Royal William Yard
Camera: Olympus OM2
Film: 35mm Kodak Ektar 100
Two Days at Royal William Yard
The contrast between Plymouth's moods revealed itself across two days of shooting at the historic Royal William Yard. Armed with an Olympus OM2 and Kodak Ektar 100, I captured the dramatic shift from early spring's grey uncertainty to the bold promise of clearer skies.
The first day arrived wrapped in clouds, casting everything in muted tones that seemed to soften the edges of this former naval victualling yard. The overcast light brought out the subtle textures in the limestone facades and created an intimate atmosphere perfect for quieter compositions. When the sun finally broke through on day two, it transformed the same stone buildings into something entirely different – warm, golden surfaces against that brilliant blue sky that Ektar renders so beautifully.
These images tell the story of architectural permanence against changing light. The imposing chimney stack stands sentinel in both conditions, its weathered stone a testament to centuries of maritime history. The marina below bustles with modern life, sleek yachts and working boats creating layers of activity against the historic backdrop. Industrial elements like the harbour crane add sculptural interest, their angular forms contrasting with the classical proportions of the Georgian buildings.
Perhaps most striking is how the same location can feel so different under varying skies. The dramatic cloud formations of the partly cloudy day create natural patterns that mirror the architectural details below, while the bright conditions reveal every nuance of the restored buildings, including the ongoing restoration work visible in the scaffolding around the clock tower.
The final portrait captures the essence of the space, a moment of quiet contemplation framed by the large windows that connect interior and exterior, past and present. The golden hour light streaming through creates an intimate counterpoint to the grand scale of the naval architecture visible beyond.
Royal William Yard continues to evolve, but these photographs freeze moments when light, weather and history converged to create something timeless.
Film: 35mm Kodak Ektar 100
Two Days at Royal William Yard
The contrast between Plymouth's moods revealed itself across two days of shooting at the historic Royal William Yard. Armed with an Olympus OM2 and Kodak Ektar 100, I captured the dramatic shift from early spring's grey uncertainty to the bold promise of clearer skies.
The first day arrived wrapped in clouds, casting everything in muted tones that seemed to soften the edges of this former naval victualling yard. The overcast light brought out the subtle textures in the limestone facades and created an intimate atmosphere perfect for quieter compositions. When the sun finally broke through on day two, it transformed the same stone buildings into something entirely different – warm, golden surfaces against that brilliant blue sky that Ektar renders so beautifully.
These images tell the story of architectural permanence against changing light. The imposing chimney stack stands sentinel in both conditions, its weathered stone a testament to centuries of maritime history. The marina below bustles with modern life, sleek yachts and working boats creating layers of activity against the historic backdrop. Industrial elements like the harbour crane add sculptural interest, their angular forms contrasting with the classical proportions of the Georgian buildings.
Perhaps most striking is how the same location can feel so different under varying skies. The dramatic cloud formations of the partly cloudy day create natural patterns that mirror the architectural details below, while the bright conditions reveal every nuance of the restored buildings, including the ongoing restoration work visible in the scaffolding around the clock tower.
The final portrait captures the essence of the space, a moment of quiet contemplation framed by the large windows that connect interior and exterior, past and present. The golden hour light streaming through creates an intimate counterpoint to the grand scale of the naval architecture visible beyond.
Royal William Yard continues to evolve, but these photographs freeze moments when light, weather and history converged to create something timeless.
