This is one costal trip I won't forget...
It was that time again... a family escape to a beach area with a lovely community for some well-deserved rest. But for me, it's more than just a holiday to relax; it's an opportunity to hone in on my unfamiliarity with seascapes more than anything else. This was going to be my first major project to test myself, being inspired by new vistas presented at the seaside as opposed to my customary walks in the woodlands. And I wasn't going to shy away from it, as you will see in these pictures.
Upon reaching Camber Sands, despite the allure of the coast guard cottage, I immediately headed to the beach just outside where we were staying for the trip. I wanted to capture some sea shots while the tide was high and thought the rocks along the side added a nice rough contrast to show how high the tide had come, engulfing all of the beach in its wake.
Being in a new photography setting felt unfamiliar and reminded me of when I was studying photography. I shifted my focus from landscapes to learning portraiture in my studies. This change proved to be successful and enjoyable as I ended up learning how to use a "dark room" for processing prints and ended up taking some abstract portraiture using shadows of different household items and bubbles to create a wavy rainbow effect, giving me optimism for working on seascapes. Reflecting on my initial seascapes, I acknowledged the effort put into them with the lighting and contrast and, in turn, felt inspired to further unleash my creativity.
I then went and explored the local town, chatting with locals about different photography experiences, which painted a unique picture with each word spoken. Meanwhile, my brain was churning like the surf, trying to think of how to add an extra touch to my photography to make it my own and put a spin on it... I was walking along the market looking out over the different stalls when it hit me like the water into the sharp rocks.
I intended to wait for the tide to recede so that I could replicate the photos I had captured earlier in the day and compile them into a comparison collage, confident that the end result would be visually stunning. I had to wait a day before the water finally decided to retreat, but once I peered out my window early in the morning I knew this was the day, I put my plan into action.
Excited, I hurried to the beach with my camera hanging around my neck. I eagerly reviewed my photos from the day before and recreated them with the same enthusiasm as when the tide was high. After finishing, I returned to my computer and launched Photoshop to combine them all. I recall gazing at my creation after adding the third puzzle piece to merge three images, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as if I had effectively fulfilled my goal of adding my touch to seascapes.
The meaning behind this blog is to always step outside of your comfort zone and never be afraid to stretch into something new and put your own twist on it. Even though I see the beauty of photography most in woodland environments, I will always be able to see beauty in every type of individual photography, as we are all trying to show others the world from our view, whether it be through sea, land, or city.
We wrapped up our journey after receiving a recommendation from a local to explore a bird sanctuary in the vicinity. Only my grandpa, the bird whisperer, could crack the code of our feathered friends, but hey, who needs a bird dictionary when you've got quality family time to cherish, am I right? Every new trip I embark on presents a fresh canvas for me to expand my portfolio of experiences and skills. From the bustling streets of vibrant cities to the serene landscapes of remote destinations, every place I visit offers a unique perspective through my lens and a new story to tell.
All photos available for purchase upon request.
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