“A Joy To Photograph”

"As a photographer, Tresco Island is a magical place to visit and a joy to photograph - always different, always stunning with its own unique light.

This trip was even more special, as I had the pleasure of photographing a brand new event to Tresco - the highlight of my working week - the Low Tide Event. Everything was in alignment for those few hours: bank holiday Monday, Spring low tide at 1pm and, crucially, the weather sunny and clear.

As I photographed the sandbar appearing, I could see the day-trippers from St Mary’s converging on Floodhatch beach and soon there was a stream of people crossing the channel over to the sandbar, like pilgrims. A cool drinks bar (complete with Jess singing above her acoustic guitar) had appeared magically and moules were being cooked en masse in a paella-style cauldron. Families were playing in the azure shallows, others speculatively shrimping further out…and still the stream of people grew from both Tresco and Bryher.

Eventually there must have been 300 or more on that sandbar. There were photographs everywhere….so much going on and all on sand that is normally hidden under the sea - magical. Soon the drinks bar was dry of both beer and prosecco and the moules happily devoured. Then the tide turned and so the exodus began. High up at the Tresco monument I photographed the last remaining individuals as the tide wiped clear the footprints and swallowed up the last ridges of the sandbar. It was as if it had never happened, yet it had been an extraordinary day cemented in memories and photographs.

There’s always so much happening on Tresco, so much to capture and photograph. Stand-up paddle-boarding Yoga (yes, together), an idyllic cricket match on the perfect summer’s evening (Come on Tresco and Bryher!), New Grimsby’s flourishing market stalls, the three generation Pender family and their Island Fish business, red squirrels everywhere on the island seemingly, bees, beach barbeques…or just simply enjoying empty Pentle Bay on a sunny windless morning.

It’s always a joy to photograph on the island and for the island. Every time I return I know there will be new and exciting stories to capture. I can't wait to go back..."

James Darling is a Cornwall wedding and commercial photographer who recently spent a week photographing for Tresco Estate - for more information visit www.jamesdarlingphotography.com