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If my archival retrospectives are accurate, it has been fifteen years since Burgh Island first rose above Bigbury’s on sea curves for a slow-but sure-burning 14 year old. Since that time, the majestic isle and it’s breathtaking surroundings have set stage to poignant memories and inspired scars of incomparable bliss (and even ink) that will continue to sculpt images of idyllic nostalgia for a lifetime.
And perhaps the most positive aspect is that, as the years roll on, the experiences evolve in harmony with current circumstance and purpose.
This time, along with family priorities, I’d intentions of finally photographing one of the most stunning places (i’ve seen) on this planet for myself. Time to venture out with camera in hand was limited, however my will to capture the golden hours triumphed. 6am crawl-outs to cliff tops and blustery night beach black-outs yielded some pleasing results…
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It was shameful that i hadn’t attempted this shot before… Attached to a cheap and less-than stable Gorillapod, atop a recycling bin and in windy conditions (with a crop-sensor) I aimed towards the faint lights the Burgh Island Hotel in hope. With far from ideal equipment nor conditions the milky way still emerged with every bit of glory i’d imagined.
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Rising with the sun over Bantam Bay.
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Between a rock and a much larger rock: Low-tide reveals more than sand and seaweed….
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Final night cloud cover was all I had left to tackle. And it was a frustrating endeavour. I wandered down to the darkened sands with hope of something spectacular. Specifically the Milky Way rising above Burgh island with a dynamic foreground scene. If not that, then at least a colour-burst sunset? Or maybe a captivating subject of two? Nope. Just an abundance of purple-grey-ish toned cloud… Still, these HDR creations work for now.
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One year I aim to capture that dramatic Burgh Island night sky scene. May it be a tribute to all that came before, all that helped build what is now, and all that inspires what is to come.
LAMBOLENS 