This was a study in contrasts, a blend of the industrial and the serene. You’ve got this vast, tranquil seascape, then the stark presence of the oil rig – it is a juxtaposition that really struck me.
The first thing I noticed was the light. The pre-dawn sky was a canvas of soft pastels, a gentle gradient of pinks and oranges. It was a delicate, almost ethereal quality, a stark contrast to the industrial might of the oil rig.
I wanted to capture that contrast, to show the beauty of the sunrise against the backdrop of human industry. The oil rig, silhouetted against the horizon, became a focal point, a symbol of man’s presence in this vast natural landscape.
The long exposure was crucial for capturing the movement of the sea, to create that smooth, almost dreamlike quality. It also helped to create a sense of tranquility. I wanted to balance the sharpness of the oil rig with the fluidity of the water, to create a sense of harmony.
The distant hills, shrouded in a soft haze, added depth and perspective to the scene. They provided a sense of context, a reminder of the broader landscape surrounding the firth. The subtle variations in colour and the way the light touched the hills, added a sense of atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the scene.
Compositionally, I wanted to create a sense of balance, to place the oil rig dead centre and within the vastness of the seascape. I used the horizon line to divide the frame, to create a sense of symmetry. The subtle colours of the sky and the smooth texture of the sea, all contributed to this sense of balance.
