2 Days in Dorset
I’d visited Dorset and the Jurassic coast a couple of times previously for the purposes of landscape photography shoots. At the time, I was living in Hampshire and certain locations could be reached photographed in one day. My last visit was over a couple of days back in 2013 when, complete with tent, I based myself just up from Durdle Door - perfect positioning for rolling out of the tent at sunrise and staying out late for sunset, resulting in some images of the iconic rock arch which I was and still am quite pleased with. I was less fortunate, however, with other locations. So, another trip was an inevitable necessity.
Setting off from home at 4am, I headed straight for Lulworth Cove to reach it for sunrise, a challenging location which I wanted to capture to show the shape and tranquility of the cove. Close by the cove is Stair Hole, a rock formation with some smaller arches which I captured as a semi-long exposure. The strong forecast wind seemed to avoid the location for now.
A location which I wanted to revisit was Kimmeridge Bay, overlooked by Clavell Tower. Unfortunately, on this occasion, an acceptable three hour wait for an appropriate tide was on the cards but a howling on-shore wind battering the tripod would have made steady long-exposures of the rock formations and bay completely unsharp - even if my tripod managed to stay upright! So, I still need to go back.
I decided to head inland and get away from the wind and headed to Eye Bridge. The conditions for shooting the bridge weren’t right here either and although I took some shots, I decided to leave them as I feel they are sub standard.
Having checked in to my hotel, I headed out to Swanage for the evening. Again, having been here before one summer years ago, I knew about the old pier and hoped that the summertime diving platform would be removed to give me the chance to get the iconic long-exposure shot of the old pier stilts. I managed that without any problems then headed over to The Banjo Pier along the beach for sunset, giving me my favourite black and white image of the trip - see the image below.
Day 2 - Sunrise, I’m standing on the edge of the Foreland cliffs overlooking Old Harry Rocks with a painterly orange and magenta sky, with far calmer winds than the first day, perfect for some long exposures with the polariser bringing out turquoise shades never expected to be seen in the English Channel.
It was to be an even bigger day - more locations to squeeze in best I can. Back to Swanage for another go at both piers, then still no joy with Kimmeridge Bay - the high tide was fully in once again and I had no spare time to wait.
Straight to Portland Bill for the lighthouse and Pulpit Rock. The onshore breeze was still really strong so buffeting and sea spray was still a challenge, as was shooting contra jour. The tide prevented me from getting to my preferred location for shooting Pulpit Rock and the sun was less than ideal for shooting the light house. Another return visit for the future at a different time of year with a lower tide, I'm sure.
I still needed to fit in another three locations, next-up Abbotsbury, a high viewpoint overlooking St. Catherine’s Chapel, with Chesil Beach below. Although hazy, a little processing helped the final image.
Onwards to Lyme Regis and another visit to the Cobb, an S-shaped harbour wall which I wanted to photograph again with better results. Although, unfortunately, the tide was out, I am much happier with my compositions and light with these latest images.
Finally, just 20 minutes away is Colmer’s Hill. A distinctive hill which I had spotted from the A35 just outside Bridport many years ago, but had never photographed. I was hoping that at sunset the sun would colour the few clouds in the sky. A 10-minute muddy walk along a foot path brought me to my shooting position on the side of the adjacent hill. But luckily, as the sun dipped low below the hills behind me, the remaining direct sun lit up the top of the tree-topped hill, which I hadn’t expected. A good end to two great days - but I still need to go back! The Jurassic Coast and Dorset has so many stunning photo locations to make the most of.
