Using a long shutter speed to slow down water

The morning light cast a soft and gentle glow upon the rugged coastline of Portugal’s stunning Alentejo region. As the sun began its ascent, its warm rays painted the cliffside and rocks in beautiful hues. I stood there, entranced by the play of light and shadows, with only my 100-400mm lens and a variable ND filter in hand. It was a moment of simplicity, a chance to connect with nature in its raw beauty.

My objective was clear: capture the intimate details of the seascape, focusing on the sea stacks and their intricate features. I adjusted my shutter speed, experimenting with various settings to freeze or elongate the motion of the water. Each frame revealed a unique aspect of this dynamic scene, a testament to the ever-changing nature of our surroundings.

What made this photography expedition even more remarkable was the freedom that my small camper van afforded me. Camping overnight at such magical locations was a privilege I had enjoyed for years. It allowed me to be in the right place at the right time, syncing my photography with the tides and the sun's movements.

My early morning images, bathed in the soft, ethereal light, showcased the tranquil beauty of the seascapes. The slow shutter speeds lent an almost dreamlike quality to the water, blurring its edges and creating a sense of serenity. It was a reminder of the ephemeral nature of time, as each wave reshaped the scene in its own unique way.

Transitioning to a portrait orientation, I continued to explore the interplay of light and shadow. The warm tones juxtaposed against the cool shadows, creating a delicate balance that felt almost poetic. Focusing on singular points of interest, like a rock emerging from the misty water, allowed me to capture moments in time that would never be replicated.

One particular image stood out from this series, where the water cascaded over a line of rocks, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the frame. The slow shutter speed added an ethereal quality, emphasizing the motion of the water and the natural vignette it created.

What fascinated me most about photographing such scenes were their abstract nature. Seemingly random rocks jutting out of the water became the focal points, each wave contributing to the creation of a unique landscape. It was the perfect blend of nature's chaos and artistic composition.

Checking your photography for distractions

As I moved along the coastline, I marveled at the sea stacks and cliffs that graced the horizon. With the aid of my variable ND filter, I extended the shutter speed to achieve long-exposure shots, isolating the subjects and capturing their inherent beauty. It was a technique that I had embraced throughout the day, allowing the motion in the water to become an integral part of the composition.

However, even in such picturesque moments, one must remain mindful of composition. As I learned from experience, taking a moment to ensure the frame's edges were free of distractions was crucial. It was about finding a balance between creative expression and visual clarity.

Finding new photography compositions in Portugal

The day unfolded, and I found myself in yet another breathtaking location, Vila Nova de Milfontes . A picturesque blue jetty led into a serene river, flanked by an old fort in the distance. This scene was an exercise in capturing leading lines and embracing the interplay of light and shadow. Through the lens, I experimented with different compositions, striving to find the perfect balance.

Ultimately, I settled on a composition that I felt best represented the scene. The image used the jetty as a leading line, guiding the viewer's eye from right to left, culminating in the fort on the horizon. It was a moment of balance and harmony, where the elements of the frame came together to create a minimalist yet captivating image.

Finding reflections with photography

As the day progressed, I found myself at the edge of the water once more. This time, the tide had revealed a wonderland of leading lines and textures. With the setting sun casting a warm glow, I focused on getting as low as possible to utilize the ridges in the sand as leading lines.

The use of a circular polarizer and a soft grad filter allowed me to capture the reflections and balance the dynamic range. I took several compositions, each focusing on different elements of the scene, from the ridges in the sand to the distant horizon. It was a lesson in patience and composition, waiting for the perfect moment when the reflections aligned with my vision.

As the sun dipped lower, I couldn't help but experiment further. I aimed my camera towards the sky, hoping to capture dramatic skies as a backdrop. Though the results were uncertain, the process of experimentation was part of the joy of photography.

Always learning with photography

In the end, my journey through these diverse landscapes and seascapes taught me the importance of adaptability and patience in photography. Nature is a relentless artist, constantly reshaping the world around us. To capture its fleeting beauty, one must be ready to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the ever-changing light. Each frame I captured on this journey was a testament to the artistry of nature and the craft of photography, a reminder that every moment is unique and worthy of preservation through the lens of a camera.

If you would like to see more from behind the lens you can read more below.

Take it easy, cheers

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