Chasing Light: A Dawn Photography Adventure in Southwold

On Friday, 19th September, while most were still tucked beneath warm duvets, a few intrepid souls from our photography group were already en route to Southwold, Suffolk, drawn by the promise of golden light, crashing waves, and the expert guidance of renowned landscape photographer Justin Minns. The meeting time? A bold 5:45 am. The reward? A morning of seascape photography that was nothing short of magical.

Southwold, with its iconic pier, pastel beach huts, and sweeping views of the North Sea, is a great location for photographers. But to truly capture its essence, one must greet it at first light when the sun rises over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of peach, lavender, and gold. And that’s exactly what our group did.

As we gathered in the pre-dawn hush, the air was cool and tinged with salt. The town was still asleep, save for the distant hum of the waves. Justin welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm, before speaking briefly about the conditions, cloud cover, tide timings, and the direction of light, before leading us down to the shoreline.

The first moments of sunrise were breathtaking. A soft glow began to creep across the water, illuminating the pier’s structure and casting long shadows across the sand. Justin encouraged us to slow down, observe, and experiment. He offered tips on composition, how to use leading lines, reflections, and foreground interest to create depth and drama. For many, it was a chance to refine techniques and push creative boundaries.

Throughout the morning, Justin moved between participants, offering tailored advice and gentle critique. His approach was both encouraging and insightful, helping each photographer find their own voice while deepening their understanding of light and landscape. It wasn’t just about getting the perfect shot; it was about learning to see differently. My personal aha moment came when I realised that I tend to be too far away from this type of subject, reducing the visual impact dramatically.

By 8 am, the sun was higher, the light harsher, and the town beginning to stir. We gathered for a brief session by the beach huts before moving on to Lowestoft for a well earned breakfast at The Thatch. Stomachs satiated, we then moved on to the South Beach and the Claremont Pier before rounding up the day on the North Beach.

For those who made the journey, it was more than just a workshop. It was a reminder of why we love photography. To chase light, and to experience the world with fresh eyes. With Justin Minns’ expert guidance, Southwold and then Lowestoft offered all that and more.

Here’s to the brave few who rose with the tide, and for me, more mornings like this one.