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The Practical Camera Club in Southampton

The Practical Camera Club gathered at Ashlett Creek for a swift but rewarding two-hour shoot. The late summer sky glowed with hues of amber and pale gold, while the heat of the day had softened into a warm breeze that rustled through the trees. Our timing couldn’t have been better as the tide was high, and light skimmed the water’s surface, inviting vibrant reflections and tonal contrast. With gear in hand, we stepped onto the pebbled jetty, ready to make the most of the fading daylight across the marina before the sun disappeared below the horizon.

The scene was full of quiet charm. Dinghies and yachts floated peacefully, their hulls mirrored in the shimmering water. Dominating the quay stood Ashlett Mill, a striking tide-powered mill dating to 1816, though its origins may stretch back to medieval times. Its red brick walls and distinctive mansard roof mark a chapter of industrial heritage. Once harnessing the power of tidal flows to grind local grain, it ceased operations by 1902 and began its new life as a community clubhouse. Today, it serves as the headquarters for Ashlett Sailing Club, a fitting tribute to its maritime roots.

With an hour left, we took to the eastern embankment, venturing partway along the coastal path in the direction of Calshot. The salt marshes provided texture and depth for wide-angle compositions, while passing Red Funnel ferries added motion and context to the peaceful frame. The lowering sun painted the mudflats in elongated shadows, teasing out the subtleties of colour and light across the scene.

As golden hour faded into twilight, we returned to The Jolly Sailor’s riverside terrace—an 18th-century pub with a colourful past as a smugglers’ haunt. Perched on the water’s edge with a pontoon for nautical visitors, it provided the perfect conclusion to our shoot. We gathered on the grassy verge, swapping shots and stories, raising ice-cold beverages in celebration of good company, good light, and the timeless pleasure of chasing beauty through a lens.