Ste Johnson Photography

LONG EXPOSURES AT SEA

There's something profoundly captivating about the ocean that keeps drawing me back with my camera in hand. The vastness, the power, the ceaseless motion—it all speaks to a part of me that craves both serenity and adventure. My obsession with photographing the ocean isn't just about capturing beautiful images; it's about a deep, almost spiritual connection with the sea.

Each time I stand at the water's edge, camera poised, I feel a sense of awe. The ocean is never the same twice. Its moods shift with the weather, the light, the tides. This constant change fuels my passion, challenging me to capture its many faces—from the tranquil, glassy surfaces at dawn to the wild, crashing waves of a storm.

The rhythmic sound of the waves, the salty air, and the endless horizon—all these elements converge, creating a meditative experience. Photography allows me to freeze these fleeting moments of beauty and power, to hold onto the ephemeral qualities of the ocean that would otherwise be lost in time.

Photographing the sea can be a mesmerizing experience, especially when utilizing long exposure and intentional camera movement (ICM) techniques. These methods transform a typical seascape into a dreamy, abstract masterpiece, capturing the essence and movement of water in a unique way.

Long Exposure Photography:

Long exposure photography involves using a slow shutter speed to capture the scene over an extended period. This technique is perfect for the sea, as it smooths out the waves, creating a silky, ethereal effect on the water's surface. To achieve this, you'll need a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady, and a neutral density (ND) filter to reduce the light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposure times without overexposing the image.

Start by setting your camera to manual mode. Select a small aperture (high f-stop number) for a greater depth of field and set a low ISO to minimize noise. Experiment with shutter speeds, typically ranging from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the desired effect and light conditions. The result will be a serene, almost otherworldly representation of the sea, with smooth, misty water contrasting against sharp, stationary elements like rocks or piers.

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM):

ICM is a more creative approach, where you deliberately move the camera during the exposure to create abstract, painterly images. This technique works wonderfully with the sea, capturing the fluidity and motion in a way that's impossible with still photography.

To begin, set your camera to a slower shutter speed, usually between 1/10th to 1 second. The exact speed will depend on the light and the effect you wish to achieve. As you press the shutter, move the camera in a smooth, deliberate motion. This could be a horizontal pan, a vertical tilt, or even a circular motion. The key is to experiment with different movements to see how they affect the final image.

With ICM, there's no right or wrong way to move the camera. The unpredictability is part of the charm, often resulting in beautiful, abstract images that evoke the feeling of the sea rather than a literal depiction.

Combining these techniques can lead to truly unique and captivating photographs. Long exposure smooths out the chaos of the waves, while ICM introduces an element of artistic interpretation, blending colors and shapes into an impressionistic seascape. Whether you prefer the calm, polished look of long exposure or the dynamic, expressive nature of ICM, both techniques offer exciting ways to capture the beauty of the sea.

UK LIGHTS UP WITH A FASCINATING DISPLAY

The Northern Lights, also called aurora borealis, grace the night skies of Earth's polar regions with their ethereal dance of light and color. This mesmerizing display occurs when charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons and protons, collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These collisions excite the atoms in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light of varying colors, predominantly green, red, and purple. The colors depend on the type of gas particles involved in the collision and the altitude at which the collisions occur.

For centuries, the Northern Lights have captivated and inspired people across cultures, giving rise to numerous myths and legends. Today, they remain a source of wonder and fascination for astronomers, photographers, and travelers alike, offering a glimpse into the breathtaking beauty and complexity of our planet's relationship with the cosmos.

The best places to witness this celestial spectacle are near the magnetic poles, such as northern Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. The clarity and intensity of the Northern Lights vary depending on factors like solar activity, weather conditions, and light pollution. However, in May 2024, the northern lights become clearly visible for most of the UK is a display never before seen. I was witness to this amazing light show and armed with my camera, did my very best to try and capture what I saw.

On the West Wales coast, where the land meets the sea, lies an enchanting canvas for capturing the Northern Lights. As the auroras illuminate the night sky, their reflections dance upon the gentle waves of the Irish Sea, creating a mesmerizing symphony of light and motion. Photographers seeking to capture this ethereal spectacle should scout for vantage points along the coastline, where they can frame the auroras against the silhouettes of rugged cliffs or serene beaches. With the right timing and composition, they can immortalize the harmonious interplay between the celestial and the terrestrial.

Capturing the Northern Lights on the West Wales coast is a rare but magical experience. With its dark skies and minimal light pollution, the coast offers a serene backdrop for the celestial dance of colors. Photographers keen on capturing this phenomenon must keep a vigilant eye on solar activity forecasts and weather conditions. Patience is key, as the auroras might appear unexpectedly, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of green and purple. When the moment arrives, photographers must be ready with their cameras and tripods to immortalize this fleeting spectacle.

Photographing the Northern Lights on the West Wales coast demands a mastery of the art of night photography. Armed with DSLR cameras, wide-angle lenses, and sturdy tripods, photographers venture into the darkness, guided by the faint glow of the auroras above. Long exposure settings and low ISO sensitivity are essential for capturing the intricate details and subtle movements of the auroras. Additionally, photographers must pay careful attention to composition, balancing the celestial spectacle with elements of the coastal landscape. With technical skill and creative vision, they can transform fleeting moments into timeless works of art, preserving the magic of the Northern Lights for generations to come.

TIPS & TRICKS

For those who may be interested, I shall offer my advice based on what I have researched and learned since beginning my adventure with night sky shots.

Essential kit required: A tripod is a must and you should either use a shutter remote release cable or set a timed delay after hitting your shutter release. This will mean you are less likely to introduce any unwanted camera shake during these long exposures.
Lenses: The best lens is the one you have with you! Ideally you would be using a wider angle lens so you can capture as wide a view of the sky as you can. Light capturing ability is of great importance so your aperture needs to be wide open. I have used a 24mm lens which was able to shoot at f4 (which is not ideal as a wider aperture would have been better) but as you can see, it is certainly possible to capture the night sky with such a setup.
Camera settings: Preferably all settings should be dialled in manually. Focus on a distant star, the brightest you can find. Focus peaking/zooming can help massively with this. Shutter speed should not be above 15 or 20 secs as your stars will start to blur due to the movement of the night sky. ISO should be 2000-6400 depending on shutter speed and viewing conditions - you may have to experiment to get your best shots.
Post-process: If shooting RAW images - when processing I find the clarity/detail/texture settings in most popular software will introduce unwanted noise which is hard to avoid when shooting long exposures at night but you do need to keeep it under control. Noise reduction should be used sparingly as your stars are in danger of being eaten by this. Be sure to know how the masking features of your software function as this can help you lighten or darken specific areas of your photos rather than struggling to find a global balance. Finally, remember to try and keep it real!