Coastal Photography in Saltwick Bay: A Hidden Gem for Seascapes
Coastal Photography in Saltwick Bay: A Hidden Gem for Seascapes
Nestled just a short walk from Whitby, Saltwick Bay is a secluded spot that offers a wealth of opportunities for coastal photography. With its dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations, and the haunting remains of the Admiral Von Tromp shipwreck, this bay is a treasure trove for photographers seeking to capture the raw beauty of the Yorkshire coastline.
Planning Your Visit to Saltwick Bay
Understanding Tides for Photography at Saltwick Bay
Access to Saltwick Bay is entirely dependent on tide times. The beach is only accessible at low tide, and the incoming tide can rise rapidly, cutting off your route back to safety. To view the remains of the Admiral Von Tromp shipwreck, the tide must be fully out, as it becomes submerged when the water level rises. Always consult a tide timetable before heading out, and never underestimate the speed at which the sea can change. You can also download a tide app on your phone to track tide times in real time, making it easier to plan your visit safely.
Best Time for Seascape Photography at Saltwick Bay
The lighting conditions at Saltwick Bay change dramatically throughout the day, affecting the mood of your images.
- Sunrise and sunset offer the most spectacular lighting. The golden hues enhance the rock textures and reflections.
- Overcast days create a more moody, atmospheric feel, especially around the shipwreck of the Admiral Von Tromp.
- Stormy weather brings dramatic skies and powerful waves, ideal for dynamic long-exposure photography.
Photographing the Shipwreck of the Admiral Von Tromp at Saltwick Bay
A Haunting Subject for Seascape Photography
For those drawn to more atmospheric and moody imagery, the remains of the Admiral Von Tromp provide an intriguing subject. This trawler tragically ran aground in 1976, and its skeletal remains still stand as a reminder of the bay’s treacherous waters. Shooting the shipwreck during misty conditions or at twilight adds an eerie, almost ghostly feel to the scene. Long-exposure photography works particularly well here, allowing you to capture the motion of the waves swirling around the wreckage.
Experimenting with different angles can create a variety of compositions, from wide shots incorporating the surrounding landscape to close-ups that highlight the intricate details of the rusted framework. The use of a Lee graduated ND filter can help balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground, adding drama to the final image.
Best Camera Settings for Photographing the Shipwreck
Using filters is crucial when photographing a shipwreck, particularly in coastal environments where light conditions can change rapidly. The right filters will help balance exposure, reduce glare, and create artistic effects.
Neutral Density (ND) Filters: Achieving Long Exposures
ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposures even in bright daylight. This creates a misty, dreamlike effect in the water surrounding the wreck.
- 3-stop ND filter: Ideal for slightly extending shutter speeds, creating gentle motion blur in the water.
- 6-stop ND filter: A great choice for moderate long exposures, making waves appear silky and soft.
- 10-stop ND filter: This allows for extremely long exposures (over 30 seconds), smoothing the water into a glassy surface and enhancing the eerie feel of an abandoned wreck.
Graduated ND Filters: Balancing the Sky and Foreground
Shipwreck photography often involves a bright sky contrasting with a darker wreck and foreground. A graduated ND filter helps balance this exposure difference.
- Soft-edge graduated ND filter: Ideal for scenes with a gradual horizon, ensuring a natural transition between sky and land.
- Hard-edge graduated ND filter: Best for situations where the horizon is clearly defined, preventing the sky from being overexposed.
Polarising Filters: Reducing Glare and Enhancing Colours
A polarising filter is invaluable for coastal photography. It helps by:
- Reducing glare from wet surfaces and tidal pools.
- Enhancing reflections in the water.
- Boosting contrast in the sky, making clouds pop.
- Increasing colour saturation in the rusted wreck and surrounding landscape.
![Lee Super Stopper for 100mm System [SUP15100U2]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/216abpsqV9L.jpg)
Black Nab – A Striking Focal Point in Saltwick Bay
Why Black Nab is Perfect for Coastal Photography
Another iconic feature of Saltwick Bay is Black Nab, a distinctive rock formation that juts out from the shoreline. This dark, brooding structure provides a strong focal point for compositions and is particularly striking during sunrise and sunset when the light casts dynamic shadows and highlights its rugged texture.
Long-exposure photography can also be effective here, smoothing out the water and creating a misty effect around the base of Black Nab. Using a neutral density (ND) filter allows for longer exposure times, enhancing this ethereal quality. Shooting from different perspectives, such as low angles or incorporating foreground elements, can add depth and interest to your images.
Best Angles and Techniques for Photographing Black Nab
- Low-angle shots make Black Nab look more imposing and dramatic.
- Long-exposure photography smooths the water, creating a misty, dreamlike effect.
- Wide-angle compositions include leading lines from surrounding rocks to guide the viewer’s eye.
Capturing Reflections in Saltwick Bay’s Tidal Pools
Why Tidal Pools Enhance Your Seascape Photography
The Magic of Tidal Pools at Saltwick Bay
Saltwick Bay’s tidal pools are a fantastic feature for photographers looking to incorporate reflections into their compositions. On a still day, these pools create mirror-like surfaces that reflect the sky, Black Nab, and even the shipwreck in interesting ways. Try using a polarising filter to control glare and enhance the clarity of reflections. Composing with leading lines from the pools can guide the viewer’s eye through the frame, adding depth and interest.
The tidal pools also provide an opportunity for macro photography. With the right lens, you can capture the rich textures, intricate patterns, and marine life found in these pools. Shooting just after the tide has receded can reveal fresh compositions with undisturbed water surfaces, making for incredibly sharp reflections.
Techniques for Photographing Tidal Pools at Saltwick Bay
- Use a polarising filter to control glare and enhance reflection clarity.
- Experiment with different compositions to find the best reflections.
- Shoot at low tide, when the pools are still and undisturbed.
Tidal Pools and Macro Photography
Beyond reflections, tidal pools provide a chance for macro photography. Get close to capture:
- Intricate rock textures and patterns.
- Tiny marine life, such as barnacles and seaweed.
- Water movement interacting with light.
For macro photography, use a dedicated macro lens or a 50mm/100mm prime lens for crisp, detailed shots.
Essential Gear for Coastal Photography at Saltwick Bay
Recommended Camera Equipment
To make the most of photography in Saltwick Bay, I recommend:
- Camera body: A full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera.
- Lens choice: A 24mm prime lens for wide landscapes
- Tripod: A sturdy carbon-fibre tripod for long exposures.
- Filters: ND and graduated ND filters for exposure control.
- Polarising Filter: Useful for reducing glare and enhancing reflections in tidal pools.
My Kit
- Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Lens: Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
- Tripod: Benro Tortoise 35C GX35 Carbon Fibre Tripod
- Filters: Lee Filters LEE100 Deluxe Kit Plus
Clothing and Safety Tips
- Waterproof boots: The rocks and pools can be slippery.
- Weatherproof jacket: Conditions change fast, so dressing appropriately is key.
- Headlamp: Useful for early morning and sunset shoots.
Final Thoughts
Saltwick Bay is a hidden gem for coastal photography, offering a diverse range of subjects and scenes to capture. From the haunting remains of the Admiral Von Tromp shipwreck to the striking formation of Black Nab and the reflective tidal pools, there is no shortage of inspiration. By planning your visit according to the tides and bringing the appropriate gear, you can make the most of this remarkable location and create stunning seascape images.
