Praia do Seixal #1
Price range: € 35.00 through € 350.00
Madeira, Portugal • Nov 5th, 2023
A long exposure capturing the rhythmic draw of the Atlantic over the dark volcanic sands of Praia do Seixal, framed by Madeira’s imposing northern cliffs under a shifting sky.
the Photograph
On the northern coast of Madeira, Praia do Seixal offers a quiet resistance to the restless Atlantic. Standing on the dark volcanic sand on a muted November morning, I found the heavy cloud cover diffusing the light, casting a sombre, even tone across the landscape. By using a long exposure, I sought to reduce the surging tide to a gentle, sweeping motion, emphasizing the stillness of the beach and the sheer cliffs fading into the coastal mist.
The composition relies on the tension between permanence and motion. To the left, the rigid geometry of the pier provides a structural anchor, balancing the organic, towering weight of the sea cliffs on the right. In the foreground, a cluster of dark rocks interrupts the soft brushstrokes of the retreating surf, creating a tactile focal point. I chose to present this in monochrome to strip away distraction, focusing the eye entirely on the interaction of tonal contrast and structural form.
Translated to fine art paper using archival pigment inks, this image reveals a remarkable tonal depth. The deep, velvety blacks of the volcanic rock are richly embedded in the paper’s fibres, contrasting beautifully with the subtle, silvery greys of the water and clouds. The tactile surface of the print gives a physical weight to the scene, offering a lasting continuity that grounds the fleeting nature of the tide.
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Explore other prints from Madeira, Portugal, and the Seascapes & Shorelines collection.
the Print
Printing is treated not as a final step, but as a continuation of the work, refining tone, balance, and texture until the print feels true to the original experience. Each photograph is produced as a signed Fine Art Giclée print, carefully inspected by me before it leaves my studio.
Prints are offered in five sizes, Companion, Artist, Studio, Gallery, and Master. The range is intentionally limited, allowing the image to be experienced at a scale that feels right, from an intimate print to a larger piece with stronger presence.
Smaller editions are printed by me personally, while larger works are produced in close collaboration with a trusted fine art printer in Ireland. All prints are made using archival papers from Hahnemühle and Canson, combined with genuine Epson pigment inks, chosen for their tonal subtlety and long-term permanence. Every print is backed by my satisfaction, replacement, and lifetime fade-free guarantees. Find out more about my printing process here.
Questions about this print or sizing? Get in touch.