A Photographer’s Guide to Bedruthan Steps and Porthcothan, Cornwall

The rugged beauty of the Cornish coastline has long been a magnet for photographers, and Bedruthan Steps, near Porthcothan, is a jewel in this crown. Nestled between dramatic cliffs and the churning Atlantic, this location is a dream for those seeking dynamic compositions and awe-inspiring scenery. Storm Gareth may have brought challenging conditions during my recent visit, but it also provided a unique opportunity to capture the area’s raw energy. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your photographic journey to this iconic location.

Why Bedruthan Steps is a Must-Visit for Photographers

Bedruthan Steps is renowned for its towering sea stacks that rise dramatically from the beach below. These natural formations are remnants of ancient cliffs, now sculpted by millennia of relentless waves. The stacks are surrounded by turbulent water at high tide, creating opportunities for long-exposure photography highlighting their rugged elegance. Low tide reveals stretches of sandy beach, perfect for incorporating leading lines and reflections into your compositions.

The surrounding cliffs offer elevated vantage points, providing sweeping coastline views. Whether you’re drawn to seascapes, abstract textures, or fine art photography, this location has something for every style.

Be sure to visit here for amazing Wildflowers shots of Bedruthan Steps in the Spring.

Timing Your Visit: The Role of Light and Tides

While Bedruthan Steps is stunning year-round, the time of day and tidal conditions dramatically affect your photographic possibilities.

• Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic light, with warm tones that bring out the texture of the cliffs and soften the crashing waves. Unfortunately, during Storm Gareth, overcast skies dominated, but even diffused light can lend a moody, ethereal quality to your shots.
• High Tide: Perfect for isolating the sea stacks against stormy waters. The crashing waves create dynamic energy in your images, especially with long exposures.
• Low Tide: Exposes the beach, allowing access to unique patterns in the sand and reflections from pools of water. Be mindful of safety, as tides can come in quickly.

Plan your visit with a tide chart and weather forecast to ensure the best conditions for your shoot.

What to Bring: Essential Equipment for the Cornish Coast

The ever-changing weather and challenging terrain at Bedruthan Steps demand thoughtful preparation. Here’s what I recommend:

• Wide-Angle Lens: A 16-35mm lens is invaluable for capturing the grandeur of the coastline and sea stacks. The wide field of view allows you to include dramatic foreground elements, such as rock textures or sand patterns, to add depth to your compositions.
• Filters:
  • A 10-stop ND filter (e.g., the Lee Big Stopper) is essential for long exposures, creating smooth, dreamy water effects.
  • Graduated ND filters (hard and soft) help balance the brightness of the sky with the darker foreground, especially during high-contrast lighting conditions.
• Tripod: Stability is key, particularly for long exposures. During Storm Gareth, I had to anchor my tripod against a fence and even stand on its legs to keep it steady. Consider a sturdy model with spiked feet for added grip on uneven ground.
• Remote Shutter Release: Essential for minimizing vibrations during long exposures.
• Weather Protection: Bring a waterproof camera cover, and prepare to shield your equipment from spray and rain.

Compositions to Consider

1. Cliffside Vistas
   You can frame the sea stacks from the cliff tops with the expansive ocean as a backdrop. Use leading lines from the edges of the cliffs to guide the viewer’s eye toward the stacks. The warm light can add beautiful contrast to the rugged scene at sunset.
2. Long Exposures of Crashing Waves
   High tide and stormy weather create perfect conditions for capturing the drama of the waves. Position your tripod securely and use a 10-stop ND filter for exposure times between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. This technique smooths the water while retaining the texture of the waves crashing against the stacks.
3. Sand Patterns and Reflections
   At low tide, explore the beach for natural patterns created by retreating waves. Pools of water can serve as reflective surfaces for creative compositions. A wide-angle lens works well here, but don’t hesitate to switch to a mid-range lens if you want to focus on specific details.
4. Abstracts and Close-Ups
   Storms often leave unique marks on the beach, from windswept sand to exposed rocks. These details can make striking abstract images. Experiment with tighter framing and shallower depths of field for a more artistic approach.
5. Panoramic Stitches
   When the scene feels too expansive for a single frame, consider shooting a series of portrait-oriented images and stitching them together in post-production. This technique captures the full scale of the coastline while maintaining foreground interest.

Challenges and Tips for Shooting in Harsh Conditions

Storm Gareth made it nearly impossible to vlog or shoot comfortably, but perseverance paid off. Here’s what I learned:

• Anchor Your Equipment: Use natural barriers like fences or walls to shield your tripod from the wind.
• Work Quickly: High winds and rain can change conditions rapidly. Pre-visualize your shots to maximize efficiency.
• Be Flexible with Settings: When it’s too windy for longer exposures, increase your ISO to maintain sharpness. For instance, shooting at ISO 200 and f/16 provided stable results with a 1/30-second exposure.

Nearby Locations to Explore

If time permits, venture to other stunning spots along the Cornish coast. Porthcothan Bay offers intriguing patterns in the sand, while Bossiney Haven features more dramatic cliffs and seascapes. Each location provides unique photographic opportunities, particularly during storms when the landscape comes alive with energy.

Be sure to check out Penalty view point at Boscastle Harbour as well for sweeping views of the Cornish Coast

Final Thoughts

Despite the challenges posed by Storm Gareth, my visit to Bedruthan Steps reaffirmed its status as one of Cornwall’s most photogenic locations. The rugged coastline, dramatic sea stacks, and ever-changing weather create a photographer’s playground, offering endless possibilities for creativity.

Whether you’re a seasoned landscape photographer or a passionate hobbyist, Bedruthan Steps is a destination worth adding to your bucket list. Come prepared for the elements, embrace the unexpected, and let the drama of the Cornish coast inspire your work.

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - Wall Art and Framed Prints and our Cornish Seascapes

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography