This calming long exposure shot was featured on Amateur Photographer Facebook Page, and was chosen as Online Picture Of The Week in the magazine.
Canon 5D-Mk3 16-35L lens, 181 seconds, f/11 ISO 100, Nisi V5 Pro, Landscape CPL, 3 Stop Medium Graduated, 10 Stop ND
Meol’s Beach
The image was taken on Meol’s Beach, which lies on the Wirral Peninsula between Hoylake and Wallasey . It’s home to around two dozen boats for eight months of the year, most of which are removed during winter. It’s a location I know very well and one I have visited many times over the years because it’s close to home.
The Tides
Planning a shot like this requires many elements coming together, and they don’t always fall into place. The light obviously and the tide.
My most useful accessory is my Tide Tables book, it is the first thing I buy every year (Amazon). The beach is tidal and needs to be approached with caution because of deep pools and quick sand, which can easy suck feet under. I use the tides to plan what I think will be a good opportunity, usually a high tide of at least 7M, and then follow the tide out. Combined with weather reports I can judge when a visit will give the best conditions.
Nisi V6 Landscape, 10 Stop ND, 3 Stop Medium Graduated
Grounded
“Solitude” was taken on a low 7 Meter receding tide. Watching the boat movement is important, deciding when the boat is finally grounded below the water level, you then have little time before the sand becomes visible. My ‘diminishing horizons’ have become my trademark shot, which I capture by getting as low as possible, and using a Nisi 10 Stop ND to create the drama.
“‘diminishing horizons’ have become my trademark shot”
Selfie – Nisi V6 Landscape, 3 Stop medium Graduated
If you feel you would like to join me on one of my workshops on this location, I run them frequently from March to October.
Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed the article. Please follow me on my links and feel free to leave a comment.
Ray
Ray McBride
Based on the Wirral, my passion is the North West coast, show me a boat and I'm there....
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Latest posts by Ray McBride
- Solitude - May 13, 2019
Meols beach belongs to you Raymond. Like the cover of a Pink Floyd album the diminishing horizons give zen to the eye and admirer! A well written article backed up with the highest quality shots! Looking forward to your next meet up and series of shots from your next adventure…