Best Photography Locations in Saltburn for Coastal Landscapes
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a charming Victorian seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast, is a paradise for coastal photography. With its blend of historic landmarks, rugged cliffs, and ever-changing seascapes, it offers a wealth of opportunities to capture the raw beauty of the coastline. The iconic Saltburn Pier, with its striking structure stretching into the North Sea, provides a perfect focal point for long exposure shots, while the nostalgic funicular railway adds a timeless charm to any composition. Whether you’re photographing dramatic waves under stormy skies or golden-hour reflections on the wet sands, Saltburn’s atmospheric lighting conditions make it a dream location for coastal photographers year-round.
Why Saltburn is a Must-Visit for Coastal Photography
Saltburn’s appeal lies in its perfect combination of Victorian charm and raw coastal beauty. The town’s historic pier, stretching out into the North Sea, provides a striking focal point for compositions, while the surrounding cliffs offer elevated vantage points for breathtaking panoramic shots. The tides play a significant role in shaping the scenery, making each visit unique—calm waters reflecting pastel sunrises one day, then stormy waves crashing dramatically against the shore the next.
One of the most distinctive features of Saltburn is its water-powered funicular railway, which transports visitors up and down the steep incline between the town and the beach. This vintage piece of engineering adds a nostalgic, historic element to photography and is particularly photogenic when paired with the colourful beach huts lining the promenade.
Best Spots to Photograph in Saltburn
Saltburn Pier at Sunrise: A Coastal Photography Gem
The iconic pier is one of Saltburn’s most recognisable features and a dream subject for coastal photographers.
- Shooting at sunrise allows for soft, golden light that enhances the structure’s intricate details and creates long, stretching shadows.
- A low tide can reveal mirror-like reflective sand, making for a perfectly symmetrical composition with the pier stretching into the horizon.
- Using a wide-angle lens can help frame the pier with more of the surrounding coastline, making the scene even more impactful.
Clifftop Views at Sunset
- The cliffs around Saltburn provide expansive views of the coastline, especially when bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.
- Golden hour light enhances the red tones of the cliffs and casts a beautiful glow over the town’s historic buildings.
- This spot is perfect for those who love panoramic photography, capturing the entire bay and pier from an elevated position.
The Funicular Railway and Colourful Beach Huts
- Saltburn’s Victorian cliff lift is one of the oldest funicular railways in the country and offers a fantastic subject for both architectural and historical photography.
- The row of brightly coloured beach huts nearby adds a vibrant contrast against the deep blues and greens of the coastal backdrop.
- These elements make for a great storytelling composition, evoking a sense of nostalgia and traditional seaside charm.
Long-Exposure Waves Under the Pier
- If you’re after a more ethereal, artistic shot, try shooting long-exposure photography beneath the pier.
- Using an ND filter allows you to extend your exposure time, creating smooth, misty waves that contrast beautifully with the rigid structure of the pier.
- This is particularly effective on stormy days when the sea is rough, as it softens the churning water into a dreamy, fog-like effect.
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Coastal Photography: Tips for Shooting in Saltburn
1. Use a Wide-Angle Lens for Grand Compositions
While many photographers opt for a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for capturing the grandeur of the pier, cliffs, and surrounding landscape, I prefer using my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens for its exceptional sharpness and ability to handle low-light conditions effectively.
- It also allows for dramatic perspectives, especially when shooting low to the ground.
2. Experiment with Long Exposure Techniques
Coastal photography benefits greatly from long-exposure settings to smooth out waves and create stunning, glassy water effects.
- Use a tripod and a neutral density filter to achieve exposures of several seconds or more.
- Ideal settings to start with: ISO 100, f/11, and a 10-stop ND filter for a 10-30 second exposure.
3. Visit at Different Times of Day
- Early mornings offer soft, pastel skies and minimal crowds.
- Golden hour in the evening casts warm, flattering light over the scene.
- Blue hour (just after sunset) provides deep, atmospheric blues, especially when capturing reflections in the water.
4. Capture the Pier Lights at Night
- Once the sun sets, Saltburn Pier is illuminated, creating a stunning glow against the darkening sky.
- Reflections of the lights in the wet sand or on the water’s surface add extra depth to your night shots.
- A tripod and a slow shutter speed (5-15 seconds) will help capture the scene without noise or blur.
5. Check the Tide Times Before You Go
- Tide conditions significantly impact your photography—low tide reveals mirror-like sand and rock pools, while high tide offers dramatic wave action against the pier and cliffs.
- Apps like Tide Times UK or websites like the BBC Weather tide forecast help you plan your shoot accordingly.
My Landscape Photography Kit
For capturing the stunning landscapes of Saltburn and beyond, I rely on the following gear:
- Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Lens: Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
- Tripod: Benro 3 Carbon Fiber Tortoise TTOR35C + GX35 Ball Head
- Filters: Lee Filters LEE100 Deluxe Kit Plus
Final Thoughts
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a must-visit destination for coastal photographers. Whether you’re drawn to its historic Victorian elements, its dramatic coastal scenery, or its vibrant seaside charm, this location offers something for every photographer. By experimenting with different compositions, times of day, and photographic techniques, you can capture truly unique images that showcase the beauty of this classic seaside town.
