Ultra-Long Exposures at The Copper Coast
The Copper Coast in Waterford, Ireland, is known for its stunning geological features and rich history, making it a perfect location for landscape photography. The coast stretches over 25 kilometres, offering cliffs, sea stacks, and secluded beaches, with Ballydowane Beach being one of the gems. It’s a location I keep coming back to because no two visits are ever the same. There’s always something new, and it's a dream for seascape photographers. In this blog, I'll share some lessons I’ve learned from my most recent shoot there, along with some practical tips to help improve your seascape photography.
Before we even get into techniques, it’s crucial to emphasise how important it is to understand the tides. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or starting out, the tide can make or break your shoot. When I arrived at Ballydowane, I knew the tide was going out, which gave me the freedom to explore the beach without the risk of getting trapped. I’ve seen photographers get so focused on capturing the perfect shot that they don’t notice the tide creeping back in. Always check the tide schedules beforehand and stay aware while shooting. Safety comes first, and understanding the tide allows you to not only work more confidently but also access areas that would otherwise be submerged.
Seascapes and long exposures go hand in hand, and during this visit, I aimed to capture some ultra-long exposures to smooth out the water and create a minimalist look. Wave action was pretty minimal that day, so instead of focusing on capturing the motion of the waves, I opted for exposures lasting 2 minutes or more. Here’s how I approached it:
Switch to Bulb Mode: For exposures longer than 30 seconds, your camera’s bulb mode is essential. It lets you manually control how long the shutter stays open.
Keep ISO Low and Aperture Narrow: I set my ISO to 50 to reduce noise and used an aperture between f/11 and f/16 to maintain depth of field. This combination also helps in extending the exposure time, which is key for achieving that smooth water effect.
Using Filters: A polarizer helped cut down reflections and darken the scene a little, but I also used a 10-stop neutral density (ND) filter. This is the real game-changer for long exposures in daylight, as it limits the light coming through, allowing you to keep the shutter open longer without overexposing the image.
Stabilization Off: One thing many photographers overlook is turning off image stabilization when using a tripod. It may sound counterintuitive, but stabilization can cause micro-movements during long exposures, leading to blur. With the camera on a tripod, it’s unnecessary and can do more harm than good.
When working near the shoreline, stability is key, both for you and your gear. I always make sure my tripod is firmly grounded. A trick I like to use is pushing the tripod legs into the wet sand as the water retreats. As the sand solidifies around the legs, it creates a more stable base. This helps prevent movement, especially when a new wave rolls in. It’s a simple technique, but it can make all the difference in avoiding ruined shots.
With the tide retreating, I set up for my first shot, focusing on two sea stacks that sit roughly 30 meters offshore. They’re perfect subjects for minimalist compositions, especially when using long exposures. With my tripod secure, I set up a 2-minute exposure. The effect was exactly what I wanted—the water became smooth as glass, and the sky showed gentle streaks of cloud movement. This shot confirmed that long exposures were the right choice for the conditions that day. It’s worth noting that each time I visit Ballydowane, I’m reminded of the value of patience in landscape photography. You don’t always get immediate results, but when you do, it’s worth the effort.
Next, I moved to the right side of the beach, where more sea stacks offered a different challenge. This time, I composed the shot to include three stacks, making sure they didn’t overlap in the frame. Overlapping subjects can confuse the viewer’s eye, so it’s always good to shift around until you find a clean separation between elements. I used another 2-minute exposure to create that smooth water effect, and I was pleased with how the composition came together.
Just as I was setting up for another shot, I noticed the sun breaking through the clouds from the west, casting a beautiful warm light on the distant cliffs. The cliffs beside me created a shadow that was now falling on the opposite cliffs, adding depth to the scene. Knowing that a full 2-minute exposure would blow out the highlights in the sunlit areas, I shortened the exposure time to about 1:45 to maintain the detail. Adjusting your exposure based on the light is crucial in landscape photography. The ability to adapt on the fly ensures you capture the scene as it unfolds, without losing important detail.
With the light becoming more dramatic, I sent up my drone to get a better look at the horizon and see if the conditions were going to last. The aerial perspective also gave me a chance to capture some wider shots of the Copper Coast, showing the sea stacks and cliffs from above. If you have a drone and the conditions are right, it can add a whole new dimension to your photography. It’s something I recommend incorporating if you're comfortable flying in the area.
As the tide continued to go out, I moved closer to the waterline for my next composition. A tip here is to minimize the amount of sand in your foreground whenever possible. By stepping into the water, I was able to compose a shot that featured mostly water with the stacks in the background. Timing your shot with the waves can add subtle textures, and the smoother the water, the more minimalistic the final image looks. Keep an eye on your histogram and adjust accordingly, especially when working in changing light conditions.
Toward the end of the shoot, the light started fading fast. The clouds that often gather on the western horizon during Irish sunsets began to take over, cutting the golden hour short. However, I managed to get one final shot of the same two sea stacks I’d started with. This time, they were darker, and the glow had faded, but the moodiness of the scene still worked. Timing is everything in landscape photography, and sometimes that final shot, just as the light fades, can be the most memorable.
This session at Ballydowane was a great way to show the power of long-exposure photography and the importance of adapting to the environment. From understanding the tides and securing your tripod to mastering exposure times and adjusting to changing light, many elements go into a successful seascape shoot. If you’re looking to improve your seascape photography, these tips will give you a solid foundation.
I’ll be back at the Copper Coast soon, leading another workshop in March 2025. There are still two spots left, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out and join me for an unforgettable photography experience.
