March 2024 Top 3 Picks
As we start a new month it’s time to look back and for me to pick my top 3 photos from last month.
This time it’s March 2024, and all 3 shots come from the same day trip to Eryri and the West Wales Coast.
March Winner - Fishing at Sunset
Fishing at Sunset - Olympus E-M10 Mark II, Olympus M. Zeiko 14-42mm, ƒ10, 1/80, ISO100
After retreating from the mountains due to the rain and wind, and Mr G. (our dog) getting cold, we headed down to Barmouth, Gwynedd, in the hope of catching the sunset and grabbing some fish and chips. Arriving about 90 minutes before sunset we decided to stroll along the beach and take the camera to capture anything interesting. As we walked down the beach I saw three anglers sitting with their lines out to see patiently waiting for a bit. After shooting them from a few angles I noticed the wooden groyne running from the sea wall to the water. Just playing around I tried to frame the anglers using two of the upright posts and ended up with this image.
What I like about this image is firstly using the wooden post to block out each side of the image, the eye is immediately drawn to the centre. This is helped by the contrast of the sunset against the two dark posts. Secondly, whilst my attention was initially drawn to the anglers for this shot, this particular vantage point catches the pebble beach in the foreground. This adds some wonderful detail to the image, especially with the water then drawing your eye up through the image to sea and the anglers.
March Runner Up - Friends Enjoying the Sunset
Friends Enjoying the Sunset - Olympus E-M10 Mark II, Olympus M. Zeiko 14-42mm, ƒ5.6, 1/160, ISO100
Whilst on the beach I noticed these two ladies sat on their camp chairs, under the blankets, with a glass of wine enjoying the sunset together. It felt like they were sharing a special moment, and had no cares in the world. This just gave me a huge smile and snapping these two felt like capturing this perfect moment forever. After I shot this they even went for a quick dip in the chilly March Irish Sea.
March Third Place - Looking up the Mawddach to Cadair Idris
Looking up the Mawddach to Cadair Idris - Olympus E-M10 Mark II, Olympus M. 14-42mm, ƒ13, 1/50, ISO100
This shot was taken from Barmouth Beach, looking back up the Mawddach Valley towards Cadiar Idris. With the setting sun lighting the hillside from behind me you can just catch a glimpse of snow on the ridge. This image captures our whole day in Eryri, with Mountains in the background, lit by the setting sun and the beach just creeping into the foreground.