Capturing the Mood: Photographing a Sandbanks Seascape

A bit of a rant about shooting into the sun.....

This is a shot of a jetty by the chain ferry in Sandbanks, Dorset. 

Shooting straight into the sun is a photographic no-no, technically. I disagree.

If the sun is in the composition of your image, then include it. It will be overexposed. It is, after all, the biggest light source you will ever find without exception.

And who cares if it is overexposed? Photographers. No one else cares. Trust me.

Include the sun in your shot, and it will be overexposed. And if you have captured an interesting image, no one (apart from other photographers) will cry out that the sun is overexposed. They will either like your work or not.

Photographers care about the quality of their work. I do too, of course. But we must not forget, as photographers, that people view our work differently.

We can spend all the time photographing, processing, tweaking, etc, etc, our beloved images, but sometimes we need to take a step back and look at our work and ask one simple question about our work - who cares? Why would anyone like this image?

Talking of which, I love this shot of a private jetty near the Sandbanks Chain Ferry. It is one of the shots that just makes me love photography. 

And if it fails some photographic technique test somewhere, I really do not care. I have created something I like.

And sometimes that is just enough! 

As photographers, we often dream of perfect blue skies and golden hour light. But some of the most dramatic and powerful images are born from moody, overcast days. I’ve learned that embracing the weather, like the dramatic scene at the private jetty on Sandbanks, is the key to creating unique and memorable photos. This guide is all about turning a gloomy day into an opportunity for a breathtaking seascape.

1. Embrace the Sky

The sky is the most important element in this kind of photograph. Instead of a solid blue canvas, a cloudy sky offers incredible texture, depth, and drama. The sun "bursting through" the clouds, as in this photo, creates a powerful focal point and shafts of light that can lead the viewer's eye through the scene. Work with this natural drama—expose for the sky to avoid overblown highlights and to capture all that wonderful detail.

2. Use the Jetty as Your Focal Point

A jetty or pier is a classic element in seascape photography for a reason. Its strong lines provide a perfect leading line that draws the viewer into the frame. In this case, the private jetty gives the image a sense of story and adds a human element to a natural landscape. The sign reading "No Unauthorised Access" adds a layer of intrigue and helps to create a unique narrative for the image.

3. Capture the Choppy Waves

Choppy waves can add a sense of movement and energy to a photo. To capture this motion without it becoming a blur, use a faster shutter speed. While a long exposure can turn water silky smooth, a fast shutter speed freezes the waves in mid-motion, showing every splash and ripple. This gives the photo a powerful, dynamic feel that reflects the mood of the weather.

4. Include Brownsea Island for Scale

Including a well-known landmark like Brownsea Island in the background provides context and a sense of scale. It anchors the scene, reminding the viewer of the exact location while adding another layer of visual interest. Even on a cloudy day, the island's silhouette can add depth and a sense of place to your image.

5. Simplify and Focus

The key to a powerful photo is to remove distractions and focus on your main elements. In this scene, the composition is simple: the moody sky, the dramatic jetty, and the choppy water. By focusing on these three key elements, you create a photo that is both simple and emotionally impactful. Don't be afraid to get in close and fill the frame with the details that tell the story.

Final Thoughts

You don't need a perfect sunny day to create a stunning photograph. By learning to work with the weather, you can capture the raw emotion and unique beauty of a moody seascape. So next time the clouds roll in, grab your camera and head out—you might just find your next favourite photo.