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As I have discussed in my musings about Southwold, it is difficult to create photographs that are unique in a place that is already so well photographed and recognised. To do something different it is necessary to be a bit more creative and let your mind wander a little further to try something new, at least new to me.
Along the main beach at Southwold millions have been spent over the years to ensure the beach is a good family friendly beach. Dogs are not allowed for much of the year, sand and shingle excavated in a relentless battle between man and sea, groynes repaired and beach huts regularly repainted to counter the salty spray. But north of the recently rebuilt pier the north sea is held back by a concrete promenade and a few piles of rocks; none of the finesse here! In consequence even a relatively mild tide and waves sends water crashing against these fairly robust defences to the delight of small children and large adults. How to photograph a splash then?
First, some reasonable light. A bit of sunshine will do nicely thanks and as a bonus the sky had some gaps between the clouds. That will provide some colour in the background rather than the seemingly relentless and dreary grey we've had through the summer. Needs to be bright to ensure I have a fast shutter speed to capture the wave - this is not a time for silky looking water.
We spent a couple of hours looking along the waves from the top of the sea defences, but the effect is not that dramatic. It does have the benefit of being dry at that vantage point though. No good, we needed to get closer. With the tide being quite high the waves crash against the promenade and rise almost vertically. Well, mostly. By sitting down low and close to the edge of the promenade it was possible to get close, but stay fairly dry. Once we had the viewing position sorted it was easy and we just needed to wait for the right waves to make their appearance and make a splash. Several dozen images later I had what I had envisioned and managed to capture the wave at its high point after breaking against the promenade wall.
Canon 1Ds Mark III, 24-105mm f4L lens at 28mm, ISO200, f8, 1/1250sec. Handheld.
Note: although I have a weather sealed camera and lens I do not trust salt water to keep out completely so I was careful to wipe away any residual spray as quickly as possible. I kept the lens shielded as much as possible to avoid getting salt on the filter coating. If you attempt this please ensure your camera is protected from the salt water spray. I will not be held responsible for any damage caused! |
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