Out to sea

Our apprentice shoots seaside structures along the Jurassic Coast, with landscape pro Mark Bauer

- Mark Bauer

THE PRO

NAME: Mark Bauer

CAMERA: Nikon Z 711

Award-winning landscape photographer Mark has photographed the width and breadth of England's southwest. He turned pro over 15 years ago, and has since authored a variety of books and featured in a number of photography publications. In 2008 he cofounded Dawn 2 Dusk Photography, which provides landscape workshops and tours, so he'll have no problem providing Sam the tuition he needs to up his skillset.

www.markbauerphotography.com

THE APPRENTICE

NAME: Sameer Shekhar

CAMERA: Nikon Z 711

Program director Sam was introduced to photography at a young age, when his father gifted him a Yashica film camera. His interest in the hobby grew steadily, but he let it lapse in 2005. Like so many, Sam rekindled his love of photography during lockdown. Even ending up with a waterlogged Z 711 during a workshop in Iceland hasn't deterred him. So when we asked him to be our apprentice for the day, he didn't hesitate to grab his Z 711 (number two) and report for duty.

Mark and Sam met at Swanage Bay, less than a week before the UK's hottest day on record. Even at 8 am, the sun was beating down on the photographers and casting harsh shadows across the sandy beach. "We'll be guided largely by the weather today," said Mark as they marched along the coast. "Most seascapes are captured in soft morning or evening light, or when it's overcast. But that's not to say you can't operate in harsh lighting conditions like this. It's about managing expectations and working with what you've got, and hopefully we'll have more favourable conditions this evening."

"And maybe a good sunset," said Sam as they both laughed.