Groynes at Aldingham, Cumbria
A popular photographic exercise here are the groynes along the beach at Aldingham, nr. Ulverston, Cumbria.
A popular photographic exercise here are the groynes along the beach at Aldingham, nr. Ulverston, Cumbria.
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Nov, 2017Views
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People's Choice in Colour Vs Monochrome Photo Challenge
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken at Aldingham on the Leven Estuary near Ulverston in south Cumbria, UK. The groynes are spread along the beach and have become a feature for many local photographers along with the 11th century church and the natural history on the waterway and beaches.Time
The picture was taken in the late afternoon in autumn when it tends to be a little quieter. The beach is popular for fishing competitions and visitors to the church, not forgetting the numerous dog walkers in summer. I like to walk here with my partner when the weather is not too warm. The shadows show that the sun is disappearing around the Furness peninsular to set off the west coast. One day I will set up early here and watch the sun rise (which would be directly in front of the camera's POV here). I'm spoiled in that I live on the small island of Walney on the west Furness coast and catch more than my fair share of sunsets!Lighting
The lighting was just perfect! The sun was falling low in the sky and moving around the bay so the shadows of the groynes fell nice and short which helped offset the object of the photo adding a 3-D quality. Photographing this from the right-hand side would have lost that dimension I believe. Almost all of my photography is taken outside so I love to use all elements of daylight in my pictures.Equipment
I used my old but trusted Nikon D200 with a Nikkor 35-70mm f:2.8 AF telephoto zoom lens.Inspiration
Quite simply a dozen photographers could take this picture and every one would be different. Changing patterns of daylight, the tide being in or out, rain, cloud, the position of the sun, or even the moon all make for a challenging photograph of a simple subject. I have taken this walk many times just to photograph the many groynes along this stretch of beach. It's great practice!Editing
I originally took this photograph in black and white RAW. That was the challenge I'd set for myself on this particular day. When the Colour Vs Monochrome Challenge came up I decided to rework this picture by adding a subtle simple gradient of a blue filter on top and brown below. Then I used Photomatix Pro to achieve a slight painterly effect with a square inverse vignette and finished up with an analog bleed from Nik filters and off-white covering border.In my camera bag
My trips find me with a custom backpack containing my trusted Nikon D200 with my favourite lens attached which is a Nikkor 35-70mm f:2.8 AF. Extra lenses in the bag are an AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1:1.8G, a Micro-Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8 macro, and a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro telephoto zoom. Oh, and a tripod. The weight of this kit demands a tripod at low light!Feedback
Aim for pictures that you would be happy to display and occasionally go for the fun element - as in head off for that elusive and unique shot. Whilst I still shoot film digital photography is a boon as when I shot this object I probably went through many angles and subsequently maybe 40-60 frames. Get your body right in, move away - don't just rely on focus. Use every angle you physically can, though don't try that in the middle of a shopping centre! I draw a lot of inspiration from other photographers too. Always take a tripod with you and if you’re on a hike take only as much equipment as you need. If I’m landscaping my 35mm is lens enough whilst the 35-70mm is a superb all-rounder. Take a look around you through the lens. You’ll soon see things that wider vision overlooks. Most of all have fun!!
