As a veteran seascape photographer, I’ve discovered that taking pictures of seascapes that are stunning can be an exciting, yet unpredictably challenging pursuit. Every time I visit one of my most favorite spots, Ballycotton Lighthouse, I’m struck by the risk that is photography of seascapes.
It’s a game in which nature is the only one who can play The result isn’t assured. But, when everything is put together the rewards are incomparable to any amount, which makes every risky experience worthwhile.
Ballycotton Lighthouse, situated in the south of Ireland is an inspiration to a variety of photographers, including me. The unusual black exterior emerging from the turbulent water of the Celtic Sea creates a mesmerizing contrast, and a lighthouse of calm in natural chaos.
The Unpredictable Elements
When I walked into Ballycotton at night, I was confronted by a scene that fascinated and scared me. The lighthouse stood proudly against the bright blue sky, which was a away from the usual cloudy, hazy environment created by Sahara dust. Nature was throwing a curveball and I was in the midst of her whims. The unexpected change in weather brought home the reality of the risks inherent in photographing seascapes. Even with meticulous planning and thorough research, Mother Nature has the final word. Forecasts for weather only give an indication of what the weather will have to happen. Photographers such as myself to depend on our instincts and experience to be able to adapt to ever-changing weather conditions. This is especially true in Ireland because our weather forecasts change in the blink of an eye before they were expected.
Setting the Stage
Incredulous at the absence of Sahara dusts, I chose to go ahead with my plans for compositions. The lighthouse that was perched on the horizon and on the shoreline of sand, retained its appeal. I was aware that, despite the unusual atmospheric conditions, I had an opportunity to take a picture of something extraordinary. I set the camera up, carefully taking into consideration the arrangement. The lighthouse was the central point of the frame, and I made sure to leave just enough room within the frame to allow the tide to take its place. Seascape photography is often a process that demands patience, since the best shot may take a while to develop. I was ready to sit and watch the changes as the water slowly filled in the empty space, creating an exciting and stunning scene.
The Magic of Long Exposures
As the tide started rising I shifted my focus towards long-exposures- a method that has been one of my mainstays in the field of seascape photography. With the camera on a sturdy tripod, along with a neutral density lens attached to the lens I was able to use prolonged exposure time. This choice of art creates an enchanting effect, smoothing out the surface of water and blurring the motion of clouds (if they exist) creating dream-like pictures that look almost surreal.
I set my settings, making sure I had the ideal balance between the aperture and shutter speed. The delicate dance taking in the motion of the ocean while maintaining the clarity of the lighthouse. Every shutter click represented a deliberate risk a bid to capture a moment in time that will never again occur in the same manner.
Embracing the Unpredictable
While I waited, taking long exposure photos I couldn’t resist the urge to think about the unpredictability of seascape photography. When it comes to this type of photography patience isn’t just an attribute, but a necessity. The tides flow and recede while the clouds change and disperse and the light changes as each minute passes. Every photo I took was a testimony to the constantly changing and dynamic world which is our ocean. Utilizing the jagged rocks which make up the shoreline I was able to take some beautiful photos without any lighting in the form of.
The Gamble Pays Off
As the sun began to descend towards the horizon in front of me, I changed my perspective. I changed to shorter exposures of around 0.5 seconds, in order to take advantage of the swiftly-moving waves that crashed on the rock. The composition of my shots ahead of any water coming towards me was an important aspect in this photo. I got some fantastic texture and colors in the shot — the rocks looked as if they were from a different world.
It was during those times that the bet of photographing seascapes started to yield results. In spite of the absence Saharan dust as well as the unpredictability of the weather, the natural splendor that is Ballycotton Lighthouse shone through. The waves that were forming came just at the perfect moment and the light was gone and prevented me from taking the crashing waves right in front of me with my preferred exposure time which was 0.5 seconds. Each photo contained a story, a testimony to my persistence and a reminder of how the unpredictable nature of nature can produce unexpected delights.
