The wild coast of the Scottish Borders

We all have a tendency to think that our best photography will be made in a faraway land. As a result, we neglect the close-by beauty. I am no different. It took me seven years to discover the Scottish Borders. In 2014, I wrote there is No better welcome than the Scottish Borders. Then in early 2016, I took you with me for a Sunrise on a Scottish hill. In this episode, we leave the glens and hills for the wild coast of the Scottish Borders.

Location Location Location

The starting point of this journey is Pettico Wick bay in the St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve. To reach it, on can either use the official carpark and walk for 1.5 miles or drive on a private road which leads to St Abb’s Head Lighthouse. I discovered this location about two months ago, and I have travelled there quite a lot ever since. My portfolio does not showcase many seascapes. However, there is something soothing about the view of the waves breaking against the rugged cliffs.

Light

While I usually prefer hard light for landscape photography, the soft light on that day turned out to be a blessing. A softer light means less reflection in the water and more manageable contrast on the rocks.

Tide

I knew the coast of the Scottish Bordes has some character but I did not know whether it would have much photographic potential. The only thing I had planned for was a photograph of the jetty at high tide, which was scheduled for 4:30pm. If knowing the tides time is useful, knowing how high we need the water to be is even more valuable. In my case, I knew that the 5.09m should be high enough to obtain the long exposure with the waves washing the paved jetty.

The photographs I have kept

Here are the three photographs I have kept and developed. I even decided to print two out of the three. Use the temporary voucher code “pettico10%” to benefit from a 10% discount on the acquisition of a limited edition matted Fine Art print of the “View on Pettico Wick Bay in the Scottish Borders” and “High tide on the jetty at Pettico Wick Bay in the Scottish Borders” from the Tom Migot Photography’s Boutique. Let me know in the comment section which of these photographs is your favourite and why.