Vicki-Louise White, Chocolate Milk (AERIAL 2026)

This aerial photograph was taken above the salt lakes of the Western Australian Wheatbelt. These lakes are dynamic ecosystems shaped by rainfall, evaporation, salinity and temperature. Microorganisms such as algae and halophilic bacteria respond to these changing conditions, creating natural variations in colour and texture across the lake surface. At the time this image was captured, the lake had settled into layered brown and cream tones. The organic patterns and tonal gradations resembled the surface of chocolate milk, which inspired the title. Viewed from above, the landscape shifts toward abstraction, reducing the scene to form, texture and natural process. The image documents a transient state within a constantly evolving environment.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.