Waylandscape. Fine Art Landscape Photography of England, Scotland, Wales and Norway by Photographer Gary Waidson aka. Wayland. Award Winning Images of British and Scandinavian Mountains and coastlines. Landscapes of Lake District, Snowdonia, Highlands and Northumbria. Castles, Ruins, Rocks and Lighthouses. Atmospheric Landscape photographs of the UK.

Colwyn Bay

15th January 2012

I have had an eye on this location for years.

I think I first noticed the sea defences in 2006. I definitely reconnoitred them in 2007 but it took me a while to finally decide how I would shoot them.

It seemed to me that the scene already had an otherworldly feel to it and I thought that a monochrome infrared capture would help to enhance that appearance.

Consulting the tide tables I timed my return from Anglesey to get me there with plenty of time to set up at the best viewpoint.

Colwyn Bay. Fine Art Landscape Photography by Gary Waidson

The ten minute long exposure needed allowed the shifting water to create a simple plane contrasting with the bristling geometric concrete forms.

In April, just a couple of months after this shot was taken, a cargo ship ran aground here in a storm, leaking oil as it foundered. I haven’t been back since but I wonder if this shot is even possible anymore. This was shortlisted in the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2012 awards but sadly did not get into the book.

Stanlow. Fine Art Landscape Photography by Gary Waidson

On my way home I decided to continue with an urban or at least industrial theme and stop of at the oil refinery at Stanlow.

Dusk was falling quickly and the best viewpoint I could find was right by a busy road.

With a dark fence opposite my position it didn’t take long for me to decide that the lights of the passing vehicles was just what I needed to light up that area of my shots.

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Award winning landscape photography by Wayland
Award winning landscape photography by Wayland
Stanlow. Fine Art Landscape Photography by Gary Waidson