Behind the Lens: Capturing Embleton Bay's "Horizon"

April mornings in Northumberland are often a mix of chill and anticipation, and my recent sunrise shoot at Embleton Bay was no exception. As a landscape photographer, there are moments when everything aligns perfectly—a rare convergence of weather, light, and location that makes the early wake-ups and long planning sessions worthwhile. This particular image was one of those moments.

 

The Location and Setup

Embleton Bay is a special place for me. Over the past year, I had visited the beach multiple times, scouting and studying the landscape to find the perfect composition. I knew exactly what I wanted—a scene where the sun would rise from the ocean, casting a warm golden light over the wild grasses that line the dunes. But achieving this vision required patience; the sun's position at this time of year was crucial, and I had been waiting for the right conditions.

 

The morning of the shoot was quiet and still, with a cold breeze that reminded me winter had only just loosened its grip. The beach was completely deserted. The only other soul present was Jim Scott, a fellow photographer whose work I admire. The bay felt like it was mine alone, an expansive canvas waiting to be painted by the first light of day.

 

The Moment of Truth

As the first hints of dawn began to color the horizon, I positioned myself on the dunes, setting up for a series of 36 images to finally capture the shot I had envisioned for so long. The air was crisp, the kind of cold that makes your breath visible and your fingers tingle as you adjust the camera settings. I watched as the sun slowly emerged from the ocean, its rays stretching out and touching the landscape with a soft, golden hue.

 

The grasses, which had been dull and lifeless moments before, suddenly glowed with warmth, their tips catching the light in a way that made the entire scene come alive. I clicked aseries of images that would eventually lead to my panoramic image, capturing the moment I had been waiting a year to see. It was an exhilarating feeling, knowing that the image in my mind had finally been brought to life.

Reflection

After the sun had fully risen and the light had become too harsh for further shooting, I took a moment to soak in the scene. The beach was still empty and there was a profound sense of satisfaction in knowing that all the planning, the early mornings, and the cold fingers had culminated in such an extraordinary experience. I had the beach, the light, and the moment all to myself, and I captured it just as I had envisioned.

 

As I walked back along the beach, my camera in hand and the warmth of the rising sun at my back, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Embleton Bay had given me the perfect gift that morning—a rare and fleeting moment of beauty that I had the privilege to witness and capture. It’s mornings like these that remind me why I became a landscape photographer, to chase the light and share these moments with the world.

Camera Settings

36 images Bracketed and stitched together
Shutter Speed- 1/250
Aperture- 8.0
ISO 100