You’ve likely been amazed and inspired by Tim Seaton’s photography of our local area on your socials. Now he has his own exhibition ‘SALTWATER’ at Terrey Hills’ beautiful venue The Palms.
Those sweeping Northern Beaches shots that make you pause mid-scroll. Aerial shots of our ocean pools contrasting against organic rock formations. Dramatic storms rolling across Avalon Beach. Barrenjoey Lighthouse amongst the clouds…
Talented photographer Tim Seaton has been quietly building an impressive portfolio over the years, sharing his aerial and landscape photography via social media. Now, he’s on the cusp of his first major solo exhibition at The Palms in Terrey Hills showcasing some of his most beautiful work.
“One of the hardest things I’ve had to do is select the photographs,” Tim shares, and when you consider he’s been shooting for years with thousands of images in his archives, you can understand why.
What makes Tim’s work so compelling is his deep connection to the landscape. Growing up on the Beaches, he’s an Avalon local who spent a decade working in environmental education, helping people reconnect with nature through hands-on experiences in sustainability, gardening, and conservation. That connection with the natural world has always been at the heart of who he is, and his work.
“I found that photography was another fantastic way to do this,” he explains. This passion has now evolved into a thriving business creating visuals and drone photography for real estate, design and architecture firms and small businesses in the area.
His home, Avalon Beach, serves as endless source of inspiration. “The dramatic sandstone cliffs at either end frame the beach beautifully, creating a natural amphitheatre that catches the light in fascinating ways throughout the day,” he explains. The ocean pool at the southern end has become a particular favourite, its geometric lines creating striking contrast with the organic forms of surrounding rocks and waves.
As for that stunning hero image for his exhibition (we’ve featured it at the top), it was shot during an epic thunderstorm rolling in across Avalon. Tim found himself sheltering in a small cave as the weather passed overhead. When the sun broke through, it created a spectacular rainbow. He was in the right place at the right time to capture it. “That was a very special moment,” he reflects.
This appetite for dramatic weather has become something of a signature for Tim. His recent Aurora photographs generated a huge community response, but he’s equally energised by the more regular drama of clouds and sunsets – and storms in particular.
“Chasing storms is one of my favourite things to do,” he says. “Once a super dramatic shelf cloud rolled through one afternoon quite unexpectedly just as the setting sun lit up the clouds creating a beautiful light show. I find these conditions really humbling and energising.”
From sweeping panoramic shots to unique drone shots, each image in Tim’s exhibition showcases our local landscape by someone who understands its moods, its light, and its endless capacity to surprise us with its beauty.
Don’t miss the opening night event for SALTWATER on Thursday, July 17 from 5.30pm, which includes live music, drinks and canapes! Everyone’s welcome.
SALTWATER Exhibition
Where: The Palms Pavilion, 18 Myoora Road, Terrey Hills
When: Thursday, 17th July 5:30pm – 7:30pm (opening night event) – until Aug 17.
Email gallery@thepalmssydney.com.au for early access to the exhibition catalogue.
You can follow Tim on Instagram and visit timseatonphotography.com for more of his beautiful photography.
