Moving Sands is part of a series created over three days in challenging weather conditions. Following a spell of very stormy weather, gale force winds and unusually high tides with very rough seas, the retreating water and waves sculptured the shoreline into amazing fleeting abstractions. As the tide fell, layers of sand were carved and folded into intricate patterns that felt almost geological in scale. In the low evening light, shadows and subtle tonal changes in the sand colour heightened the shape of these patterns, revealing a quiet drama and a sense of movement frozen in time.
I have always been fascinated by the patterns found in nature and love turning them into abstract images, so when I found these sandscapes along the shoreline, I was incredibly excited and spent hours bent over photographing them from different angles, walking backwards and forwards along the shoreline, being careful not to put my big foot on anything I wanted to photograph.
I did end up ankle deep in cold seawater a couple of times as I stepped backwards to avoid a pattern that had caught my eye; my walking boots did seem to be permanently soaking wet. I was also very lucky to have the beach to myself, not unusual in the Outer Hebrides. This particular beach had very fine sand particles and few shells, so it lent itself to beautiful, smooth patterns. Also, the gale-force winds blowing across the beach helped smooth the surface.
I have taken sand abstracts on other beaches over the years, but they haven’t been so effective due to much finer sand.
This particular series of sandscapes was taken on the beaches of the Isles of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
What are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
The flowing, sculptural lines that make a compelling abstraction, and the lighting.
If you could make this photo again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or differently?
You don’t get a second chance with sand patterns, as tomorrow they will be gone.
Kate Barclay shared this photograph with the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Kate Barclay, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Equipment and settings
Nikon Z 7II
FRAMES is a unique international photography community that combines the best of all worlds, bringing you print and digital publications, a global membership platform, access to live events, and a dedicated mobile application.
EXPAND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC VISION
JOIN FRAMES TODAY
