In my continued self originated project to capture the Sefton Coast before I finally leave this part of the country I headed out again this evening, I ended up in Southport, my intention was to go to Crosby Beach again, however, and unusual for me, I left the house with plenty of time to spare, so rather than stand around at Crosby, I used the spare time to drive to Southport for a Summer Sunset shoot. I’ve not shot this Beach before so it would extend my collection of prints from the Sefton coast and give me something new to focus on.
I hadn’t checked the conditions for sunset, only the weather radar to see if there were any rain, none, so let’s see how it goes, whatever happens, it has got to be better than sitting in silence at home. Had I of done my homework with the position of the sun I’d of worked out which side of the Pier the sun was to set tonight, but as I didn’t know I was coming here in my defence, I’ll let myself off. I winged it as they say.
Upon approaching the Pier I could see 3 clear options. Left, Right or Middle. I had a walk along the promenade to the left side of the Pier first, this is the side the sun will set tonight so will illuminate the side of the pier if the sun doesn’t become obstructed by cloud, which often happens if there is a bank of cloud hugging the horizon (meteorological term). I then made my way down under the Pier, however, I’m not a fan of the smell of Urine so moved along to the right hand side. It was less populated over this side, whether people consciously knew it or not they had chose the correct side of the Pier to witness tonights sunset.
I got setup and made a couple of frames. My thought from this side of the Pier was to catch the sunset through the Silhouette of Piers structure, which maybe nice. Upon reflection I don’t think this is as visually appealing. At this point I decided to head under the Pier again but a little further out from the Prom.
I made this image under the structure of the Pier and contemplated how this may look if the sunset was to catch on. At this point I was approached by a fellow photographer who said he was out taking photos with his blind son… I moved along and got myself into a position on the left side of the Pier where I’d be fully setup to witness the setting of the sun and illumination it offered the structure of the Pier.
I made my observations of the scene and waited. I made various shots with my Cambo Actus XCD, Hasselblad X1D and Hasselblad 40mm CFE IF Lens. The wider Panoramas are two shot stitches, some are simply one frame crops.
I was really pleased how this shoot worked out. I came with an open mind and left with one too, throughout the shoot I was smelling chips and donuts from nearby outlets, dodging laughing gas canisters, listening to people from all walk of life as they walked by and yes, the blind son even showed up with his guide dog where he proceeded to set-up his tripod and take his own photographs of the sunset. Such is the power of Landscape Photography hey, it can temporarily cure any ailment.
Tonights shoot was a much needed hour or probably less of mindfulness for me. While I’m out making photographs I’m not thinking of anything else. It’s a welcome break, it’s essential and while I’m often questioning my photography and its purpose it’s night like tonight that really remind me that this is a worthwhile and productive way to spend time. These photographs will last forever, this evening will exist forever in my mind or on this blog. One day someone may buy one of these images as a print and appreciate it for years. You’re maybe reading this blog and being inspired to visit Southport yourself (avoid the Prom under the Pier). Either way, had I of stayed home, sat there as life passed me buy in silence then none of this would have happened. You would not even be reading this. Effort, that’s the key, making effort, making progress. Even if nothing had come of tonight, at least I have a story to tell, a memory and you never know, it could have been the best night of my life, you never know unless you make the effort. Some might say I’m selfish. I say I follow my heart, and I put it into everything I do, every time.
You can see more of my framed Landscape Photography Prints from the Sefton Coast, including Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale and now Southport here in my gallery.