Although we currently can’t get out and about again in the UK, I thought I’d write a post about where I love to go to take photos of the seaside. Not least because even I, not the most seasoned of travellers, have a bit of wanderlust for my favourite places! And I’m guessing I’m not alone
Coastal photography is not something I get to do very often anyway, since I now live inland, but when I get there, I want to make the best of it.
Naturally, since it’s my home county, Cornwall is my absolute favourite place by the sea. I am from the southern end of Cornwall, and it’s the south coast that I like to photograph the most – rugged, mysterious and full of history. The tiny fishing villages, the remnants of the mining industry, hidden coves, and the weird sense that smugglers could have trodden these very beaches not so long ago. Plus there’s a plethora of unusual features in this part of Cornwall.
I do, of course, also love the more traditional beach scenes for my photos, and for these, a lot are taken in Porthleven, Cornwall. A place I know well, but still has the ability to surprise me with it’s beauty. It’s a sight I took for granted when I was a child, but not any more! It’s often shown in the media when storms are ravaging it’s iconic Institute building, a magnificent sight, but not much fun for the locals!!
Another of my favourite places for seaside photos is North Wales. Much of my most popular photo art has been taken at Rhyl, at sunset on a summer’s evening. The beautiful, bright orange glow of the beach at sunset and the calming purples of the gentle sea have made popular framed prints. For me, it’s a wonderful place to feel calm and relaxed, strolling along the beach at sunset is a hard feeling to beat, right? It’s usually pretty quiet on the beach at that time of night too, which always adds to the sense of peace. Plus, I love a traditional British seaside resort – the charm of the slightly rundown arcades, fish and chips on the seafront, the slight tackiness – all things to be thoroughly embraced if you ask me!
Finally (for now!), the slightly less obvious Fleetwood in Lancashire. It is often described as a bit bleak, and that is definitely fair! The wind is usually blowing across the beach and in winter it is absolutely biting out there on the sand. In summer, it’s a bit better!! However, it’s the bleak feel that really appeals to me. The beach is spread out and you can always find a quiet area to take photos. It is pretty featureless apart from some wonderful groynes and random poles standing in the sea and on the beach. And it’s this that I love! Perfect for minimalist photo art opportunities and the capture of fleeting moments with seagulls as the only feature.
So, there you are, some of my favourite places for coastal photography. Please share any of your favourite seaside places in the comments – virtual wanderlust 🙂
Stay safe.
Clare x
Clare McEwen Photography 