Moments – January 2023
As the first month of the year drew to a close. I thought I would look to change up the title as I consider all of my photographic and creative output as moments. As all of these are things I like to look back on and celebrate as highlights from the month.
January was a busy month for work, I was slammed for pretty much all of it. Taking a few opportunities to try to go out and enjoy the outdoors on the weekends. Visiting Bawdsey a few times to capture the coastline. On two separate stretches of the beach, although you could walk between them at low tide. Also took my camera with me on my walk along the River Deben, in Woodbridge. I was lucky enough to experience some magical conditions we had along the River Orwell at the country park.
First Sunrise of the Year
It’s become a tradition for me to get out and try and catch the first sunrise of the year. A few years running the sunrise has been less than desirable and this year was a little better. On most of the trips I have had out on the first of sunrise the year, I find myself on the location all by myself. It can bring a very different perspective to the world, as we start a new calendar year. Also, I see it as a moment of intent for myself to get out and explore and prepare for photography.
Getting back to the coast again, is always an interesting one. It can be an assault on the senses, the sound and visual impact of the waves crashing in. The changing light breaking through but yet it can be calming too.
Along the Shore at Bawdsey
This part of Bawdsey is great at low tide. On this occasion, we were there for mid to low tide, with the tide slowly making its way out during the course of my time there. Covering part of the beach there are clay deposits, that span 20 -30 meters out to sea. Usually covered by the rising tides, they bring a foreground interest to a number of the images you can capture.
I’m always fascinated, by clay deposits. They have so much texture, pattern and colour to offer a composition. Compared to the sea, they aren’t dynamic. As the movement isn’t there, the colour of the sky, the rising sun and the darkness of the clay all play their part. As the water rises and falls, it seems to flow and create movement in-between the channels and deposits.
This shot, in particular, was one I have tried to capture before. I feel that this is one of the best attempts. My aim was to capture the clay, being enveloped by the sea as the water was slowly reducing. I used a longer shutter speed to capture the water trickling through the clay deposits.
As you work you way along the beach there are a number of remnants from our past. Littered along the coastline are old pill boxes, dragons teeth and concrete blocks. All of which were placed along there to defend the coast during the war. They are all being slowly claimed by the sea, just as the cliff and coastline that is along this area. In terms of subject they bring a great opportunity to bring such brutal and exposed structures into a composition. As the tide lowers, the extent of their demise is more obvious.
The Pre-office Ritual
Walking along the river is a habit I have brought in since going back in 2020. As I’m already there I may as well, take my camera with me and take a moment to capture the beauty.
On this occasion, it was a clear crisp morning on the banks of the river Deben. The clear blue skies and bright early morning sun were perfect for capturing the tide mill in particular. Being in full view, with a brilliant light across the side of the building. it allows for the scenes to show the beauty of the view you can see at this time of day.
Orwellian Magic
On this magical morning, the conditions were predicted by the forecasters and they were right for once. With fog and mist on the forecast. The plan for me was to explore the river bank and the country park that runs alongside it. I have been walking the paths of this area for many years, and have banked a few compositions in preparation for the images. so I planned to go to those before I started to really explore.
The mist rolled in across the river and the sun slowly rose to bring this brilliant soft light. The small pools and grass lining the shore were icy and crunchy as you walk. The dawn chorus woke with the sound of the water-dwelling birds chirping to the new day. This was an example, of pre-preparation being the key to exploring the moments that are placed in front. It set your mind at rest towards being creative, and not having to worry about being able to capture something different from the norm.
I hope you have enjoyed my quick round-up of last month, I soon will be reviewing the whole year that will be out in a few weeks do look out for that on my social channels. Do you have a favourite image from my post?
Some of the locations haven’t been named to protect their habitats. Although they are public places, I feel I have the opportunity to remove the chance of increasing footfall.
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