Summer had arrived, and the sun finally shone, making it the perfect time for flight practice with the DJI Mavic Air. I planned to capture stunning aerial views along the shores of Tyrella Beach and St. John’s Point Lighthouse. However, I was surprised to find that the weather along the Mourne coastline felt more like winter than summer. The fog rolled in thick and fast, creating an entirely different atmosphere than I had anticipated.
Foggy Challenges and Natural Filters
The dense fog acted as a natural filter for the warm summer sun, creating a dramatic play of light and shadow. As someone who enjoys experimenting with photography, this presented both challenges and opportunities. To enhance my drone footage, I had recently started using Polar Pro filters for the DJI Mavic Air. On this occasion, I opted for the polarizing filter. This significantly improved the quality of my 4K footage by reducing glare and enhancing color contrast.
Still, I found myself wrestling with a dilemma. Filters like Neutral Density (ND) filters are designed to slow down the shutter speed, making them excellent for long-exposure shots. However, when applied to a moving camera 150 meters in the air, they introduce complications. The slower shutter speed can blur motion, and in auto mode, the Mavic Air compensates by increasing the ISO, which adds noise to the images. While the results were passable, I realized that shooting in full manual mode would be essential if I wanted to get the most out of these filters in the future.
St John’s Point Lighthouse and Tyrella Beach
Learning the Ropes
One of the joys of owning the DJI Mavic Air is learning its capabilities. With every flight, I’ve grown more comfortable with its settings and controls. This offered the confidence to experiment with composition and exposure. While I focused on flying the drone along the coastline this time, I couldn’t help but marvel at how this small device combines the thrill of flight. It also offers the artistic satisfaction of capturing unique aerial footage.
St John’s Point Lighthouse and Tyrella Beach
Tyrella Beach and St John’s Point Lighthouse are two of my favorite spots for experimental photography. These locations not only offer stunning visuals but also provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The beauty of this area has even caught the attention of artists and filmmakers over the years. Killough village, near the lighthouse, has been a filming location for movies like Fifty Dead Men Walking, The Shore, and Whole Lotta Soul. It’s a place steeped in history and natural beauty, making it an inspiring setting for creativity.
The Iconic St. John’s Point Lighthouse
St John’s Point Lighthouse is a striking landmark with a rich history. Originally built in the 1840s, it was extended to its current height of 40 meters in the late 1880s. Its distinctive black-and-yellow-striped design was added in the 1950s, making it one of the most recognizable lighthouses in Ireland.
The fog posed a unique challenge for capturing the lighthouse. Wide and distant shots were almost impossible, as the structure often vanished into the mist. As luck would have it, the fog lifted and the sun reappeared just minutes after I had depleted my final drone battery. It was a classic case of “right place, wrong time,” but the experience was no less rewarding.
History of St. John’s Lighthouse
St. John’s Lighthouse has a history dating back to the early 19th century. It was constructed between 1820 and 1821 by engineer George Halpin. Halpin is celebrated for his contributions to maritime safety across Ireland. The lighthouse was built due to increasing maritime traffic in the North Channel. Its primary purpose was to help ships navigate the rocky coastline safely. It also marked the entrance to Donaghadee Harbour, vital for local trade.
The lighthouse stands 35 meters tall and has a first-order Fresnel lens. This lens allowed its light to be seen from 22 nautical miles away. At the time, it was one of the region’s most powerful lighthouses. The original light source was an oil lamp, later converted to electric in the 20th century. The lighthouse operated until 1988 when it was decommissioned. Despite this, it remains an important historical site and a popular attraction.
St. John’s Lighthouse
While no longer an operational lighthouse, St. John’s remains an important part of Northern Ireland’s maritime heritage. The site attracts tourists, historians, and lighthouse enthusiasts who are drawn to its picturesque setting and historical significance. The nearby coastal walks offer stunning views of the lighthouse against the backdrop of the rugged coastline and the expansive sea, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers alike
Reflections On St John’s Point Lighthouse
Despite the challenges, the outing was a valuable learning experience. From experimenting with Polar Pro filters to navigating the shifting conditions of the Irish coastline, I came away with a deeper appreciation for the art of drone photography. The Mavic Air continues to be an exceptional tool for exploring both the technical and creative aspects of aerial imaging.
As I reviewed the footage back at home, I found myself even more inspired to improve. The interplay of light, fog, and the rugged coastline had created a dramatic atmosphere that was well worth the effort. While there’s still plenty to learn—especially about manual settings and filter usage—I’m excited to continue honing my skills.
St John’s Point Lighthouse and Tyrella Beach remain two of my favorite places to unwind and reconnect with nature. As referenced in Van Morrison’s song Coney Island, the area of Killough is truly stunning. Whether it’s the thrill of flying a drone, the satisfaction of capturing a perfect shot, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, there’s something magical about this part of the world.
My journey with the DJI Mavic Air has only just begun, and each outing brings new challenges and rewards. I look forward to returning to the Mourne coastline, hopefully under sunnier skies, to continue exploring and creating. Until then, the foggy shores of Tyrella and St John’s Point will remain etched in my memory as a testament to the unpredictable and ever-changing beauty of nature.
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