Photography articles

The Anglesey Coastal Path after Amwlch becomes very rugged and it rises and falls dramatically, passing through more highly photogenic industrial ruins. The landscape photographer walking this section of the Anglesey coastal path is spoilt for choice.

The first major opportunity for the photographer along this section of the coastal path is Bull Bay, a nice enough place and a popular tourist destination, but perhaps lacking any substantial opportunities for photography – it’s still worth a visit just to be sure. From Bull Bay the path starts to climb dramatically and it’s from here onwards that the landscape provides a great deal of inspiration for the photographer. Near the end of the long climb you arrive at the stunning Porth Wen, a large bay surrounded by rocky cliffs with, on one side, the remains of disused Victorian brickworks. Although abandoned the main structures remain, the kilns, chimneys and a small harbour wall, it is actually quite impressive, its location enhancing its appeal. Porth Wen is an excellent location for the landscape photographer, particularly anyone interested in industrial landscapes.

Leaving Porth Wen the Anglesey Coastal Path climbs further and the drama of the landscape increases, becoming even more rugged and visually stunning. The photographer really is spoilt for choice, the industrial ruins continue with a series of kilns and buildings located where the path falls suddenly back to sea level in a series of valleys. It really is difficult to overemphasis the photogenic nature of this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path. This continues as the path heads towards Cameas, passing along the way the Llandabrig Church. It is perched high on the clifftop overlooking the sea and has a unique character. The church is an excellent photography subject, a wide-angle lens is being essential to make the most of the opportunity.

A short distance down the cliffs from the church is another section of coastline not to be missed. A large, rock-strewn beach appears, the main appeal the landscape photographer being a large section of the mainland that has broken away. It now stands in the centre of the beach resembling a rugged monument. It makes an excellent subject for the landscape photographer, foreground interest is abundant too.

From here the Anglesey Coastal Path falls gradually on its approach to Cemaes. This quaint coastal village has lots of potential for photography, with the small harbour and the large sweeping bay provide the main subjects. Unfortunately though, just around the bay from Cameas things get distinctly less photogenic in the form of a monstrous nuclear power station. This is actually seen occasionally on the approach from Porth Wen but fortunately not too often to detract from the otherwise stunning coastline. I cannot recommend this section of the Anglesey Coastal Path highly enough, in its relatively short distance it provides the landscape photographer with a wealth of opportunities.

The coastal path between Aberffraw and Llanddwyn is the most unspoilt and visually attractive area on the Isle of Anglesey, it’s also my own personal favourite landscape photography location on the island. After leaving the beach at Aberffraw behind the Anglesey Coastal Path passes through several with little to interest the landscape photographer. On reaching Maltreath however, the situation improves dramatically. From here to Llanddwyn the beaches are just stunning, miles of beautiful, unspoilt sand – a landscape photographers paradise you might say. Photograph opportunities are numerous although the better ones are closest to Llanddwyn Island.

Although know as an island, Llanddwyn is actually only isolated during high tide for a short time. The island has much to interest the landscape photographer – two excellent lighthouses, both having the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains. Of the two lighthouses I personally prefer the newest one, it’s located on the very end of the island and the beach below provides an ideal position from which to get that perfect shot. Also in summer the sun sets directly behind the lighthouse enhancing the already impressive backdrop. Other features of Llanddwyn Island include the ancient ruined abbey and the more modern, but ancient looking crosses, one Celtic and the other Latin. Both of these stand in prominent positions and provide even more creative options for the landscape photographer. The all-round view from the island is simply stunning too, particularly when looking towards the mainland of Wales and the numerous mountains of the Snowdonia range. As an added bonus, the island (and Llanddwyn beach itself) is a perfect place to take both sunrise and sunset photographs and for those interested in wildlife photography, the island is inhabited by its very own wild horses which, if you are lucky, will pose nicely against the scenic backdrop.

Leaving Llanddwyn Island and following the Anglesey Coastal Path along Llanddwyn beach doesn’t mean the photographer needs to put their camera away. The beach is full of character, perhaps more so at low tide. Large sand dunes line the beach and the nearby forest continues alongside. When the tide recedes the beach is a mass of sand, much of it full of texture and detail, certain to capture the landscape photographers eye. Foreground interest for those wide-angle landscape shots is easily found as is the opportunity to indulge in a few macro shots. The already stunning beach is further enhanced by the ever-present mountain backdrop provided by the Snowdonia National Park. Towards the end of the vast beach, as it nears the Menai Straits, the mountains become much closer in perspective, a good wide angle lens capturing some great detail and contours. Across the Menai Straits Caernarfon and it’s imposing castle can also be seen, although at a distance requiring the use of a powerful telephoto lens to ensure the capture of an effective photograph.

There is nothing more fulfilling than to give your audience with sports pictures that can make them to feel what you have felt on the exact moment. Yet, there is nothing more depressing than to realize that you only got the shot by chance.

Being sports photographer means having several excellent pieces of photographs every game. Hence, it is not about capturing the “moment,” rather, it is about anticipating the next big thing.

Here are the ways to be the “constant” producer of breath-taking sports pictures:

1. Be as close as you can get

Your distance will determine your shots. It’s not enough that you are present in the event, it is important that you are as close to the subject. It is advisable to be on the game early so you can have your closest position.

2. Give attention to details

If you have taken sports pictures of something all the audience have seen, then you’re a failure. Your task is to give another story than winning and loosing. Sometimes, it is more effective to come up with sports pictures of individual player dropping sweat than to produce a picture of a player shooting.

3. Find a Story

In every game, there is the winner and the looser. At least, that is the routine aside from we-were-sabotaged out bursts. That is no longer a story. The story is behind the attitude of the players, of the coaches, of the crowd. The story lies on the emotions that you can generate from your sports pictures.

Though it is safer to discuss technical stuff like shutter speed and lenses, giving guidelines of what a sports pictures should be is far more important. It is the reason why there are greater output from those who have the heart that those who have the formal schooling in photography.