Capturing Dramatic Seascapes: Wild Waves Photography Techniques at Dingle, Ireland

Following my recent adventure at Minard, where I captured some dramatic seascapes, I found myself drawn back to the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. This time, the plan was to make the most of a promising forecast. With great light expected and waves set to be particularly large, I decided to revisit a spot I’ve photographed before: the old, disused Dunquin Pier. Historically, this pier was the main landing spot for boats coming from the Blasket Islands, a connection to Ireland's past that adds a layer of significance to the location.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the sheer number of birds milling around. Hundreds of them, mostly seagulls and gannets, were diving into the water, clearly taking advantage of an abundant fish supply. It was a sight to behold, and although I’m not typically a wildlife photographer, I thought this was an opportunity too good to miss. Fortunately, I borrowed the Canon 100-500mm L lens from my buddy Diarmuid. The lens was perfect for this scenario, giving me the reach and flexibility needed to capture these birds in action.

The light was on my side, allowing me to shoot with a fast shutter speed to freeze the birds mid-dive. Gannets are particularly striking as they dive from impressive heights with such precision. Capturing that moment when they hit the water was a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. Despite not being in my usual comfort zone, I managed to get a few shots that I’m quite pleased with. It was a reminder that sometimes it’s worth stepping out of your regular photography style to try something new, especially when the conditions are right.

After spending some time with the birds, I shifted my focus back to what had originally brought me here: the seascape. The headland in this area is known as Dunmore, and it provides a stunning backdrop to the islands off the coast. With the telephoto lens still attached, I aimed to capture the Great Blasket Island, a place I’ve photographed many times but never quite like this. The three white cottages on the island are usually barely visible from the mainland, but with the reach of the 100-500mm lens, I was able to bring them into clear view. This lens helped me show the scale and isolation of these cottages, sitting out there on the edge of the world.

I also turned my lens toward An Tiaracht, a triangular-shaped island that’s always been a favourite of mine. It’s one of those landmarks that, no matter how many times you photograph it, there’s always a new angle or light condition to explore. This time was no different, and I was pleased with the way the telephoto lens allowed me to isolate details on the island that I hadn’t captured before.

As I was working on these island shots, I couldn’t help but notice the waves. They were crashing against the headland with force, sending spray high into the air. I’ve always been drawn to the power of the sea, and these waves were particularly dramatic. I had set up my video camera to record a piece to camera earlier, and it was still running, capturing the scene as I worked. It occurred to me that this would be a perfect opportunity to record another piece to camera, this time with the waves in the background to really convey the scale and intensity of the location. It’s hard to communicate through still photos alone, so I’m glad I took the time to do it.

With the storm clouds approaching on the western horizon, I knew my time was limited. The light was still fantastic, so I moved quickly to a vantage point that would allow me to capture the waves as they broke against the rocks below me. As I reached the spot, I was immediately greeted by monster waves, just as I had hoped. The continuous high-speed shooting mode on my camera was essential here, allowing me to take a series of shots in rapid succession. This way, I could capture each wave in its various stages of impact—initial break, explosion of spray, and the retreat.

Given the fast pace at which the waves were coming in, there was barely any downtime between shots. It was a constant process of composing, shooting, and adjusting for the next one. The conditions were dynamic, which is always exciting for a photographer. You have to be fully engaged, ready to react to whatever nature throws at you. And today, nature was in full display.

The approaching storm was another factor to consider. It created a sense of urgency, knowing that the light could change drastically at any moment. But it also added an extra element of drama to the scene. As the dark clouds moved closer, they contrasted beautifully with the stunning light hitting the waves. I took full advantage of this, shooting until the very last minute

This day on the Dingle Peninsula reinforced the importance of being at the right place at the right time. Photography, especially landscape and seascape photography, is often about patience and preparation. But sometimes, it’s also about luck—being fortunate enough to witness something extraordinary. And when that happens, it’s crucial to be ready to capture it.

For those of you who are interested in experiencing these kinds of conditions and improving your photography skills, I offer both one-on-one workshops and group sessions. These workshops are designed to help you make the most of the unpredictable and often dramatic Irish weather, teaching you how to work with the light, capture the power of the sea, and develop your eye for compelling compositions. If you’d like to join me on a future shoot, you can find more details and book a session by following the links on my website.

In the end, my return to the Dingle Peninsula proved to be as rewarding as I had hoped. The combination of wildlife, rugged landscapes, and powerful waves provided a variety of subjects to work with, each presenting its challenges and rewards. It’s days like this that remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place—the thrill of capturing fleeting moments in nature, and the satisfaction of sharing those moments with others.