SUMMARY
Photographer Adrian Vila shares his extensive process for capturing a specific vision of a chapel on a rock off Spain's northwest coast, a project spanning nearly a decade. The goal was to photograph the chapel at a very high tide, requiring careful planning around tidal cycles and unpredictable weather. During a six-hour wait for the tide, Vila explored and photographed nearby ruins, a port, and a lighthouse, utilizing long exposures with a Sigma 16-28mm and Sony 20mm f/1.8 lenses. He also captured a spontaneous shot of a truck with his Sony a7R IV and a 35-150mm zoom, highlighting the utility of a versatile lens. Although the chapel shot didn't achieve the exact water level he envisioned, Vila secured a satisfying image and plans to return during higher tides in June or December.
TAKEAWAYS
Adrian Vila aimed to photograph a Spanish chapel at a specific high tide, a goal requiring years of planning.
He utilized long exposures and ND filters for landscape shots, and a versatile zoom lens for spontaneous moments.
The final chapel photograph did not perfectly match his vision, but he plans future attempts during higher tides.
Vila emphasizes taking multiple frames of long exposures, especially in windy conditions, to ensure sharpness.