Capturing the Blue Hour: An pre-dawn visit to Seaham Lighthouse.
In the quiet moments before dawn, when the world is still wrapped in slumber and the sky begins to don its blue cloak, lies a time photographers affectionately call the "blue hour." It's a magical time, a fleeting window where the world seems to hold its breath, and colours softly waken. It's within this ethereal realm that the story of the photographic print of Seaham Lighthouse unfolds.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Seaham, England, stands the Seaham Lighthouse. With its striking black and white facade standing in stark contrast against the vast expanse of the North Sea, it's a beacon of hope and a landmark for sailors and locals alike.
On one particularly serene morning, as the tide swelled to its peak and the world was cloaked in the tranquil hues of the blue hour, I embarked on a quest to capture the essence of Seaham Lighthouse. This scene is usually captured from the harbour, with crashing waves and stormy skies the draw for most photographers. But I prefer the tranquility of dawn, and wanted to showcase the lighthouse during these calm moments.
The planning for this image was somewhat spontaneous. I had waited for a calm day with clear skies, ensuring that nature would provide the perfect backdrop for the composition. A last check of the weather forecast and tide times before bed sparked the decision to rise before the sun and venture out. Accompanied only by the soft whispers of the morning breeze and the gentle lull of the waves. And my dog Porter, wondering why it was still too dark to play ball!
As the first light began to caress the horizon the lighthouse stood tall and proud, its crimson hues bathed in the soft, diffused light of dawn. The sea, a vast expanse of calmness, mirrored the hues of the sky above, creating a seamless transition between earth and sky. An extended shutter speed further smoothing the sea and blending the subtle tones of the sky.
Experimentation played a key role in the journey towards capturing the perfect shot. Several angles were explored, each offering its own unique perspective of the lighthouse against the canvas of the sea and sky. Whether framed by a foreground of rocks or left to stand alone against the vastness of the horizon, each composition told a story of its own. Ultimately, it was the simplicity of this final composition that spoke volumes. With the horizon positioned towards the lower part of the frame, with the heavier weighting of the harbour wall, the sky was given use of the space above to balance the scene and create a harmony that echoed the peacefulness of the moment. No one part of the image fights for attention or distracts from the lighthouse itself.
But that wasn't the end of the story. As the morning light continued to unfold Porter reminded me that it was now time to play ball. We embarked on a leisurely stroll along the shore. I collected sea glass washed along the beach by the early tide, enjoyed a flask of coffee, and watched the world wake-up to another day.
The image serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there are moments of tranquility waiting to be captured, if only we make the effort to venture out and seek them.
I hope that you enjoy the image and are inspired to seek out your own blue hour!