Anglesey Breakwater 1, a photo from Isle of Anglesey, Wales

Photographer's Note

Ok - normal service resumed! This is Anglesey Breakwater. An easy walk to do - no hills - dead flat - thought I was in Holland not North Wales!

Here's what Wikipedia has to say:

"Holyhead Breakwater is situated at the north-western end of Holyhead in the county of Anglesey in North Wales, and is the longest breakwater in the United Kingdom. It is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) long and took 28 years to build. Work began in 1845 and it was officially opened on 19 August 1873 by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. On average, 1,300 men were employed to build it and seven million tons of limestone from Moelfre, Anglesey were used in its construction. The breakwater, which is accessible in good weather, has a promenade on top which leads from Soldier’s Point and ends at a lighthouse.

The lighthouse was probably designed by John Hawkshaw, the superintendent engineer who was responsible for overseeing the Holyhead harbour works from 1857 to 1873. The lighthouse was completed in 1873 as work on the breakwater was coming to an end. The lighthouse tower has a roll-moulded string-course projecting above the first floor level and a moulded cornice supports a walkway around a circular lantern which is surmounted by a weathervane and finial. The lantern has inclined glazing bars and the light has a range of fourteen miles.

The three storey black and white tower is unusual because it is square. It measures 22.25 feet (6.78 m) on each side, is 63 feet (19 m) high and rests 70 feet (21 m) above the high water mark. It has chamfered angles and a stepped plinth set on an oval platform on the breakwater. A square design was chosen because it made the living quarters more comfortable. Inside, much of the original living accommodation remains intact. The lighthouse was manned until November 1961 and was automated in the same year. One of the last keepers was David John Williams, who later became a Trinity House speaker giving talks on the service.

The lighthouse is the responsibility of Holyhead port authority, which is now Stena Line. Like most other lights in Gwynedd, it is now operated from the Holyhead Control Centre of Trinity House. According to Douglas B. Hague, this lighthouse is important architecturally because it forms part of the ambitious engineering works of a 'harbour of refuge'. "

trevormoffiet, timecapturer, Kofman, frunchy, Hansaphotos, Sonata11, mirosu, Noel_Byrne, parvatibb, macjake, ourania has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

korbee (6305) 2012-09-29 2:14

Like some of the dikes we see so often in the Netherlands ;=],with no sunshine you were still able to bring out some good coloring in the wate and the dike itself,and yes... the sky makes it all!

nice one Mike.

jan

yquem46 (32835) 2012-09-29 2:24

Hi Michael
Strong shot, minimalist and with a very threatening
Well composed with the breakwater starting at each bottom corner of the frame
Nice mild light and natural colors
Bravo, very well done
have a nice WE
Patrick

siudzi (24689) 2012-09-29 2:27

Hi Michael,
This is a fantastic post! Absolutely unique and very moody scene captured. The visual effect created by cold tones and special light is superb and very eye-catching. Great one! TFS.

Warm regards,
Malgorzata

SNOOP_Chan (3518) 2012-09-29 2:36

Hello Michael, interesting composition here, the photo is basivcally split by the middle, in the left side the water is aggitated, on the right side the water is calm. It's two shots into one, rarely seen on TE. Good one!
Regards!

SnapRJW (19188) 2012-09-29 3:03

Hi Mike - I like this one a lot. The composition is simple and precise with the frame being so neatly divided into areas of colour and texture. Wonderful moody sky. Super shot. Have a lovely weekend. Rosemary

snunney (67918) 2012-09-29 3:47

Hello Michael,
Very difficult to find anywhere flat in North Wales:-) A superbly composed image with immense depth. The stormy atmosphere is very well evoked with the dark subdued tones. I like the contrast offered by the turquoise patches of sea either side of the breakwater. Very sophisticated photography.

trevormoffiet (927) 2012-09-29 3:48

Hello Michael,
I like your low POV, geometric composition with different colours and texture on right and left sides of the breakwater and the dark brooding clouds at the top. Great depth of field.
I notice you have used f22 to obtain the good depth of field. That has been one of my preferred settings. However for most images, I have found that I still seem to get sufficient depth of field with better sharpness at f11 or even lower f stops . Some of the sharpness seems to disappear at the highest f stop with my Zuiko lens. An added bonus, if hand holding in 'lowish' light, is the shorter exposure time that is required.

Regards,
Trevor

timecapturer (31278) 2012-09-29 3:55

Hi Michael
a striking perspective and enticing composition. Love the effect and the atmosphere the threatening clouds impart here in this wonderful shot. I like the way the waters are split and the curve is irresistible. A creative, excellently executed and presented image.

Enjoy the weekend - best wishes Brian.

frunchy (1301) 2012-09-29 6:55

Hi Michael,

i like this wide view and the dark, contrasty sky. the eye follows the path automatically because of the central composition.

TFS, best regards, F.

sacavem (18586) 2012-09-29 7:26

Olá Michael,

Its an excellent POV and splendid composition.Very well seen and done.

Cumprimentos,
Filipe

JFS (32429) 2012-09-29 9:12

the visual effect is amazing, a highway to the infinite! Great mood and colors, i love it!
Cheers,
Juan

annjackman (13463) 2012-09-29 9:26

Hello Michael,
I would love to have taken this shot - it has everything that I enjoy with the graphic, minimalistic composition and the well balanced light. The dark sky suits the image very well and the blue/green sea just adds enough colour. The broken yellow line also adds just an extra touch of colour and strengthens the excellent perspective.
Kind Regards, Ann

ACL1978 (6103) 2012-09-29 11:05

Really nicely done, Mike - it has that close angle and curve to it that's pretty recognizable, with some really nice contrast in tough, cloudy light (where you actually do some of your best work). You chose a great angle, keeping the curve of the breakwater even with the horizon so the two halves of the shot meld together - it's just so neatly divided, between the sky, the inlet half of the water, and the open sea at left. Even the path is rough on the rough sea side and smooth on the placid side. Very nicely composed.

Andrew

Hansaphotos (5587) 2012-09-29 13:49

Hello Michael

A fantastic shot. Very well composed picture, very well taken from a low pov. The dark threatening clouds and the almost b&W upper part has a great visual impact here. The long and curving line that divides the dike from the sea creates a tremendous depth to the scene. Wonderful work:) TFS. Enjoy your weekend.

Best regards, Erling

mirosu (5557) 2012-09-30 2:13

Hi Mike,
This is an excellent perspective. The breakwater is very well leading through the photo. I like the simple colors and the excellent contrast between the green sea water against the dark sky. Well done!!!

Noel_Byrne (8073) 2012-09-30 9:19

Hi Michael,
That is some impressive view! The sky is like something from and end of the world movie, but the water is like something froma tropical lagoon, what an amazing contrast. The breakwater leads perfectly between them. Cheers again!
NOel

parvatibb (657) 2012-09-30 13:41

Hello Micheal,
It is a breath taking photo! Love the contrast of the dark grey clouds above the calm green water. Excellent composition.
tfs
bb

dkmurphys (37419) 2012-09-30 14:07

Hi Mike,
A great attractive POV to illustrate the sea side structure. I like the idea, very artistic result.
Enjoy a good week.

Daniel

macjake (39998) 2012-10-01 10:06

Hi Michael
Funny how i missed this first installment yet i reviewed your twisted one!
I enjoy the twisted one so much that i thought I probalby wouldn't enjoy the 'straight' version..but i'm wrong.
I think its the extended cloud coverage that puts it over the top.
wicked views eh!
really cool atmosphere. its as if you're the last man standing on earth.
cheers
craig

ourania (13085) 2012-10-01 11:28

Hello Mike,
I like very much the fantastic depth and perspective of the curvy breakwater. They enhance the intensity of the raw textures, moody lighting and deep colours. The appeal of their simple but decisive interaction is magnificent. The whole impression given by the strikingly contrasting elements is captivating. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a good evening,
Ourania

Silvio1953 (99199) 2012-10-05 10:05

Ciao Michael, beautiful composition with fantastic perspective, fascinating dark sky, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio