The Southwest and Vicentina coast in Portugal is part of a protected area that stretches roughly between the towns of Sines and Lagos. This coastal region offers plenty of interesting activities and experiences, from a vast network of walking and cycling trails to stunning seascapes.
One of my favourite spots is Cabo Sardao, near the small village of Cavaleiro, just a few kilometres south of Almograve. I have lost count of the times I have visited and photographed this area, or simply walked along the littoral, camera in hand, chasing the light at either sunrise or sunset. On this occasion, I was waiting for the latter, seated at the top of the cliff.
From this vantage point, overlooking the dramatic cliffs and rough ocean, one can truly feel the forces of nature that have shaped this seascape over millennia. As the sun set in the west, just above the horizon, the rocks took on a golden hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep blue colour of the ocean.
This was early March, a season when strong winds often prevail. Consequently, large waves crashed against the rocks, creating patches of white foam. I had already set my camera on the tripod with the composition I desired: the lighthouse positioned in the top left, with the sheer vertical cliffs dropping into the ocean. The geological layers in the cliffs further guided the eye into the scene. I had a 16mm lens mounted on the camera, which provides a natural wide-angle view on the APSC format.
