Capturing the Many Moods of Lord Howe Island

Rising abruptly from the vastness of the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island is often described as one of the last true paradises on Earth. Its dramatic peaks, lush subtropical forests, and postcard-perfect lagoon paint a picture of serenity.

But there’s another side to this island. Rugged, raw, and wild. A side shaped by isolation, carved by wind and water, and witnessed only by those willing to embrace the elements. It’s in these moody moments that Lord Howe reveals a deeper beauty.

Read more: Capture the Magic – Best Photography Spots on Lord Howe Island

A storm rolls in over the island, draping the landscape in a heavy, silver sky. Yet as the light bends through the rain, a cascade of rainbows stretches across the horizon. The stillness between gusts is electric, the kind that makes you pause and feel small. These unique weather patterns breathe life into scenes rarely witnessed, as though the island is putting on a show just for you.

The towering duo of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird often summon the clouds. As mist tumbles over their jagged silhouettes, sunsets take on surreal hues — soft pinks bleeding into oranges, then swallowed by deep purples and slate greys. These cloud-covered evenings feel like something out of a dream: disorienting, atmospheric, and strangely peaceful.

Perched 600km from the Australian mainland, Lord Howe’s remoteness makes it vulnerable to nature’s less forgiving moods. Swells hammer the sea cliffs with unrelenting force, and tropical storms occasionally sweep through with little warning. But even in this harshness, there’s a rhythm — a reminder that wildness and beauty are often intertwined.

Even the island’s birdlife seems energised by these moments. Seabirds ride the wind like it’s second nature, effortlessly hovering over the cliffs as though they’ve paused mid-flight just to take it all in. In these conditions, the air feels alive, restless and invigorating.

1/1800s | f/2.8 | ISO300 | 70mm

Beneath this untamed weather lies a remarkably rich and resilient ecosystem. Over 240 plant species call the island home, many found nowhere else on Earth. Among them, the iconic Kentia palm stands tall, a quiet witness to the passing storms, deeply rooted and ever adaptive. These plants don’t just survive the conditions, they thrive in them, just like the island itself.

In the face of wind and water, Lord Howe doesn’t retreat; it reveals itself. And in that rawness lies a rare kind of beauty, one that stays with you long after the skies clear.

Feature photo – 1/250s | f/2.8 | ISO400 | 24mm – Rainbow over Admiralty Island