I visited Happisburgh three times between mid-May and mid-June, all with different shooting elements in mind.
Shoot 1 was traditional seascapes at low tide.
Shoot 2 was clifftop and lighthouse with summer flowers and ICM in mind.
Shoot 3 was a casual walk along the beach at low tide shooting handheld only so a combo of seascapes with ICM. This one is called a shoot but stretching the term as it was casual.
Sunset Shoot 1 – Mid-May
Low tide meant a wander along the beach nearest the car park.
I was looking for some different shots but the evening was so nice, traditional seascapes were just too tempting.
I thought the metallic remnant of an old sea defence may work closer up, especially with the barnacle’s on show.
My final shots of the evening were of the following composition using a much longer exposure time of 4 minutes and of a 16:9 aspect ratio.
I didn’t think the shot was particularly good but my fellow photographer really liked it.
That was a wrap so we headed back to our cars.
Sunset Shoot 2 – Late May
This shoot was definitely and deliberately for the summer flowers out in bloom in front of the lighthouse.
On first look, it seemed very difficult to find a composition that would be an obvious good capture.
Sometimes the best way to deal with that is to just start shooting.
I moved around and a little forward and decided to try some ICM zoom burst shots.
I was keen on seeing if I could collate some shots that might fit together and be one of my entries into the forthcoming club print panel competition.
My first shot was ok but not great.
There were quite a few variations on a theme with this scene.
The best is definitely down to one’s own taste.
For me, the following shot is one of my favourites due to its impressionistic feel, and I wonder if this would’ve done better than the one I entered.
My final shot blatantly copied my fellow photographer who had found a superb ‘through the middle’ of the flowers composition.
They generously offered me their spot but I declined as it was their ‘find’ so just grabbed a copy from my position.
We ambled back to our cars for a debrief and that was a damned fine goof shoot done.
Sunset Shoot 3 – Mid-June Walkabout
I was back at Happisburgh early evening with Kathryn as a last minute “Let’s get out somewhere…” decision.
We parked up and wandered down to the beach as a low tide welcomed me back.
This time round, it was casual shooting with the Z7 and some magnetic filters if I needed them, and no tripod.
First up was a close-up shot of seaweed on a rock.
I thought I would challenge myself with some ICM zoom burst handheld.
I tried similar with a groyne but it was terrible.
I should know this as I put a better one if for POTY once and it got trashed.
My best shot through was the following which I really like and can’t believe I’ve done it with no tripod.
We walked back along the beach and towards the time and tide bell.
I found some interesting footprints in the sand.
We arrived at the bell and were shocked to see how far it was buried under the sand.
We tapped the side to make a ringing sound. A kid had done similar earlier and it sounded great, although rumour has it local residents removed the part that would ring the bell when the tide came in.
With that we had reached the end of our evening walk and got back to the car well before dusk but with the lady sitting in a chair near the gate to the car park with the gate closed.
I walked ahead to apologise for keeping her waiting but she said it was fine and that it want closing time. She just wanted to stop youths driving in later on.
So, we have three shoots at Happisburgh and all with different ideas, techniques and output.
Happisburgh never disappoints.
Until the next time, onwards and upwards…