Rock pools are captivating microcosms of marine life nestled along the coastline, holding a world of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. But have you ever wondered how you can capture the vibrant colours and intricate details of these submerged wonders? Let’s delve into the enigmatic power of a polariser and explore how it reveals the secrets of rock pools along the water's edge, where the code to capturing the beauty of these miniature aquatic ecosystems is cracked.

A polariser is an essential & remarkable accessory in any photographer’s toolkit and possesses the ability to manipulate light and bring out the true essence of a scene. When it comes to rock pool photography, this tool becomes indispensable, unlocking the full potential of these tiny aquatic realms

One of the challenges faced in capturing rock pools is the glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the water's surface. This glare can often obscure the vibrant colours and intricate details beneath the water's shimmering sheen. Enter the polariser, acting as a powerful ally in reducing reflections and enhancing colour saturation. By selectively blocking polarised light waves, the polariser allows you to penetrate the surface glare, revealing the true brilliance and rich hues of the rock pool inhabitants.

As light passes through the water, it scatters and diffuses, causing a loss of contrast and detail. However, the polariser acts as a key to unlocking these hidden nuances. By filtering polarised light, the polariser intensifies contrast and clarity, enabling you to reveal intricate textures, delicate patterns, and fascinating life forms residing in the rock pools. From the exquisite formations of algae to the tiny creatures and intricate rock formations, the polariser uncovers a captivating world that would otherwise go unnoticed.

When I arrived at Benvoy Beach on the Copper Coast in Waterford it seemed like all the elements were against me, Low tide meant there would be no water around the impressive sea stack, little or no waves meant there would be no action to capture and flat grey sky meant there would be a very flat scene. This didn’t stop me however I knew there still be a chance of grabbing a shot or two.

As I approached the water’s edge, I was immediately struck by the vibrancy of the green from the algae that lined the many rock pools, what I need to do next was find some pools that offers something different to shoot, rather than brown “standard” seaweed and it didn’t take me long to find my first composition. This first pool would yield two compositions as I played around with exposure times, framing and of course with my polariser to remove the glare and reveal the hidden world beneath.

The Copper Coast is known for many things, and one of those is the copper colour rocks and cliffs that line the entire area, so it wasn’t long before I discovered some great copper/ golden subjects to fill my frame and SD card with. Sometimes it was even the same rock, just a different perspective, and the polariser played a huge part in allowing me to remove the glare and bring out the natural vibrancy in each shot

So the next time you are at the coast, don’t forget about the power that this filter has to help you find and photograph hidden worlds of your own.

You can see the images I managed to capture on this adventure below and you can watch the video behind the images also