In Photos: The Sydney Opera House
Appearing like a ship floating on the harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a photogenic marvel.
With structured, shell-like sails forming a skyline that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is somewhere I always visit when I’m in Sydney.
A fixture of Sydney’s foreshore since it’s completion in 1973, the Opera House is now a national icon that’s recognised globally for its striking design.
From quiet coves to aerial vantage points, on the water or wandering the foreshore, the Sydney Opera House is a fascinating subject that happens to look amazing from all angles. You can photograph this beauty from countless locations around Sydney Harbour with no end to the possible perspectives, not to mention how changing light reflects against its exterior.
While wandering around the harbour foreshore to compile images for the guide I couldn’t stop staring at the Opera House. There was always a new angle, new foreground subject or gorgeous pastel skies hovering above its pointed peaks to capture. Rather than just share my favourite image on social media, I wanted to post them all here as a visual tribute to this architectural wonder.
Let me know what you think in the comments below…and if you’ve got a favourite spot to photograph the Opera House from I’d love to hear about it!
Image Details: All photos below were captured using my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mkii + 12-40mm M.Zuiko f/2.8 PRO lens along with my phone screen used to create the reflections.
Read more – Behind the Lens: Creative Phases + Reflecting Landscapes
See the Perspectives: Where to Photograph Sunset in Sydney guide here.
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.
Blog Comments
Natalie
February 9, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Wow! These photos are too beautiful, love the different scenes you were able to achieve specially the mirror effect!! x
Lisa Michele Burns
February 10, 2018 at 11:56 am
Thanks so much, it’s such a beautiful subject to photograph!
Joanne Smith
February 14, 2018 at 11:53 am
Sydney has always been a city I want to visit. We plan a trip to Australia next month and we just got our visa from here https://www.travelaustralia.com.au/en/visitor-visa/ they have the best service I ever experienced so far, really worth to recommend to all of you! btw, Opera House looks so stunning on your shots!
Kal
March 9, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Sydney Opera House us my most fave architecture in the world! You captured gorgeously!
Lisa Michele Burns
March 18, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Thanks so much Kal! Isn’t it beautiful! So striking, I can’t help but stare at it for a few hours every time I visit Sydney 🙂
pam
March 18, 2018 at 4:40 pm
We will be in Sydney overnight next weekend and I hope to take some pics around the harbour. I have seen some beautiful instagram pics of sunset from above the wharf at Kiribilli looking back over the harbour so will be heading there.
Lisa Michele Burns
March 18, 2018 at 4:47 pm
That’s such a great spot over there! Just next to the Jeffry St Wharf there’s a great little spot too that sometimes has puddle on the rocks for amazing reflections. Otherwise wander around in front of the Park Hyatt too, so many great angles there of the Opera House 🙂