We were lucky enough to be invited to the opening of James Richardsons gallery exhibition at Penarth Pier Pavilion on the 3rd November. For the past month, James has been putting together an exhibition of 30 photos he’s taken over the last six months, showcasing the Dawnstalkers, a group of wonderful people who meet at Penarth Pier at dawn to swim in the sea. The Dawnstalkers are a close knit community and Jim was able to perfectly capture this in his photos. 

It was wonderful to see so many people in attendance who all came to support and admire James’ work. A great show of the strong community that the Dawnstalkers have built in Penarth.

James started taking the photographers in April 2021, “to capture the motions of people entering the sea at sunrise on Penarth Beach”.

“It tells the story of the Dawnstalkers journey from 3 to 300 people and shows the growth of an amazing community in a series of stunning images which show the magic of the mornings at the Seafront and the change of the seasons and colours of Dawn.”

There are many photos out there of beautiful sunsets and we can never get enough, but what makes James’ photos so unique and powerful is the combinations of the natural beauty of the sea and sunrise, with the human element of the Dawnstalkers. And because James is in the water with them, you feel as though you’re in the sea as well, sharing in that moment of freedom.

“I select the images through a sense of feeling and intuition to portray the emotional experience and to give the best representation of that morning. These seascapes are about the beauty that people bring to the sunrise. A sunrise is wonderful itself but the appeal is magnified when surrounded by other like-minded people.”

As someone who enjoys a lie-in, when I first heard about the Dawnstalkers I didn’t understand the appeal of running into the freezing sea at dawn. But after seeing James’ photos and speaking to members of the Dawnstalkers, it all became very clear. To be awake before anyone else allows you to be completely free. No one watching you, judging you or expecting anything from you. You can simply enjoy the beauty of the sea and the sun. 

“The Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club is a safe place for everyone who wants to do something for themselves first thing in the morning, before the enter everyday life. The Dawnstalkers go in these to experience the sunrise in Penarth every morning. For the Dawnstalker’s every day is special, no matter the weather, they make the most of it.”

So, here at Penarth View we’d like to congratulate James Richardson on this great achievement and if you have the chance, go and see James’ exhibition at the Penarth Pier Pavilion. 

The prints showcased are all one offs and will not be available to purchase again. They are not on my website to view but there is a selection of other images that are for general sale.https://www.halfwit.photography