TOO DANGEROUS for photography? Photographing a storm, Porthcawl lighthouse
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- If you live in the UK you've more than likely heard of Porthcawl lighthouse. Its iconic and in very stormy conditions photographers from all over the UK head there to capture the waves as they smash the side of the lighthouse wall..
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Even tho i live 40 mins away id never been to the lighthouse and only the day before i went down to do a recce, vlog: • Composition tips! Blac... tho the conditions were slightly different!!
Now obviously safety comes first! so before getting any gear out i was accessing the scene to see if it was safe for me to do so. My Fujifilm XT3 was in a rain cover, but i think ill invest in on a lot more substantial. But how do you know if a location is safe or not? what precautions or research do you do to plan a safe photo shoot in stormy condition?
Let me know in the comments if you have ever photographed anything you feel to be dangerous.. also did you feel i was taking a risk with this location or was it safe enough?
Thanks for watching!!
Ga :-)
#stormciara #stormphotography #landscapephotography
All shot were great, the last one, fabulous,👌 Thanks for sharing.
All the best.............Peter.
Really fabulous shots i was watching in the safety of my home on the computer for hours eye glued to every wave.
Best place to be haha glad you enjoyed Gary 👍🏻😊
Fantastic video Gareth, stunning images, hope you show us the framed prints. thanks for sharing.
Terrific (literally!) shots Gareth and I enjoyed your post-shoot analysis. The final shot is my favourite. No pain no gain! I think your cautionary notes about safety are very well made.
Bonkers! A great watch, I don’t regret not coming down but boy oh boy it looked awesome! We shall do it again that’s for sure. I bet you’re well happy with those shots. Excellent work from you both. Would love to see the prints you got 😍👍 stay safe
Wow Gareth!!! Pictures came out fantastic, we photographers are never happy with our images. Excellent Video and images!
Great work Gareth! I’ve seen lots of pictures of wild weather waves hitting sea walls, love them! However I can only imagine how difficult recording a behind the scenes is whilst trying to capture your own images, hats off to you for doing it. Fantastic images too! 👍🏻
Hi Gareth. Like almost everyone in South Wales, I've done Porthcawl in storms a couple of times. I've learned that a long lens (at least 200mm) is the best approach from a safety point of view. I'd never stand where a wave could hit me or my gear nowadays (been there, done that). It might be an age thing, but as Julian says here, there's a significant chance of getting hit by waterborne debris. That said, it looks like you had great light there for a time, so it was definitely worthwhile ! Love the images you took on Monday. Many thanks for sharing.
Thanks for a great vlog Gareth, some good tips, I have never photographed Porthcawl Light House in those conditions. You have given me food for thought. some great shots there well done.
Thanks so much William glad you enjoyed the video hope you get some good conditions when you visit
Brilliant work and some great shots.. Thanks mate for taking the risk and making this
I'm from Cardiff so Porthcawl is just down the road... You got some great shots, I love the one with the light kicking off behind the lighthouse. Well done. As for safety - there's danger all along the south Wales coast but Porthcawl during a storm is right up there. You have to stay safe. Apart from all the obvious precautions (waterproofs, camera protection, suitable footwear, choosing a safe shooting point etc) I'd suggest taking a spotter with you if possible (somebody who isn't a photographer but is along for the ride and has their head screwed on right). They can keep watch on potential danger outside your field of vision, and can save your skin with a warning shout so you can at least take some action. Another photographer could work as well if you agree to team up - one watches while you shoot for five minutes, then swap around. Porthcawl can be rough - but the craziest behaviour I see around south Wales is people standing under the overhanging ledges of rock at Southerndown. Those overhangs are notorious for rock falls - it doesn't have to be a big fall, a tennis ball sized rock coming down can really spoil your day and falls of that size happen all the time...
Should have been standing up by the seabank hotel across the road theres a shelter, good shots from that vantage point and safe also.
Need a mega lens tho
This could be my favourite ever Gareth Danks video! It’s a thrilling watch and some of those images are absolutely cracking. I think you managed the risk well and fortune does favour the brave after all.
Great Video, I live on the coast you did a reasonable job of staying safe the wall between you and the sea knocked some power out of the water. Its very surprising just how heavy water is.
Its not just waves you need to watch out for a girl about 5-6 year old was killed by falling rocks last year, this year we have had 1 dog fall off the cliff two people jumping off it and numerous calls to the coast guard for missing people.
Thanks mate appreciate the comment and the info. Yes we all need to be careful in these conditions with all without a camera.
Great video mate. I’m itching to get to that place. I just seem to be working every time there’s a storm! I do think safety first. But at the same time, the best shots come from being adventurous. It’s a fine balance.
Some awesome images Gareth. Great job 😀
Holy jumping Gareth...that was some crazy wave action. My fave image was the last one you showed...just wow. Safety, hmmmm....as I don't live anywhere near a sea not an issue for me. LOL. But we do sometimes gets some great waves on the lakes (Ontario, Canada). Made me nervous and I agree...don't take kids and animals in those condition. So much power. Excellent vid.
Fabulous and thanks for your ideas and photos
Stunning images, that second one from Monday was brilliant. Great video, great photos. Not a bad day despite the wet feet . Thanks for sharing 👍
amazing video Gareth, what a location. I would have been there you were aware of your surroundings and with a group of people around you so you could hopefully avoid the big waves. Shots were amazing!
I found myself laughing along with you as the waves would come in and get you wet, I think it's your attitude! Thank you for braving the waves to bring us this great video! Love that photo with the light coming in behind the lighthouse!
Hey Carlos How are you mate I hope you’re well. Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed and had a giggle ha ha yes it was very challenging but I love the images I got. Thanks again mate
I love the photos taken on the Monday, especially the last 3 photos. Well done... really great shots
I'm going to Porthcawl with my X-T4 tomorrow morning. The waves are more than 10ft apparently and high tide is just after 10, so this video has really inspired me.
Trying to decide which lens to use between the Fuji 70-300 and the Tamron 17-70. After watching this, I think the sensible option will be the longer lens haha
Great images! I love lighthouses shot in this kind of weather. Blue sky sunny day lighthouse images just seem wrong.
Awesome shot buddy, off there tonight I think to give it a bash myself!
Killer shot with the sun behind the lighthouse! Great walk through, also - thank you Gareth. 👍👍
Thanks so much Paul appreciate you watching mate was a fab morning
Love the excitement in your voice, no hiding it here, can almost feel your adrenaline. Absolute mentalist battling them conditions and getting soaked but completely worth it. Loved the video and already loved the shot on your insta :)
Stunning pics. Them waves were nerve wrecking.
Regards
Joy
Thanks so much joy. They were indeed very scary
Water is one thing. Salt water is another. Still, that is some fabulous weather. I really like the description of the LR settings. Very helpful.
Fabulous photos...my favorite part of this video was watching your laughter and giddiness!
Nice vlog mate, some fantastic shots there 👍
Great Video Gareth!!! And dangerous? NOOOOOO...... It`s only WATER :-)
Owing to age and bad legs I just wish I were you. I would be very happy with what you got. Very well done Gareth and just so glad for you with many thanks for putting the wonderful results up for us. Exciting to see.
It seems to me that you did everything right that you were meant to Gareth. As you say; safety must come first. You captured some amazing shots. Nice one buddy.
Enjoyed this video and great shots. I’d be inclined to shoot handheld.
Great tip for this type of photography Gareth, get a Nikon they don’t mind a bit of water. ;- ))
Great account of the day and importance of safety.
True. My entry level, non-sealed D3200 took a full hit at Porthcawl in 2018 and survived.
Nikon 👍🏻👏🏻💪🏻😁
The Fuji handles that kind of weather no worries.
Amazing photos by the way
epic vlog indeed well done Gareth
Thoroughly enjoyed the blog.
Thanks so much for watching Alan
What an adventure! Very cool images, wauw. As for tips, one popped to mind; enable lens stabilisation on the tele. When on tripod with hard wind and a rain cover flapping around, this really helps, I found out. Cheers!
Hey Peter thanks so much for watching. Appreciate that suggestion to I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve had dreadful reactions to leaving lens stabilisation on was on a tripod in the past. That could be quite a risk but under those circumstances when the tripod was blowing around a lot I think you might be right. 👍🏻😊
I'm on the other side on the Somerset Coast. I noticed here that a lot more gets thrown out of the sea than spray, and that's worth taking into consideration. Great pictures BTW.
Porthcawl is fantastic in stormy conditions I've been there twice and also went to Whiteford sands about 45 mins away from Porthcawl where you will find Europe's only iron lighthouse.
Good vlog Gareth, I did storm Dennis last week and it was awesome, you need 1/1000 sec shutter speed for freezing the waves, lovely photos at the end, check out my vlog on Storm Dennis there at Porthcawl. the sound quality is very good in that wind.
Great video, because I live in Porthcawl I was really looking forward to this one and you didn't disappoint, brilliant 👍. Ps last photo with sunrise shining through really nice.
Great video. I've lived within 10 miles of that spot for most of my life, so I've seen lots of high tide madness around there! Unfortunately most times before I started carting a camera around with me.
Tip for coastal photography during a storm..... SCUBA GEAR... lol. Great shots.
Great vlog gareth stunning photos in tough conditions.
Thanks mate yes it was indeed very tough. Glad I got some good shots though
I have been there quite a few times but those conditions were very sketchy - the wind was coming from a direction that made the normal standing position very dangerous - as witnessed by the soaking you got around 4mins in.... great fun all the same and as you spent some time assessing the place before setting up I guess you was aware of mostly any dangerous bits to keep an eye on. The video captured the mood of the conditions really well and I think this video will be very popular on your channel :) I'll be honest and say the 1st time I went I took a tripod but found it inhibited my gun n run approach which resembles shooting the kites at Gigrin - spray n pray we call it ! Loved the images you captured and I bet they will look fantatstic in print. Atb Alan
👍Super post and images, Gareth! Presence of other photogs a fair indicator of safety (or foolishness😁?). Same if access to venue itself is clear. Third image has layered clouds that makes it special in my view. I’d be torn between freezing and blurring the waves and would likely use a mix of shutter speeds and then see the results. Did you return for storm Dennis? Cheers!
Hey thanks Paul appreciate the comment mate. No I haven’t managed to photograph storm Dennis. The storm photography is addictive and hopefully I’ll have another opportunity soon. Thanks for the kind feedback Paul 👍🏻😊
Nice images Gareth, may have been tempted to use a 70- 200mm lens. With mono pod.
Mate that was epic. Loved the portrait shot you’ve ordered a framed print of. You’re so lucky to live close by
Really great images! "Bad weather is good weather" ;-)
I couldn't judge the danger of the situation from the video alone. I think you have done it right to observe the waves/situation before you started shooting. This can give you a feeling about the enviroment and (should) make you aware of the possible risks. Nethertheless, there will always be a residual risk.
You have done a great job there.
Well, what can i say Gareth, it was certainly crazy but what amazing fun, I must make the effort when conditions are right, my personal fav was the sunrise shot. See you on Saturday in Oxford 👍 PS , wellies are cool , put them on first Ha ha .
Super vlog, great safety advice and particularly liked your critical review of your shots
A great vlog mate looked so much fun absolutely. Excellent images well worth getting wet feet
Superb shot, well done.
Hi, live almost opposite on the other side of the channel. My camera is far too pampered to go out in that weather. Got one drenched through some years ago in similar conditions and it slowly stopped working. Nice pictures. Where do you get them printed and framed? Local store or online?
Bloody awesome place. I don't understand why folk use tripods, though. I'd be hand held, running back and forth for the right waves. 03:48, good job you moved :) 14:30 is a belter. Cheers.
I would have stayed there to get images, but I love that weather.
Only once have I been out at the sea/harbour where I haven't felt safe and that time it wasn't as rough as what you had.
I just got a bad feeling so left.
I think you've got to make a judgement call at the time.
Your favourite shot of the day, stunning.
Love it Danksy... I wanted you to get soaked (in a safe way obvs) 😂😂 Ace images, looked class fun 👌🏼💙
Impressive series of photographs, I like a lot the image at 14:40 and how the water looks. My other favourite is the one with the sun behind the lighthouse, great light.
Hey thanks so much that’s really kind I appreciate that lovely feedback glad you liked the images thanks for watching
@@GarethDanks My pleasure, nice work.
Great shots mate!! Not sure you could have done much more to stay safe.
Yep some excellent pics indeed. Concur with others though under the conditions would defo have gone handheld.. much easier to get the camera and yourself out the way when you see a rogue wave about to break the wall... result I would say especially the sunrise shot..
Love your images and enjoyed meeting up with you all on the Saturday at Ogmore. See you at the next one :)
Stunning images Gareth, it’s so true I’ve never done but would love to give it a try.
That sunrise behind the lighthouse is one of the most amazing images I have ever seen! Fantastic! Let me know where to order the print.
Put a crash helmet on lol. it didn't look like there was any shingle there but with big waves it tends to drag up whatever it can. There are a lot of shingle beaches where I live so in weather like that I tend to stay away. Wet I can take but being hit by the shingle, sometimes quite large pieces isn't fun. Stay safe loved the images
I'm jealous I considered going but it was to far. Great video and I think your caution is sensible but the risk appropriate
Cheers Steve where were you coming from mate I’m sure it would’ve been worth the trip.. next time perhaps
Great images..particularly the last one.. I could feel your excitement. What size did you go for for your prints?
Thanks mate appreciate the comment cheers for watching I ordered and 11 x 16 prints with a border of about 3 inches
Gutted that I couldn't make it to anywhere like this whilst the storm was in full force. Always wanted to add some shots like this to my portfolio. Great vlog too and that last image is bloody epic!
Stunning images mate :)
I grew up in Northern California. Loved from North side of Point Reyes down to Point Lobos. The number one rule, never turn your back on the ocean. Take 20 minutes to figure out wave patterns, when highest wave comes in. Know if tide is coming in or going out.
Brave man … I would be a little concerned trying to use a tripod... hand held all the way with that wind … great results Gareth
Thanks ? Bret appreciate the comment mate. I didn’t use the tripod on the Sunday morning and found my compositions were all over the place. So decided to stick to one composition and use the tripod on the Monday.
I'd be hand holding as well
Cracking images Gareth, like you I hate those plastic covers, much better with a lens hood and on a tripod but I’ve had to use them for a Street Photography and you don’t have much chance of a candid shot as they stand out so much. I think you were very lucky without the power of those waves, it’s not so much getting a soaking but as said previously it’s any debris that gets thrown about. Plastic cover isn’t much good against a log now is it? Or your waterproof at protecting your head. All I’m saying is be careful mate
the image at 14.50 is excellent, thanks for sharing
Hey thanks so much Thom appreciate you watching mate
I've been down to Porthcawl alit recently shooting for my uni exhibition. It is a safe place to shoot but common sense must prevail. I always get down there around 2 hours before high tide to get the best shots. I start off on the rocks and then work my way up the steps as time goes on. May catch you down there one day. Happy shooting 😊
To protect myself I would have put Dave between me and the waves.. I think you needed waders out there. Great images. I did wonder whether you had braved the weather and that you survived. Well done.
Hey Simon thanks so much for watching mate. Yes the thought had crossed my mind I imagine Dave would make a great shield. Then he did get an absolute soaking so if I’d stood next to him I would’ve been drenched ha ha
Gareth Danks When you said you had to go to a job after photographing the lighthouse, I thought, well I hope you’re not doing a wedding in that weather. Well worth getting drenched those shots were. Well done!
Damn, all we get is lots of rain, and the Rhine slowly rising here in Cologne. I miss living on the coast.
You took all the care you could, but you got some great shots i'm very jealous
You’ve made me wanna go there now, great vid and pics
I've been there a few times amazing place but you'll need at least 1/1250th sec to freeze the waves.
Great video mate, that light in the last image was fantastic.
Thanks so much Adam appreciate you watching mate
Some great images there mate, love the ones with the colour in the sky, worth getting wet feet for !
I really like the ones you ordered for print and framing. Sometimes we get this type of weather in Malta and if I happen to be working for the Newspaper I have to go out and shoot these types of images.
The images you’re framing are stunning! I can see angry faces in some of the waves too 😈 As regards safety, you’re on a footpath protected by a wall so I reckon there’s no chance of you coming to any harm. People who end up in trouble are most probably on rocks etc with nothing between them and the sea. Great video as usual 👏🏻📷
Definitely worth it with those shots
My biggest concern with getting hit by waves isn't getting wet, it's what is in the water....debris, wood, stones etc. That aside, wish I'd been there looked like fun! 👍
The debris is a very valid point. And I never thought to mention it. But yes mate epic fun! Loved it 😊👍🏻
Wow, how cool! I want to experience that too.
Nothing like a bit of mild terror to get the blood flowing- cracking vid and some breathtaking shots. Who do you send your pix to for printing?
Hi Gareth very brave mate! The shot with sunlit sky you said you used dehaze tool in Lightroom, did you apply the tool to just that area or whole image?
Hey man thanks for the comment I applied it to the whole image mate didn’t do any selective editing to any of the images 👍🏻😊
Gareth Danks cheers Gareth keep the great work up love your street vids too😎
Gareth, you’re braver here than your street photography! I was thinking of the same that weekend, but preferred to stare at that lighthouse instead through the safety of my living room window across the bay in Ogmore by Sea! Well done!
So so jealous mate I was not with you wow I have dreamed to see that
#Danks Sir thanks Another Beautiful And inspiration videooo
Evry Second of video Is Much love able 📷📷❤😍
I managed to escape South Wales back to Abu Dhabi as Caira hit! Looks like I should of hung on a few more days!
OMG Gareth “ too dangerously “ short answer yes - but!
The fact that you and many other photographers are there proves we ( well maybe not me) are going to do it anyway. The question is when does photography become a dangerous sport? I think this situation justifies this tag. Its kitesurfing with a tripod, you are after all in the water.
All dangerous sports have a level of risk management which only fools do not consider, so having consulted with a RNLI safety officer, here are a few strongly advised precautions (some good for mountains too).
1) Prepare - Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. A recent tip via Mr Gough. Tide check, weather forecast, sunlight hours, suitable clothing - footwear, a towel! Also, a change of clothes. Stay as warm and dry as possible. Also let someone know where you are going, due return time and call in when leaving to return.
2) Never alone - If your location prep. shows notable danger, take a buddy (not your pet) as a spotter. If they are another photographer, agree to take look out duties on a rota basis.
3) Means of calling for help - fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch of course. Check out the “What three words” app for exact location reference information in emergencies. Coastguard emergency services are on 999 or 112. Also carry a whistle (Acme £2-£5) Bright coloured attached to you via a chord, water resistant touch also advised.
4) Rucksack off - If you go in the water, rucksack off will save your gear and save you from sinking! RNLI quote “Float to live”.
5) Life Jacket - (auto-inflating, level 150-275) -yep - just £65 (cheaper than ND Grad filter). Not a nasty bulky orange one, try Crew-saver. They are discrete (blue, black etc...) worn over you coat they look more like a scarf than a jacket. Make sure you use the crutch strap.
6) Baseball cap hard hat - for the cool dudes (£15) or a bump cap insert (£5) for wearing under weird hats - note to Mr Heaton and PJ Johnson amongst others. Slip on a rock and bang your bonce could be game over.
7) Location Risk - Re-evaluate your location risk regularly. If you move a few metres onto say a slipway (Mr Danks) the risks change. They are called slip!ways for a reason.
8) PBL - Personal location beacon (£195) the ultimate safety device for all locations inc. Mountains. No phone signal needed to activate this device which sends a mayday call to emergency services with your exact location. It’s a true lifesaver.
9) Driving home - Get dry, have a hot drink and keep those wet shoes off the pedals.
To all you photographers, stay creative - stay safe - stay alive.
All the best
MJ
Dude I've got the same camera and lens, you've got nothing to worry about my camera gets drenched all the time like seriously soaked and it works fine. If you had a Sony then understand you hesitation to get the camera wet.
Come to the US and chase a hurricane with us...That will be scary and dangerous. LOL... Always have a bag or something like you had to put over the camera.. I've always wanted to shoot something like this with an approaching hurricane or tropical storm but just haven't had the opportunity... Good stuff though !!!!
Wow - pretty epic Ga!!!
Hey cheers mate. Did you enjoy it? Hope you didn’t watch it at 1.5x lol
@@GarethDanks haha! not 1.5 today mate. I had the time luxury to view it at normal speed. Yes I enjoyed it and would love to shoot similar conditions one day
I read one of the comments about figuring out the wave patterns. Don't trust them and don't go out alone. I went out on a deserted breakwater here in Spain the day after a storm to catch surf shots. I counted waves, timed them and "figured out" the pattern. On the way back in a rogue wave caught me, knocked me and my mountain bike off the breakwater and onto the far side rocks, ripping my feet out of my clipped in cycle shoes and twisting the handlebars. Had I been knocked unconscious I wouldn't be writing this comment, and it is likely nobody would have known what happened to me. The images weren't worth it.
Had a very similar experience mate. Can’t tell 100%. Glad your ok. I lost my camera in my experience in Iceland. Very rogue wave on vik beach. Otherwise calm sea. Nuts.
@@GarethDanks Not my first experience with cascading seawater. At Hanauma Bay, Hawaii (picture the horseshoe bay in Elvis' Blue Hawaii, but then that was before your time) I had two Canon FTQLs and several lenses drenched by a cruncher. I guess I didn't learn from that. I neglected to mention that I really admire your style and ability to spot an interesting image. Keep up the great work.
Loved the images from the second day and could feel the adrenaline pumping just watching you!
Ha ha thanks for the feedback glad you enjoyed the video glad you could tell I was enjoying myself too. Was such a fun morning
@@GarethDanks I've been thinking of going myself and your vlog has convinced me that it's got to be worth doing - only concern is that I may have missed the best (worst?) of it.