It was yet another magical September morning. The forecast predicted a decent swell, so I headed to Bronte Beach early – one of my all-time favourite spots in Sydney. I’ve always loved Bronte. It has a unique energy – laid back, lively, and full of character. It’s the perfect place to capture waves and surf, and many times, dolphins show up here to enjoy the waves too. When the surf is pumping, they ride the swell like seasoned pros, catching waves with ease and style. And when the ocean is calm, they often cruise gently between Tamarama and Bronte, just resting and swimming peacefully.
That morning, I had been shooting for a while, but as the sun rose higher in the cloudless sky, the light became too harsh. I decided to pack up my gear. As I was walking away, I noticed my good friend Tim taking photos by the Bronte pool. He’s a regular here – almost every weekend – and funny enough, many times when we bump into each other, dolphins appear soon after.
He greeted me with a smile and joked, “No dolphins today?”
I replied, “No, not today…” – and just as I said that, I glanced toward the ocean behind the pool and saw a group of dorsal fins cutting through the water.
Half a dozen dolphins had appeared out of nowhere and joined the surfers, catching waves and leaping through the swell. For the next half hour, they played joyfully among the surfers, diving and jumping through the waves. Everyone on the beach stopped what they were doing to watch – it was one of those rare, unforgettable moments where nature and people meet in perfect harmony.
Funny enough, this image sat untouched on my computer for almost a year. I hadn’t even realised I had captured something special. But one day, I stumbled across it, decided to edit it – and it became one of my most popular photos. It blew up on social media, went viral, and even won the Love the Coast photo competition.
For me, this image perfectly captures the spirit of Bronte – the joy, the energy, the connection between people and nature. The dolphins, the surfers, the waves, and the iconic cliffs in the background – it all came together in one frame, a true reflection of why I love this place so much.