THE COASTLINE BY AIR
Jamie Sullivan
The ocean has always been a place of profound inspiration for me, as it embodies an untamable, almost supernatural strength. It is often difficult to gain perspective on the magnitude of the sea’s powerful force, especially considering the limitations of our own landbound mobility. I discovered that a drone transcends this, which gave me a sense of freedom I had never felt before. The drone extended my eyesight as if I were an eagle gliding effortlessly through the sky, that is, if an eagle had four propellers rather than two magnificent wings. I found delight in photographing the coast to observe distinctive contours formed by the interactions between the ocean and land.
The fascinating shapes formed on the coastline symbolise both acceptance and resilience. Cliffs both welcome the relentless forces of nature while forming an impenetrable barrier, one which protects us. From above, I also keenly observe the many patterns formed underneath the vast blue expanse, revealing nuanced forms of rocks, coral and sand like it were unfound treasure. I love experimenting with the unique and ever-changing forms of waves alongside the joyful reflections by the sun on both the ocean surface and the land alongside it. From years of developing my love for coastal pictures, I have learned that no two images can ever be the same, and each tells its own story. By photographing the coastline by air, I am captivated by the beauty of nature in its many forms. Despite having lived by the ocean my whole life, I am wonderstruck each time I create a new image or relive the experience of an old one. I hope to continue exploring this love by unpacking the beautiful Scottish coast too.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 13.