A
WORD OF WARNING: fair-weather
photographers need not apply here!
If landscape photography to you
means serene sunrises, calm sunsets and
little in between then I don’t think anyone can
blame you for cherry-picking the conditions.
However in purposefully avoiding inclement
weather you’re actually missing out on the
most dramatic possibilities for image-
making, especially if you’re fortunate enough
to be within reach of an exposed coastline.
Storm surges and waves make for great
photo-taking conditions!
More often than not we associate stormy
weather with winter, however with the
climate changing and it becoming more
unpredictable, we can expect to see more
stormy conditions throughout the year.
Good news for storm chasing! Low pressure
systems in the Atlantic Ocean generally head
our way, so keep a check on weather
forecasts and the Met Office weather
warnings. Not every coastline will be affected
so it is important to note in which direction
the storm is coming from – exposed areas
that face in this direction will normally be
where the storms hit. It’s also worth noting
that not all storm systems will generate waves
big enough to make an impact. The biggest
waves usually coincide nearer to a high tide
so it’s important to know exactly when that is.
Planning is the key to capturing the best
conditions and knowing when and where
can put you right in the action.PRO TIP
SAFETY FIRST
Above all else your safety is crucial, so keeping
yourself at a safe distance is paramount. Before you get
out your camera, stand a safe distance back and observe
where waves are crashing and where is and isn’t wise to
stand. Never stand within striking distance of crashing waves
and be prepared to dash from rogue waves. A telephoto lens
is ideal for keeping yourself away from the action, and a
sturdy tripod is also a must in strong winds. If you can, find a
spot to shelter from the wind and spray otherwise you
will need to protect your gear from the elements. A
cheap rain cover works and leaves just the front
of the lens exposed; use a microfibre
cloth to clean off the spray.