Photographing Uluru
About Uluru
Uluru is also known as Ayers Rock. It is a massive rock monolith sitting in an otherwise dead flat desert. ('The Outback'). The 'Rock' is some 460km (5 hours) South West of Alice Springs.
How I photographed the Uluru
What I took - what was in my kit
I have never been here, but I certainly plan to go once covid is over. I will take my LowePro Backpack loaded with Linhof Technorama with Velvia 50 film for the panorama, and Canon 5DSR body, Canon 24 mm TS, Canon 16-35mm and 50mm Sigma Art Lenses, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant.
Techniques
Viewpoints
The rock is huge. You can see it for miles, so the number of viewpoints is close to infinite. You can photograph it close up and capture a 'macro' view of it, you can photograph it from a few kilometres away in the desert, from the resort, or from a plane; at night, sunset, dawn or in the middle of the day. All of these will give a differnt result.
How I photographed the XXXX
What I took - what was in my kit
I took my LowePro Backpack loaded with Canon 5DMkII body, Canon 24-105mm zoom, Manfrotto 190 Tripod, and of course a range of lens wipes, spare batteries, sunscreen and bug repellant. I tended to shoot 28-55mm
Techniques
I will definitely shoot some Linhof Fuji Velvia 50 film near dawn / sunset to get the reds of the desert. I will probably shoot some gigapan pano's also to make some big blow ups (Gigapixel). Beyond that, I will have to have a look and see.
Other things to look out for
The Olgas are nearby and in some ways, even better than Uluru.
Location
Uluru (-25.344493453987777, 131.03688832714147)
Techniques used
Kit used
How to get there
The traditional Aussie way to visit is by car, as part of a 'Big Lap' of Australia. However, you can fly into Uluru, there are lots of buses and tours to it, and of course, there is the car / caravan / campervan.
Best time to visit
The Outback is generally dry, with occasional rains that are short lived, turn the desert into mud for a day, but then create a wonderful field of flowers. Dont worry about seasons here. Just expect cold nights and very hot days. In summer it is slightly hotter. Ensure you have warm clothes and sleeping arrangements for the night, and then cool clothes with insect protection and plenty of water for the days.
Accessability
Most people drive there. There certainly are bus trips and tours. I know there is an Airport at Alice Springs, but I think there is one at the rock too. (Almost certainly some helicopter tours available around the rock). There are no trains. IF you are coming from overseas, yes you can walk to rock or ride a pushbike there. Take several hundred litres of water though or you are highly likely to die. (If you can carry several hundred litres of water - no one will argue with you.)
Where to stay
Where stay
Uluru Resort is close by, and a lovely spot. It is not cheap though. There are some caravan / camping spots nearby.
Alice Springs. Alice is around 5 hours away. While it has many accomodation options, it is really too far to drive yourself and yet still enjoy the day. By bus, it might make for a long day, but be ok. Personally, I would plan to overnight at the rock.