21/03/2026
Gold Award – Guild of Photographers
This image means more to me than just a photograph. It was taken during a trip to Hartlepool, at a time when I was struggling with a painful back injury. I had planned to head out for sunrise, but the pain made it impossible. Stuck inside the caravan, feeling frustrated and fed up, I had already convinced myself that the trip would be a complete loss in terms of photography.
To make matters worse, I could see the conditions outside were absolutely stunning—golden light, dramatic seas—the kind of moment every photographer hopes for. Being unable to get out there only added to my frustration.
That’s when Rachael, my wife—who I owe this image to—kept encouraging (and persistently nudging!) me to at least step out onto the veranda and take a few shots. Reluctantly, I gave in. I grabbed my 400mm lens, stepped outside, and captured this scene.
Sometimes, the best images come when you least expect them—and when you push through the moments you feel like giving up. MoodySeascape GoldenHourSeascape TelephotoLandscape CoastalLight SeascapeLovers BritishCoast LandscapePhotographyUK
