Breakwaters along the Opal Coast, a picturesque region in northern France, serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Their primary function is to protect the coast from the powerful waves of the North Sea and English Channel. They help prevent erosion and maintain the stability of beaches and cliffs, which are vulnerable to the constant violence of tides and storms. These wooden or concrete structures allow sediments to accumulate, which helps keep the coastline intact.
However, for photographers like me, these breakwaters are also an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The repeating lines of the piles offer endless opportunities to play with symmetry and depth. Especially at sunset, when the last rays of the sun cast a warm glow over the water and the posts, they transform into a perfect subject for artistic compositions. The contrast between the hard wood and the soft reflections of the sky and sea creates a harmonious balance in images.
With the setting sun as background, you can lose yourself in searching for unique angles and perspectives. The breakwaters thus become not only a beacon of protection, but also a silent witness to the interplay between man and nature. A beautiful moment to capture and cherish.
My name is Gerry van Roosmalen, photographer and author with a passion for images and stories that touch. After years in the corporate world, I followed my heart and chose photography in 2002. I completed the Fotovakschool in Apeldoorn, specialising in portrait and reportage photography.
Documentary and landscape..
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