Take advantage of terrible weather
Use a strong neutral-density filter to help you tame tempestuous scenes during daylight hours
Stormy winter conditions are ideal for long-exposure photography, as they make it easier to capture exaggerated motion blur. The coast is a great location to try this, as rough seas can be rendered smooth and creamy with an exposure of several seconds. You’ll need a sturdy tripod and an ND filter to capture a blend of sharpness and extreme blur that makes these types of images stand out.
Don’t set up in a location that’s too exposed, and be prepared to act as a windbreak to block the camera from the worst of the weather. You’ll need a dry microfibre cloth (make that several) to wipe the filter on the front of the lens before you take a shot. If you’re using a DSLR, block the viewfinder too, as any stray light that seeps in can lead to unwanted artifacts in the image. When you’re finished, give your kit a wipe down with a cloth that’s lightly dampened with fresh water before drying it.