Tenby is a photographer’s dream, offering diverse landscapes, dramatic light, and endless creative opportunities. This guide covers the best locations and techniques for capturing this Wales gem.
Iconic Photography Locations
1. Sunrise and Sunset Spots
Tenby Beach
- Best Time: Sunrise for golden hour
- Subjects: Silhouettes, golden light, atmospheric shots
- Tip: Arrive 30 minutes early to set up and scout compositions
Tenby Harbour
- Best Time: Sunset for dramatic skies
- Subjects: Panoramic views, rolling hills, atmospheric conditions
- Tip: Stay after sunset for the blue hour
2. Landscape Photography
St Catherine’s Island and Tudor Merchant’s House and Caldey Island These locations offer sweeping vistas perfect for wide-angle landscape photography.
Composition Tips:
- Use foreground elements to create depth
- Look for leading lines (walls, paths, rivers)
- Incorporate natural frames (trees, arches)
- Experiment with different focal lengths
3. Wildlife Photography
Tenby is home to diverse wildlife. Key subjects include:
- Birds of prey (kestrels, buzzards, owls)
- Small mammals (deer, hares, rabbits)
- Native flora (especially in spring)
- Insects and macro subjects
Technique: Use telephoto lenses, practice patience, and respect wildlife distance.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential Gear:
- DSLR or Mirrorless camera with manual controls
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscapes
- Telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) for wildlife
- Tripod for low light and long exposures
- ND filters for long exposure water shots
- Circular polarizer for skies and reflections
Optional:
- Drone (check local regulations)
- Remote shutter release
- Multiple batteries and memory cards
- Weather-resistant camera bag
Seasonal Photography
Spring:
- Subjects: Blooming wildflowers, newborn lambs, green landscapes
- Light: Soft, even lighting; beautiful morning mist
- Tips: Get out early for dewy conditions
Summer:
- Subjects: Golden hour landscapes, vibrant colors, active wildlife
- Light: Long days with extended golden hour periods
- Tips: Avoid harsh midday sun; focus on blue hour shots
Autumn:
- Subjects: Spectacular fall foliage, misty mornings, dramatic skies
- Light: Warm, golden light; atmospheric conditions
- Tips: Overcast days are perfect for forest and detail shots
Winter:
- Subjects: Frost, snow scenes, dramatic clouds, bare trees
- Light: Low angle sun, short days, dramatic silhouettes
- Tips: Protect gear from cold and moisture; shoot at blue hour
Technical Tips
Long Exposures
Use ND filters to blur water, clouds, or create motion effects. Exposures of 1/4 to 30 seconds can create beautiful, ethereal images.
HDR Photography
High dynamic range scenes (bright skies, dark shadows) benefit from HDR. Bracket exposures and merge in post-processing.
Star Photography
Tenby’s dark skies offer excellent astrophotography opportunities. Shoot on clear, moonless nights and use high ISO and wide apertures.
Black and White
Dramatic landscapes and moody weather conditions work beautifully in monochrome. Focus on texture, contrast, and composition.
Post-Processing Tips
Essential Adjustments:
- Correct exposure and white balance
- Enhance contrast for drama
- Boost clarity for landscape detail
- Adjust vibrance and saturation sparingly
- Sharpen selectively
Advanced Techniques:
- Dodge and burn to guide viewer attention
- Gradient filters for skies
- Remove distracting elements
- Create panoramic images from multiple shots
Respecting Locations
- Follow the countryside code
- Don’t damage vegetation or wildlife
- Respect local privacy and property
- Leave no trace of your visit
- Check access rights and restrictions
Weather and Light
Wales is known for changeable weather. Embrace these conditions:
- Mist and fog create atmospheric images
- Storm clouds add drama to landscapes
- Rain creates reflections and mood
- Golden hour light transforms ordinary scenes
Photography Tours and Workshops
Consider joining a local photography tour or workshop for:
- Expert local knowledge
- Access to exclusive locations
- Hands-on instruction
- Networking with fellow photographers
Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate details, or fleeting moments, Tenby offers endless opportunities for creative expression. Take your time, experiment with different techniques, and let this beautiful Wales destination inspire your photography journey.