Monster Waves& INCREDIBLE LIGHT
Valentia Island, nestled off the coast of Kerry, Ireland, is a great location for photographers seeking to capture the raw beauty of nature. Recently, I embarked on a road trip to this stunning island, eager to capture its rugged landscapes and powerful seas. Little did I know as I set out that my journey would be an encounter in the middle of a storm and a fleeting moment of breathtaking beauty at sunrise that I was glad I didn’t miss.
Arriving on Valentia Island the day before, I was met with unfavourable weather conditions. Storm clouds loomed overhead, The rain was coming thick and fast and the air was as thick as soup. It stopped play upon my arrival for sure but I was determined to seize the opportunity presented by the passing storm, I parked my camper van for the evening, ready to spring into action at the first sign of a break in the weather.
Throughout the night, the sound of monster waves crashing against the shoreline echoed in the darkness. Despite the howling winds and torrential rain, I found comfort in knowing that each crashing wave brought me one step closer to capturing the perfect shot the next morning. At around 4 am I woke to the sound of silence as such, the storm it seemed had passed but I could still hear the waves crashing off the rocks close by, so I put my head down once more hoping that I would still have some action when I woke again.
As dawn broke, I awoke to the sound of waves still raging against the rocks. Eagerly, I stepped outside and was greeted by a sight that almost took my breath away. A fiery red glow illuminated the eastern sky, signalling the promise of a spectacular sunrise. I knew from looking at the forecast that I would have a very small gap of opportunity and it seemed like I was about to be rewarded.
Without hesitation, I set out on foot for the short 5-minute walk along the road, before then navigating the treacherous rocks towards a vantage point where I could capture the waves, the lighthouse, and the colourful sky in a single frame. The rocks beneath my feet were slick with seawater, and I slipped twice before I was finally I positioned precariously at my vantage point. Yet, driven by the desire to catch this fleeting moment, I pressed on.
Looking through the camera for the first time during the shoot, I marvelled at the scene before me. Towering waves crashed against the rocky shoreline, sending plumes of spray into the air. The lighthouse stood strong against the powerful seas. Above it all, the sky blazed with hues of reds and oranges, painting a picture of incredible beauty.
With my camera in hand, I began to shoot, capturing the raw power and majesty of the ocean in every shot. The waves surged and retreated with relentless force, their energy palpable even through the lens of my camera. I took many shots during this time so I didn’t miss the fiery glow that was in the sky, coupled with the reflected light on the rocks and water for each shot. And as the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its golden light upon the scene, I continued to capture the magic unfolding before me.
As the morning wore on, the fiery colours of sunrise began to fade, giving way to the soft light of day. Yet, I remained focused, changed over to my 70-200mm, determined to freeze the waves in time as they crashed against the rocks before me.
In the end, my photography trip to Valentia Island was more than just an opportunity to capture stunning images. It had been a journey of patience and discovery, a testament to the power of nature to inspire and awe. As I packed up my gear and prepared to leave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experience I had been privileged to witness. I was the only one there, I had the place all to myself.
I had earlier sent my drone up to get some views and as I looked out at the vast expanse of sea, cliffs, mountains and sky, I knew that my journey had only just begun. I was only at the start of this adventure, there was plenty more to come and if the weather held off I was confident I would get even more great shots of this stunning part of Ireland.
For those who wish to see what lies ahead, subscribe to my YouTube channel. There, you will find behind-the-scenes footage, in-the-field learnings, plus updates on my latest photography adventures. Together, we will embark on a journey of discovery, one photograph at a time.
You can watch this video below and see the images in the gallery.
Thanks for Reading
Darren
