Sand and Water Pattern

Sand Pattern #1

Patterns in the sand and running water on the beach at Solva on the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales

Click on the image for licensing terms

The story behind this image

Liz and I spent a few days in the autumn of 2016 at Solva, on the Pembrokeshire coast.

At low tide you can walk along the estuary and out round the headland to a lovely stretch of wave washed sand, bounded by a rocky cliff and with a small stream of peat coloured water running across the beach.

With overcast skies my photographic attention was definitely turned downwards towards the rocks and sand at my feet, as the soft lighting was most advantageous in bringing out the colours, textures and details in these mini-landscapes.

I'm always interested in photographing boundaries, and this isolated little patch of sand drew my attention as the runnoff from a rockpool ran across the beach to join the small stream of chocolate brown water as it flowed towards the distant sea.

This simple little tableau holds so much that is pleasing to my eye.

First off there's the composition comprising triangles and diagonals in patches of light and dark, making for a dynamic and engaging visual arrangement.

Next there's the juxtaposition of static and moving elements in the scene, always a source of contrast and interest.

The patterns in the sand and ripples on the water provide small scale detail for the eye to dwell on once the overall scene has been taken in.

And finally there's the lovely rich tones of sand and water to enjoy, using a limited colour palette of warm yellows and browns which compliment each other without jarring the senses.

All in all, a lovely little scene comprising just a few square feet of beach that would have been so easy just to pass by.

License this image

Image data

Filename - sand pattern 01.jpg

Camera - Canon 6D

Lens - 24-105mm zoom @ 55mm

Exposure - 1/4 sec @ f11, ISO100

Filters - Polarising filter used to remove glare and enhance colours.

Location - Solva, Pembrokeshire, Wales

This image - 800x640px JPEG

Conversion - Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

Comments - Tripod, mirror lockup and cable release used to prevent camera movement