Project 3

James Paterson heads to the seaside in the depths of winter to shoot atmospheric coastal landscapes with a hint of chill

See how a trip to the coast in winter can produce gorgeous images

We tend to think of a beach as a place for sunshine and swimming, but when it’s cold and blustery it can be just as exciting for photography. You might be met with a brooding sky, delicate frost, thick fog, even a full-on snowstorm. All these things can add to the atmosphere of your photos. It’s one of those things that sets us photographers apart from the happy snappers – everyone gets their cameras out on a fine day, but only a dedicated photographer would head to the beach in the snow. Conditions such as these can imbue your photos with a different kind of mood and substance.

There are other benefits. You’re likely to be the only one there – on our beach the only other people were a couple of fellow photographers – so the views are likely to be less cluttered and the sand (or snow) more pristine. What’s more, in winter the sun stays lower in the sky for longer, which means more interesting, directional light throughout the day. Then there’s the later sunrise and earlier sunset, convenient for those who don’t fancy getting up too early or staying out too late. Even the early onset of twilight can be used to your advantage.

In this project we’ll explore some of the opportunities you’re likely to find along the wintry coast. From brooding seascapes to snow-covered shorelines and long exposures at twilight, there are many delights to discover on your typical out-of-season beach. It’s quite enough to send a shiver down the spine…