As I stood there, on the damp deck of Walton & Frinton Yacht Club, a sense of serenity washed over me. It was the 12th of July 2023, just moments after a wild, stormy downpour had vacated the scene. The world around me was at once both achingly silent and humming with the aftermath of nature's outburst. I realized then that I was witnessing a spectacle of change and rebirth, where the ordinary transforms into the quietly remarkable.
In that moment of profound tranquility, I reached for my Samsung S22 phone. It may not be the most sophisticated piece of photographic equipment, but I’ve always believed in the beauty of simplicity, and how, quite often, the best tool for the job is the one you have to hand.
I pointed my lens at the marina where the boats lay moored, their colors glowing a little brighter in the aftermath of the storm, each boat imbued with a new vibrancy. I felt as though I was seeing them for the first time, their shapes and shades amplified by the diffused, post-storm light. To enhance this natural spectacle, I applied a subtle HDR filter post-capture, careful not to overpower the original scene but instead to bring these colors to life, to honor the natural artistry on display.
Looking at the photograph now, you can see the storm’s residual anger mirrored in the water, the clouds – no longer ominous but now tinged with an almost unearthly blend of pink and orange – reflected perfectly on the glassy marina surface. This isn’t a sight you’d witness every day. Indeed, it’s a spectacle that is born out of turmoil and blossoms in the calm.
The setting sun, hidden behind me as I took the shot, offers its subtle contribution, casting long, cool shadows while gently illuminating the lingering storm clouds. It’s an ethereal light show that Mother Nature reserves for the privileged few patient enough to wait out her tantrums.
This photograph, for me, encapsulates the contrast of life – the chaos and calm, the loud and the silent, the ephemeral and the constant. It's a gentle reminder that even after the fiercest storm, there's a stillness, a peaceful beauty that's worth waiting for. It’s a humble testament to the raw, often overlooked beauty that our world has to offer. And it’s a tribute to the wonderful, quiet moments that follow the storm.
