5 Winter Coast Photography Ideas

Image by Peter Bargh 

If you live near the coast, or have ventured over there out of season, some great opportunities for out of season photos can be found. The coast is a lot quieter in the winter and this gives you more scope for images that would otherwise be crowded with sun-seeking tourists. Here are 5 ideas for subjects that will work well out of season at the coast. 

The beach

Out of season, there is a perfect opportunity to capture the beach with no-one on it. This desolateness can make a great moody image. You'll be able to shoot wider, getting more of the surrounding area and the sky in the shot without having to worry too much about being photo bombed. In adverse weather especially, such as storms or even snow, when the sea is rough, some great images can be captured. 

Piers/lighthouses

In adverse conditions, the lighthouses and piers of many seaside locations in the UK take on a whole new appearance. From a distance, for example, where there are rough seas some spectacular captures of the waves crashing to the shore can be achieved. A tripod will be useful to frame your shots ready for the waves. Views from / of the pier can work well when shot or turned monochrome in post processing as this will enhance the moody skies. 

Candid images of locals braving the weather

In the towns of the coast in the UK out of season, locals still go about their everyday lives and images of this contrasting with all the fun signs aimed at the tourists can make for some thought-provoking images. Add to this bad weather conditions, with hoods and umbrellas aplenty and you have the perfect chance for some anonymous candids giving a feel of mystery to the shot.

Shut ice cream parlours/arcades

If you're in to the architecture side of photography, then framing and photographing arcade and various parlour fronts out of season will give you the rare opportunity to shoot them without hordes of tourists in the way. The buildings can also make great abstract shots, so spend some time experimenting with angles to see what works well. 

Wildlife

The fact that there are far fewer people at the coast out of season allows that local wildlife more free reign of the beaches and cliffs. Be it seals, or more commonly seabirds, this gives a great opportunity for unhindered wildlife shots in their natural habitat. Some species prefer wet and windy conditions so going out of season could lead to being able to capture them when they're more active. Pack your zoom lens in case the opportunity arises.