Fine Art Capture at Collieston Harbour Scotland.

Chasing the Curve: A Fine Art Capture at Collieston Harbour

There is something timeless about the rugged charm of the Northeast Aberdeenshire coast, and on a recent trip to Collieston, once again I was reminded why I feel so drawn to seascape photography.

My aim that day was to capture a fine art long exposure image of Collieston's curved stone harbour wall, stretching elegantly out to the North Sea. This structure, built to shield the small fishing village from harsh coastal swells, has long fascinated me; not just for its architectural curve, but for the way it leads the eye towards the open sea, evoking a quiet sense of voyage and solitude.

After arriving, I began the walk along the coastal path from the beach near the main car park making my way towards the village. As I wandered along the path, my eye was drawn towards the rich textures of the cliffs and the striking contrasts of land meeting sea wherever I turned. The light was soft that morning, diffused just enough to let the colours of the shoreline come to life

As I approached the harbour, I had already visualised the image I wanted which meant finding a high vantage point looking down on the harbour wall which curves gracefully into the water. However, that meant I had to get creative and a little daring to achieve my vision.

Whilst waiting, I struck up a lovely conversation with a few local cold water swimmers who had just emerged from the harbour. We chatted about the beauty of the area and my photography setup. It reminded me how landscapes and communities are often intertwined. There is something very grounding about being present, camera in hand, connecting with both the place and the people who call it home.

After searching for angles, I carefully made my way down a steep grassy bank, where I found a position perching myself on some boulders where I could frame the composition I was happy with. It was quite literally a delicate balancing act as I had to ensure my tripod was securely placed before I could even think about setting up the long exposure.

I also had the unexpected challenge of timing as vehicles occasionally pulled up to park near the harbour wall below, and I wanted the naturally beautiful scene to remain undisturbed by any modern elements that might take away from the timelessness of the composition. Patience does not come easy to me but as a photographer it has become part of my way of being waiting for the perfect moment when the view before me is just as I envisioned.

For me, I do not simply see the coast as just a subject, but I feel it is a space of reflection and peace. There is a rhythm to the tide that calms the mind, and I often find the act of photographing seascapes to be as therapeutic as it is creative. When I captured this image, I felt as if I travelled full circle with the planning, the patience and the pressing of the shutter coming together to tell this quiet story. The resulting long exposure image that smoothes the motion of the sea whilst allowing the texture of the harbour wall to stand strong is now available as a Fine Art Print for you to enjoy. If you have ever been to Collieston and looked out to the North Sea, I hope this image brings a sense of that experience into your space. If you have not had the opportunity to visit, perhaps you might be inspired to discover the magic in the same way that I was.

Thank you for reading my latest blog, and I am always delighted to share my journey behind the lens with you.

Collieston Harbour Aberdeenshire Scotland