc indicated that through aerial photography, McCook views the area as rich in visual opportunities.