The Port's natural environment of shifting sand dunes, vibrant sunrises and sunsets, brilliant blue beaches and dynamic marine life are key to the area's tourism appeal.

But those natural assets also hold high appeal to photographers.

"Port Stephens is one of a kind," photographer and Medowie resident Jezzeka Brown said.

"It's crazy how we have a little bit of everything here. We've got a large selection of beaches, shifting sand dunes, Tomaree Head, camel rides, whales. Plus it's a lovely, relaxing place to be."

Ms Brown, a former US resident, and partner Shaun Woodford, who grew up in the Bay, use their passion for photography to showcase the Port on social media, particularly Instagram, using their free time to explore what the area has to offer and posting their images for all to enjoy.

Some of their favourite spots to photograph are Tomaree Head, Shoal Bay Beach, Birubi Beach and the Worimi Conservation Lands. About a year ago Ms Brown purchased a drone to photograph their favourite locations.

Her first flight was at Birubi Beach and the first shot she snapped was of the Oakfield Ranch camels making their way through the dunes.

Ms Brown said her favourite shot taken in the past year was of a shark amidst a school of fish at Fingal Spit during the mullet run.

"I was able to get the shark perfectly in the centre of the school of fish. I wasn't even going to go out that day," she said.

Ms Brown said in addition to Shoal Bay, Boat Harbour was one of her favourite locations particularly during whale season when she could fly above the creatures as they passed the Port's coastline to snap photos.

While drones have the ability to capture great photos they come with more responsibility.

Drones must be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, in certain circumstances operators must seek accreditation from CASA and must at all times obey strict flying rules. For example, not flying within 100m of marine mammals or within certain distances of a controlled air space such as that around Newcastle Airport and the RAAF base.

Ms Brown said she is well aware of and flies her drone by CASA's guidelines.

See more of Ms Brown's photos on Instagram: @jezz.brown.

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