Here we are! Third chapter of Arctic lights over Telegrafbukta. I told you, this beach is an inexhaustible resource for photography: the scenery radically changes from one day to another!

These days, wind and snow are back in Tromsø. We finally have a real winter weather! I know … I’m a bit masochistic: I love COLD, SNOW, ICE and WIND! :)
After the usual 3/4 of an hour walk to Telegrafbukta, I finally arrive to this magical place that I know so well … at least that’s what I think. Today, the landscape that unfolds in front of me is totally different from what I was used to see so far. No warm lights. No soft noise of the sea against the rocks. There is something more this time. I feel this sensation that I love so much when I’m out. The sky is dark gray, like during a storm, and the elements are raging. The wind is strong and impressive waves are crashing on the dark and sharp rocks. The forces of nature are at work in this place which is usually one of the most quiet places on Tromsøya. I think that arctic lights is not really appropriate this time, but never mind!

Arctic clouds over Telegrafbukta

My favorite rock is covered with snow. So I start looking for new places to photograph. The more I walk away from this rock, the more the waves are impressive. I walk a few steps towards the sea, but the inspiration is not there. However, these waves attract me more and more. I take my courage in both hands and I take direction of the sea .. closer … closer … closer … Now, I’m just a few inches from the sea. Click, click, click … Inspiration is back. It is a real pleasure. These big waves are for me the opportunity to test a new filter that allows me to do long exposures (that’s how I can get this effect of smoothness on the sea). Nevertheless, I am freaking out …  a bit. Some waves bigger than others and the rising tide make me feel that I might end dipped soon … The wind in the face does not help me, but I persevere.

After a few series of pictures, I decide to go to find another place. Boom! The wallet containing my filters falls to the ground. Fortunately nothing has been broken. I leave my camera on the tripod while I stoop to pick up the wallet … And …  A big gust of wind suddenly blows and my camera, mounted on it’s tripod, falls and smashes on the floor. AAARRRRGGGGHHH NOOOOOOO! After checking, it seems I’m pretty lucky in my misfortune, since the camera fell lens first… and in front of the lens there was hopefully the filter holder. PHEW! Nevertheless, the two filters mounted at that time as well as part of the filter holder are completely destroyed. Result: about $200 damage :s But I’m still lucky because without the filters and the filter holder, that would have been much more!

After that, I no longer want to continue shooting. I take the direction of the return. I grab my mp3 player in my pocket and … BOOM! TO THE GROUND! T_T
Fortunately, nothing broken this time. I think that there are definitely days I should not go out!

So enjoy these two pictures because they cost me much! :)

-julien

PS: here are the link to the previous chapters of Arctic lights over Telegrafbukta if you didn’read them before: chapter I, chapter II.