A Tale of Two Beaches: Ogmore's Sunset Steals the Show

Right then, gather 'round, because this one's a proper saga, a tale of two beaches, a parking-related escape, and a sunset that'll have you reaching for your paintbrushes.

So, picture this: early March, that time of year when you're not quite sure if you should be wearing your winter woollies or your sunnies. Toby and I, we're off to Weston-super-Mare to see the rellies. Glorious day, sun's out, the lot. Had a good old natter, a cuppa or three, and then decided to give Toby's legs a stretch on the beach. Classic dog-and-owner scenario, right? Ball, beach, boundless canine energy.

Now, Weston's a lovely spot, don't get me wrong. But then, bam! The parking. Seven quid. SEVEN! For five minutes! I mean, seriously? I looked at Toby, he looked back at me, and we both just sort of shrugged. "Nah," I said, "We're off."

Back in the trusty motor, and I thought, "Ogmore. That's the ticket." You know Ogmore, right? Back home in the Vale, that wild, rugged beauty of a beach. Perfect for a sunset session, and perfect for a dog to stretch his legs without breaking the bank.

Pulled up, grabbed the ball thrower, and on a whim, decided to go handheld with the 5D Mark III. No tripod this time, just me and the raw, untamed landscape. Toby was off like a rocket, chasing that ball, while I was snapping away.

Now, the tide was coming in, fast. You know how it is at Ogmore, those powerful waves, the sheer drama of it all. And there were these fishermen, silhouetted against the sky, some on the sand, some perched precariously on the rocks. Proper hardy souls, they were, battling the elements for a catch.

Fishermen on Ogmore Beach

The sun was playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds, teasing us with glimpses of gold. And then, as golden hour approached, the sky started to glow. Just a hint at first, a whisper of colour. But then, boom! The sunset exploded. A classic painter's dream, I tell you. Those deep oranges, the vibrant reds, reflecting off the wet sand. It was like the sky was on fire, a proper spectacle.

I was clicking away, trying to capture every last drop of that magic. Toby, bless him, was still fetching his ball, oblivious to the spectacle. But I knew, deep down, he was soaking it all in too, the salt air, the roar of the waves, the sheer wildness of the place.

And then, just as the sun was setting, I thought, "Let's try a bit of ICM, just to see what happens." Intentional Camera Movement, for those not in the know. A bit of a gamble, really, blurring the lines between reality and art. But hey, you've got to experiment, haven't you?

Abstract ICM of Ogmore on Sea beach

The result? Well, it's a bit like capturing a dream, isn't it? A wash of soft blues and greys, the waves like whispers of movement, the whole scene a bit ethereal. It's Ogmore, but not as you usually see it. It's Ogmore through a different lens, a bit of a painterly interpretation.

And then, just as I was wrapping up, these two riders appeared, coming towards us along the slipway, silhouetted against that fiery sky. It was like something out of a Western, a bit of magic in the fading light.

Riders at Sunset on Ogmore Beach

Honestly, it just goes to show you, sometimes the best adventures are the unplanned ones. Forget the tourist traps and overpriced parking. Give me a wild beach, a golden sunset, and my best mate Toby any day of the week. Ogmore delivered, as always. And I've got the photos to prove it. A day of two very different beaches, and one incredible sunset.

Till next time, keep your lenses clean and your spirits high! Oh, and avoid Weston-super-Mare car parks, unless you’re feeling particularly flush.