Vacances Britannique
April - August 2021
British Holidays are back !
With travel still restricted as we ease out of lockdown, more people will stay in Britain in 2021 for their holidays. Some of course are very lucky to live close to a beach, I’m one of those lucky people. I wanted to capture the essence of the British Holiday in this series starting literally as we come out of lockdown. I started this project at the beginning of April on sunny days as we were allowed to travel further afield. It’s freezing cold but the sun is shining and it’s glorious to be back outside enjoying the fresh sea air. The project continues over the summer of 2021 as I’m able to venture further afield.
I tend to shoot this kind of work with a small, unobtrusive Leica rangefinder camera and a single prime lens. This is because I am engaging with and moving among people while they enjoy some time out with their families and friends. This is not the place for a ‘bazooka’ lens and large camera set up. Having walked the entire length of these beaches I also don’t want to be carrying lots of kit. Living close to some of these locations, I’ve made many visits, each time with a different lens to capture a new viewpoint and perspective. 50mm is by far my favourite focal length, but I’ve used everything from 16mm to 75mm during this project.
This old lady is enjoying her ‘Sun’ newspaper exclusive finding out about what Prince Harry has been getting up to.
Gone Fishing… Down the far end of Tenby Beach, fishermen set out their equipment. I think it’s as much as social event as anything. They were fishing for rays and Mackrell.
A play on shadows in the mid-day sun coming through the gaps in the walkway above.
You can always spot where to buy fish and chips at the beach. Seagulls looking for their lunch.
Circling looking for tasty chips.
The beach is to be enjoyed by all.
Disabled access of course.
This is a little bit more tricky for the disabled folks.
Someone give him a chip.
I’m not sure these lads will easily fit in this little tent.
Building sand castles and football are national pastimes on a British beach. Here, I think the parents are having more fun than the kids.
Wellies, just the thing for kids on the beach.
A good place to sit and keep an eye on the family.
Authentic British Beach Scene at Burnham on Sea.
Another typical beach scene similar to the above, at Tenby in Pembrokeshire.
All the equipment you need on a British beach.
Keeping the mariners safe and providing much amusement for the beach goers.
Mud Glorious Mud … her mother tells me there is a shower nearby. Burnham on Sea.
Burhmam Pier - Built to last and deal with everything nature (and the seagulls) have to throw at it.
Victorian Pier at Clevedon, Somerset.
Clevedon faces the west, you can see Cardiff (Wales) in the distance. The golden hour (Heure d’or) around sunset is often spectacular and the local sailing club are making the most of it on this occasion.
The beach is a place to play. Children, adults and everything in between.
Lockdown has been hard for so many people. Smiles all around as people can walk and play with their kids outside of their homes.
Now where did I bury grandad? - No British summer holiday is complete without the obligatory bucket and spade.
This has always been a nice thing to do.
The closest you’ll get to a selfie from me. We’re very happy to be out in the sunshine, even if we have to wrap up warm.
I always buy and ice cream from Fab. You can’t beat a traditional ‘99 flake’ on a hot summer’s day.
‘Parasol’ - I’m sure only the Brits carry this much ‘stuff’ to the beach. This installation is quite modest by some standards in an effort to colonise a small portion of beach for the day before the tide resets everything. I was particularly drawn to the sales label hanging from the said item giving the title of this photo.
‘Bodies’ - You’d be forgiven for thinking I’d photographed a murder scene. No, this is just a couple trying the escape the mid-day sun. Mad dogs and Englishmen (and women) so it would seem.
Nature arranges these scenes so I can take photos…
… The scene is different every day.
Britain has lots of beautiful holiday destinations. This is Tenby in Pembrokeshire. Tenby is a very colourful seaside town in Wales with long sandy beaches and a pleasantly ‘blue’ sea view.
Perfect view from the beach at Tenby. Blue skies, blue sea and sunshine.
The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution), I hear are one of the best charities to invest in if you have some spare cash. Volunteers brave our dangerous waters to rescue those who get into trouble and all contributions are very gratefully received. This serene scene at Tenby looks very pretty but it’s not always like that. Our waters can be treacherous, our beaches also have some hidden sinking sand. Never mind ghost-busters, these are the people who will save your soul if you get into deep water in Britain.
‘Sinking Sand’ - This is a mild demonstration of the dangers of sinking sand on some British beaches. This was only shallow, but there are patches further out which will quite literally swallow a whole adult. Lifeguards keep a watchful eye and there are loud-speakers located on this particular beach so people who stray too far can be warned.
‘Bird-Choreography’ - No, it was a lucky shot. Lucky in the sense I had a split second to take it as these birds flew towards me and I was using a 50mm manual focus prime lens. I had to react quickly but seems to nail this particular shot.
Don’t think that beaches in Britain are limited to the coastline. This beach is on the embankment in central London on the banks of the river Thames. Just perfect for a hot summer's day in the city.