Indonesia Blue Lagoon of Situ Cicerem

A new popular Instagramable spot with golden and Koi fishes, 2 swings, and a small jetty on a beautiful blue lagoon setting.

Arrive shortly after around 6 AM to enable a little scouting.

The best light will happen from 6.30 - 8.00 as the sunrise will come from the left of the lagoon.

A CPL filter is needed to remove water reflection and enhance the clarity of the fish.

Fish bait is sold nearby for Rp 3,000.00 per small plastic bag (just ask anyone found around the location). Buy 3 - 5 bags to bait the fish into the frame and let the water settle before taking the shot. You will want clear water!

3 - 5 exposure brackets will be needed for the perfect exposure blend later on in Photoshop.

Post processing tips:
The final picture requires 3 - 5 multiple shots that must be selectively blended to increase the amount of fishes visible to increase the amount of fish than in real life. To achieve this, you need to use fish baits to lure the fishes to go chase the bait thrown into the water in the direction you want them to move and take the shots. The original shot has some smokes to the right that is real from someone at the time of the shot coincidentally burning some trash. You'll want to use mist brush on photoshop to add more fogs to enhance the mood. Luminosity maskings will be required. Color grading, color harmony and contrast is also very important to finalize your image.

3,5 hours away from Bandung in West Java. Depart at 3 AM to arrive around 6 AM on location.

Very easy to find (google map/waze) and you park just 5-10 meters from the spot.

Swings opens at 8 AM (they put a lock on it) and costs just Rp 10,000 per person.

Toilet and food stalls just a few meters away.

Very convenient and ideal for landscape or portrait photography, just arrive at dawn to beat the crowd and don't come here on the weekend.