HAYLE BEACH SNOW & SEA PHOTOGRAPH PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
One of my most iconic Cornish landscape photographs has been chosen by The Royal Meteorological Society for publication by the Natural History Museum. RMets’ latest book.
Weather- A Force of Nature: Spectacular Images from Weather Photographer of the Year showcases some of the most thrilling weather events submitted to their annual competition.
My photograph, Hayle Beach Snow and Sea was shortlisted in the competition in 2019, and later chosen by a panel of meteorologists, photographers and photo editors for publication. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the book going to print, but I am pleased to announce it is now available from all good bookshops.
The photograph was taken in the winter of 2018 when the so-called ‘Beast from the East’ hit Britain. The onset of Anticyclone Hartmut saw temperatures in the UK dramatically plummet, with 10 days of intense cold and heavy snowfall. During this period, it was so cold that the falling snow set on Hayle Beach. This is an extremely rare occurrence as the moisture from the sand would usually melt the snow instantly on landing.
I ventured down to the beach to capture this rare moment. The receding tide was carrying the snow and ice out to sea, leaving three clear bands of snow, sand and water against a bright blue sky. The snow looked completely alien against the golden sands and azure tones, it is hard to believe the scene could be real. I knew I had captured something special, possibly once in a generation.
The RMets panel were looking for a combination of skillful camera work and meteorological observation which I felt confident I had achieved when faced with such a unique weather front. My photograph, renamed The Frozen Beach in the book, received local coverage from The Cornishman, The Great Briton and Cornish Morning News.
