Durdle Door Ridge view of Man O'War Beach

This image is of Mon O'War Beach taken from Durdle Door. The nearest railway station is Wool (on the London Waterloo to Weymouth Line). From here, buses "X54 and 55" from Wool Railway Station travel to Durdle Door Holiday Park (which is the bus stop you need for Man O' War Beach). Alternatively, there are often taxis at Wool station. From this Holiday Park, follow the signed footpath that leads to Durdle Door and make your way up to this view. Reference the GPS coordinates for context.

For a sunrise shot like in my image, visit in the summer for a warmer, more comfortable visit. Over the summer the milky way is visible to the South. If you're feeling adventurous, I highly recommend a sunset to sunrise shoot! The above said, you can capture great photos with a similar vibe any month of year, just be mindful of the weather.

For most landscapes views, sunrise light has no equal. The warm, directional lighting gives the scene contrast and depth. Also, the night allows for the air to settle, leading to clearer skies and calmer waters. These factors will give your sunrise image a tranquil feeling, elevating it to the next level.

Wear comfortable clothing. It is not a long hike but you will appreciate the walks up and down the beach if you're wearing durable shoes and a warm jacket.

By using a wide-angle lens (21mm) you'll be able to maximize your frame of the surrounding landscape.

Have a model stand ahead of you to add a strong focal point to your image.

Underexposing your image will allow you to keep the sun from blowing out the quality of the photo. You can always brighten the shadows in post-processing.

If you want an even more calm composition, try taking a long exposure to smooth out the water's surface.

Durdle Door, immediately next to Man O'War Beach is actually a more famous location. A unique natural arch, there aren't many places like it in the UK.

Other photography spots within driving distance include Portland Bill lighthouse, Corfe Castle and Pulpit Rock.