Despite lockdowns coming to an end, we’ve been experiencing one of the wettest and coldest Mays on record! While I’m not a fair-weather photogapher, these conditions can affect one’s motivation on certain days - and they did! However, I’ve been out a few times locally, re-estabishing my practice and the necessary planning that goes with that. Concentrating on sunrises, sunsets and this month’s Supermoon, the two Apps I use to get the best results are “The Photographer’s Ephemeris” (TPE) which gives the accurate location and time of sun/moon rise/set on any one day, and “Clear Outside” which gives accurate hourly weather conditions, including detailed cloud cover etc. Here are my three best results:
Beltane sunrise
This dramatic sunrise was taken on 1st May and required careful planning. With Wearyall Hill in the foreground and Glastonbury Tor as the distant subject, it was worth setting the alarm for 4.15 to get this shot. The bonus was the dramatic sky and mists that ebbed and flowed just at the right time.
Burnham lighthouse sunset
We live just half an hour from Burnham-on-Sea and I’ve never properly photographed this local landmark. After a scouting trip one rainy day, this shot was taken during a second visit on a more photogenic evening. It captures the seemingly never-ending beaches at low tide and the backdrop of extensive dunes that can be seen in the background.
May Supermoon
My original plan was to capture the Supermoon rising behind the Tor. I calculated a possible place to site myself using the TPE tool, and went out the previous evening for a “dress rehearsal” which was thwarted by low cloud. The next night the moon didn’t appear and I realised my calculations were incorrect. A quick walk around the path revealed the beautiful orange moon rising behind some trees. Although different to my planned shot, this is the best moon shot I’ve taken to date. Much learning for next time!