Perfect timing with low tide and a explosive sunset over the cliffs of Sardinero
When the weather smiles to you
Finally everything was made for a great sunset. The tide was low, revealing the amazing cliffs on the Sardinero beach in Santander, Spain, at the perfect moment during sunset. The only factor that could ruin it all was, as you get used to in North of Spain, the weather. Looking out the kitchen window, seeing only clouds and light rain, I almost decided to stay home. But after coming back to my right senses, and persuading myself that it's better to go and not get a shot, then not to go and miss something great, I went down to the beach.
Clouds slowly leaving the Sardinero Beach
Not long after I came, the skies started to lighten up around the setting sun, and gave some great sunbursts. Already the sky was starting to glow, and I was sure that this would be the night for the perfect Santander sunset. While the stormy clouds where slowly leaving the area, I had some time to take some B&W, which I love to take when you have this heavy clouds. The B&W really brings out the contrast in the sky, and reveals so much beauty.
The Sardinero Cliffs revealed!
Now, after I'd got the B&W image I imagined, it was time to move a little further up the beach, to catch the main event of the evening, the sunset! My first surprise when walking up on the cliffs normally hidden by the ocean, was the enormous size of the area. With the weather quickly changing, and colours showing up in pretty much every direction, my eyes was rapidly searching for the image I had earlier envisioned. After a couple close encounters with slipping on the rocks and smashing my camera, I found it. The perfect lines, the small details as the fishermen far away, the two coloured clouds perfectly lead to by the foreground lines. It was all there, and it was all right!
Can you find the fishermen?
Since the light quickly changes during sunset, I got the shot's I wanted, for then to explore more and maybe get some bonus shots. To my surprise, the sunset just kept going. In every direction the burning red sunset got stronger and stronger. Going a bit crazy by all the beauty, I ran around to find a good composition, facing Santander city.
Sky lightening up above Santander, viewed from the Sardinero cliffs.
After getting a couple more decent shots, the sun decided that enough is enough, and slowly all colours faded into darkness. Standing in the dark packing down my gear, I found myself reflecting upon the beauty of this Santander sunset. Words can't describe this sunset, and the though of me almost staying home was scary. Today's wisdom: It's better to go out and shoot without getting a good picture, then staying home and missing something spectacular.