Wales. Yes, Wales is a country. It is NOT a county of England! But of course it is part of the UK.
Once you crossed the Prince of Wales Bridge over the Severn - you are not in England anymore and you should carefully remember that talking to the Welsh. It is very unpopular to be called English over there. They are proud of their own country - and that is well deserved, it is a beauty on its own!
Wales.
It is the country of castles.
It is the country of myths and spooky stories.
It is the country of rainy clouds and strong winds and yet two minutes later of beautiful sunshine.
And for sure it is the country with the most unpronounceable village names! Like " Llanfairpwll-gwyngyllgogerychwyrndrob"!
All Fine Art photos of WALES you may find here:
WALES PHOTOS FINE ART
Editorial photos of WALES you can see here:
WALES PHOTOS EDITORIAL
pHOTO SPOT 1: LAUGHARNE CASTLE
As a great start for your trip in Wales you can make a stop at this romantic castle. It works with almost any light, even on a gloomy day. It will simply enhance the mysterious atmosphere.
Take the old stone bridge as a leading line for example.
Or play with the reflections just left of the bridge.
A car park is only a few steps away. And make sure to have some tea in the tea room just vis-a-vis.
PHOTO SPOT 2: GREEN BRIDGE OF WALES
The Green Bridge of Wales is a spectacular arch at the coast of Pembrokeshire.
Of course best for sunrise or sunset - if there is any sun to set or rise...
Make sure to have a sturdy tripod with you - the winds are particularly strong at this spot.
And don't forget the Elegug Stacks and the Cauldron just East of the arch, maybe 10 minutes walk. Definitely also worth a photo!
A car park is convenient close by and you can reach the arch after a few minutes of flat and easy walk.
PHOTo spot 3: St Govan's Chapel
One of my favourite spots in Wales. This tiny hermit's cell, dramatically built into the cliffs.
Parking is quite close - BUT you have to climb down steep steps which can be very slippery when wet, pay attention.
And try to count the steps down and up again - legend has it that the number is never the same... ?!?
The road to St Govan's passes through an MOD army tank range and is closed at certain times. Please check online the times of closure (Castlemartin Firing Range).
photo spot 4: tenby
Tenby is probably one of the most beautiful towns in the United Kingdom. So colourful and loads to explore.
Best is to park your car a little further up the city (where this photo was taken) at the North Beach Car Park and walk to the town. Loads of photos to take on your way.
The tide in Tenby is extremely fast. We shot photos of the harbour during low tide and one wave filled the water from being dry to being flooded... We had to run with our tripods in the hands...
Besides the town itself, the RNLI Lifeboat station and the Tenby Castle are definitely worth to shoot (with the camera that is...). All in walking distance.
photo spot 5: Talacre lighthouse
Talacre lighthouse is old. And exactly that makes it so damn picture perfect! I hope at that time, when you decide to travel to it, it is not already redone... It would lose a lot of charm.
Best to come with outgoing tide. There are some tidal pools where the water will stay for lovely reflections.
A car park is 5 minutes walk away. And don't forget your Wellies!
photo spot 6: Llyn Padarn
The lake Llyn Padarn in Llanberis is definitely something for early birds.
Before sunrise there is often a mystical mist floating over the water, embracing the boats. It is also pretty during the day - but like an other world with the very first twilight in the morning. Especially if the wind has mercy and will drop when you should - the lake becomes a mirror.
In the early morning you won't have any problems to find parking along the lake (it becomes very crowded during the day though).
photo spot 7: South Stack, HOLY ISLAND
The Holy Island and Anglesey itself has plenty photo spots. Best to stay at least 2, better 3 days in the area.
The South Stack Lighthouse is one of many spots. Quite impressive it is built on the summit of a small island off the north-west coast of Holy Island. Best photo views are from above.
A car park is close by but can get very crowded during the day.
Careful - there is also a Holy Island in Northumberland which is a different one!
photo spot 8: Ynys Llanddwyn
A magical tidal island in North Wales, full of legends and tales in association with Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. It is still on my to do list to go back there - we had not really time nor the gear to do this stunning place justice.
The island is small yet so much to see - Celtic Cross, two lighthouses, old cottages, amazing cliffs... Stay there at least an afternoon and watch the sun becoming softer and softer... It is not a spot you do "in between".
The walk from the car park takes 30-40 minutes. You can go either through the forest or along the beach. Return it'll be approx. 4 miles.
Since it is a tidal island, it can be cut off for up to two hours at high tide under extreme weather conditions. It’s always worth checking on Llanddwyn Island tide times before setting out.
PHOTO SPOT 9: Caernarfon Castle
And another romantic castle. Wales is full of them and each one is so impressive...
The Caernarfon Castle you do best early in the morning until the first rays hit the castle.
The village itself is also worth a stroll.
A car park is next to the castle and you walk approx. 10 minutes over a bridge to the photo spot.
photo spot 10: Fairy Glen
Mysterious "Fairy Glen" in North Wales, near Betws-y-Coed.
A secluded gorge where fairies can be seen, if you wait, are quiet and still and have patience, on the stone...
Good photo spot with any light. Even sunlight is lovely because if will fill the gorge with a magical glow, softened by the humidity.
A short walk down from the car park, not too steep.
But to get to a good spot for your photo, you have to balance sometimes of rocky stones. Be careful and take care of yourself and your gear!
And don't mix it up with the Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye!
Like always I can only say, that this is only a very small impression of beautiful Wales.
With 10 spots you can never introduce a whole country in full.
But I hope I woke your appetite to travel to Wales and discover the area with your camera!
Please leave a comment about your thoughts. And of course you may also share this post.
All Fine Art photos of Wales you may find here:
WALES PHOTOS FINE ART
Editorial photos of the South Island you can see here:
If you are interested in a tutorial, guided photo tour or workshop - please get in contact with me, I guide groups and individuals and do photo workshops since 2014. CONTACT ME
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