As an Irish landscape photographer, there are a few locations I try to avoid. The Cliffs of Moher and the Giants Causeway immediately spring to mind. Why? Probably because they have been photographed to death or because of the sheer amount of people that can flock to these locations.
Yep I know its stupid, however I recently got over this self-imposed exile, and spent a few days on the Causeway coast, seeking something different.
Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
Getting something different is easier said than done, and in my quest I am wedged between some boulders that resemble giant mussels doing my best to avoid the incoming waves that are leaping up over the foreground rocks. With a camera tripod mounted and the focus set, I am waiting (there is that word again) for the sun to pop out from behind the clouds and paint the hillsides.
Moments later it does. Beautiful evening light spills across the coastline, and with an exposure of 1/6th of a second @F11 set I repeatedly trip the shutter, as each leaping wave does its best to soak me.
As darkness creeps in, the last of the dedicated tourist departs and somewhat amazingly I have this wonderful piece of coastline to myself.
Despite my best efforts at seeking something original I find myself staring through the viewfinder at a view that has likely graced a thousand publications. If I am honest its not hard to see why. Waves turned golden by the setting sun, pouring over basalt columns left behind by an ancient Volcano. What’s not to like! Is it original? No – but I’m happy I got to take my version of this iconic location.
Crashing waves - Giants Causeway Northern Ireland