Location Guide: White Cliffs of Dover
The white cliffs of Dover are famous the world over. It’s a location very close to where I grew up, although I have not explored it as much as I should have. Along the cliff tops there are many amazing views.
The most amazing would have to be Dover Castle, an amazing medieval fortress that I visited many times as I child but of which I haven't any photos. (I plan on correcting this, so look forward to this guide being updated!)
The main points of interest that I have explored and have some images to share with you occur along the path atop the cliffs. I remember going there as a child but I was terrified of heights! So, I made my family turn back.
It wasn’t until 2017 that I finally walked the path, as my fear dissipated with age. It was a beautiful summer’s day and there were many families enjoying the path as well. The good news is that after your walk, at the end point there is a café in the lighthouse.
The parking for this location is easy to find as it is signposted as the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover.
If travelling from London, along the A2 dual carriage, when you come to the roundabout just outside Dover, instead of going straight over to go to the port, turn right and that leads you down to the Castle and to the cliffs car park.
From there just wander along the path and capture as many images as you want!
Unlike my Loch Morlich guide there isn’t set locations that give you something different.
The walk along the path will present you different opportunities as you progress, and the weather will play an essential part in the atmosphere you create.
So, instead of guiding you to specific locations, I am going to show you 3 example images I took on my journey along that path. Furthermore as my images come from a Summer’s day, that is the atmosphere they have, but the opportunities this location has for something more dramatic and different are astounding!
You should definitely explore it!
This postcode will help you find the White Cliffs of Dover: CT16 1HJ. Just type that into google maps or a sat nav and that should get you to the Location.
This is a Map of the route the path takes and roughly from where the images came
Example 1
The first example shows the path winding across the image from left to right. The majority of the path has fields along its edge, which have added a strong contrast in this image. As the fields are golden after harvesting and the path is surrounded by natural greenery.
The area abounds with wild flowers, insects, birds and other wildlife giving many opportunities for the prepared photographer. The other object that the field gives to the image is the fencing that divides the land.
The fence adds interest to the image and forms that all important s-curve.
The 3 colours of this image, for me at least, provide balance: gold to the left, green to the right, and blue above them. I found the colour interplay harmonious and equal. But this may be only my opinion, let me know what you think!
Example 2
This second image shows the actual white cliffs, which contrast greatly with their green tops and blue surrounding sea and sky.
I chose portrait for this image because I felt that the narrow view of the cliffs gave a stronger sense to their height, than if I shot them landscape, where their height would be lost in their surroundings.
I wanted to capture those strong white contrast of the chalk, but also the sense of danger, as the cliffs tower over an inaccessible beach.
The purple flowers in the foreground, also give balance and interest, making the image more complicated than if it was green. Again you can see the path winding its way through the image, but this time you can see hoe close to the edge you get as you progress.
The deep blues of the sea and sky give a sense of the summer that grips the image, and hopefully conjures memories of those perfect childhood summers in the countryside.
Example 3
This image is similar in aesthetics as the first one, the balance between gold, blue and green. The fence and path both drawing you in along winding s-curves to examine the image more.
But the features make this image feel completely different. The path and fence are bolder and make their presence known to you.
You can also now see your destination, the lighthouse! Just a white spec on the horizon but standing out in the blue. Now with the destination in sight, you know your troubles are nearly over and your reward of cake and coffee are not long away…
These are the 3 images I have to inspire you to explore this location, but there are so many more opportunities for you to explore!
I have images in mind of the lighthouse in a stormy sky or during the blue hour, to give a sense of the urgency and protection that lighthouses symbolise when the weather becomes treacherous.
There were many more opportunities to explore with the cliffs as a the subject. Catching the right light you could examine the textures and undulations that the weathered chalk has earned over the years and its ever changing face, as pieces crumble away to erosion.
There’s also opportunities for the wildflowers along the path to make more of a feature. The possibilities for this location are limited by your imagination.
Conclusion
The White Cliffs of Dover are a famous location for their history, as well as their beauty. It’s a location that I plan on exploring some more and in different conditions to capture new images that tell a different story.
These 3 examples are from one summer’s afternoon wondering along the path.
So imagine what you can do if you plan your shoot a bit more, choosing the conditions and locations in advance. Moreover it’s a wonderful day out with the family and pets! Go explore and have some fun!
Bonus Location 4!
Location 4 on the map above is Dover Castle itself. As I mentioned above, I don’t currently have any images of the castle ready.
But it is a location that everyone should explore for its history, let along its interesting character. Not only is there the main medieval keep dating back nearly 1000 years, but there are several churches, a Roman lighthouse nearly 1,500 years old, tunnels and walls, and World War 2 anti-aircraft guns.
The photographic opportunities within the castle are amazing.
And the varied history that the castle has been through makes it an amazing day out with the family. They often have special days that showcase medieval history and make it interactive for young children to learn and play. It is really worth exploring! Check out the Castle’s website to see about any fun things they have going on!
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Written by Daniel Long
Daniel Long created DRL Photography as a place to showcase his work as a photographer. Daniel has learnt a lot about photography and wishes to impart this knowledge with you, although the world is an ever changing place and he always says “you can never learn everything.” So as he makes his way, he continues to learn knew techniques, skills and information about photography. He focuses on Landscape and Wildlife photography and Daniel has a special focus on Scotland, his home away from home. As well as writing about photography and taking pictures out in the field, Daniel offers guided photography days so he can share his knowledge and locations in an effort to give his clients the best opportunities possible. Have a browse around this website to see his images, guided experiences and articles about photography. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in contact.
