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Duck and Cover: Pollution, Plastics & the British Coastline

A bright yellow bath duck, bobbing along in the murky waters of Southend in the South East of England. It’s the kind of image that makes you double take. Smile. Then squirm. Because that duck shouldn't be there.

This isn’t a staged studio shot. It’s real, captured among the trash washed up or floating in the shallows. And it says everything about the state of our waters — plastic pollution, sewage leaks, environmental neglect. It’s childlike and grim, playful and damning. It’s not just a toy lost at sea. It’s a symbol of the plastic choking our coastlines.

I took this image low level, close to the incoming tide in the late afternoon light. The waves rolled in and out with a rhythmic slap, and the setting sun cast this soft golden haze. But the light can’t mask the shit beneath. This is England’s coast in 2025 — beautiful, broken, full of contrast.

Surfers Against Sewage - pollution along the English coastline!

Camera Details:

Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
ƒ/9.0 | 50mm | 1/500 sec | ISO 320
Handheld, natural light, shot low level with my camera almost touching the water.

The State of Southend

Southend-on-Sea, once a Victorian gem and still a favourite day-tripper destination, boasts the longest pleasure pier in the World and a stretch of Essex coastline famed for its traditional beaches and bucket-and-spade charm. But look beyond the chip shops and arcades, and you’ll see the cracks forming — quite literally — in the water.

Raw sewage, dumped by profit-hungry water companies, has turned many beaches on the Southend stretch into no-go zones after heavy rain. Since Brexit, UK waters have lost the extra environmental protections once enforced by EU directives. The result? Loopholes exploited, fines dodged, and coastlines left tainted — both physically and politically. For a look at some more of my images taken in Southend-on-Sea check out my Flickr Album - click here.

Sewage, Scandal & Standing Up

It’s not just plastic — it’s piss, poo, and profit.

UK water companies have come under increasing fire for pumping untreated sewage straight into rivers and seas, under the guise of “storm overflows.” Translation: we can’t be arsed to upgrade infrastructure, so we’ll dump the waste and cross our fingers. Southend isn’t alone — it’s just one name on a long, dirty list. The Environment Agency reports thousands of such ‘events’ — a polite term for raw shit in the sea. But people are fighting back.

Surfers Against Sewage have been on the frontline for years — a grassroots movement turned national force. What started as a small group of surfers protesting filthy waves has become a powerful environmental pressure group campaigning for clean water, plastic-free coastlines, and corporate accountability. They monitor pollution, lobby for legislative change, and educate communities — all while keeping the stoke alive.

Massive respect to them. They’re doing the hard graft — in wetsuits and wellies. Read more about Surfers Against Sewage on their website, buy some merch and if you can afford it, drop them some coin!


Environmental Irony

The image plays with contrasts — something cute and harmless drifting through a seascape that’s far from pristine. It captures the bitter truth of the modern coast: a place once full of life, now too often full of garbage. Toy ducks. Wet wipes. Condoms. Crap. Plastic bottles. All regulars in the filth-streaked theatre of Britain's beaches. More of my ocean and sea images can be viewed on my Flickr Album - click here.

Duck and Cover: Pollution, Plastics & the British Coastline!

Photography That Speaks

This is why I shoot. Not just to capture pretty moments — but to reflect the mess, the madness, and sometimes the madness within the mess. This image doesn’t scream, but it asks questions. And that’s where the power lies. As always, if you want to license or use this image, check my Getty Images collection or drop me a message directly.


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Abstract Ocean Photography for Sale

As a keen travel photographer and lover of nature, I am excited to announce that my abstract ocean photography is available to purchase via my website. If you're looking for unique and stunning pieces of art for your home or office, look no further than my varied collection of abstract seascapes. These abstract images capture the beauty and majesty of nature in a way that is both striking and serene. Click through the following slide show to browse some of my abstract water images for sale:

My abstract photography captures the beauty and wonder of our oceans & seas in a unique and artistic way. The images are created using the photographic technique of ICM (intentional camera movement), you can read more about the process here. My abstract collection features a range of images that showcase the many moods and colours of the ocean, from the deep blues and greens of the open sea to the bright pinks and oranges of a sunset over the water. Or for something more subtle and fine art in approach, why not choose one of my black and white abstracts. My abstract approach to seascapes creates unique pieces that truly are one-of-a-kind. They will add a sense of calm and wonder to any space they occupy, whether it's a living room, bedroom, or office. Taken in a variety of locations around the World including West Africa, Peru, Cuba, Spain, England and Wales, the stunning pieces are perfect for any home or office. View the second slideshow to view more of my abstract water images for sale:

So if you're looking for a unique piece of abstract art for your home or office, drop me a message today: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com. Whether you are looking for a large statement piece or a series of smaller prints, my collection offers a range of sizes and styles to fit any space and taste. With a variety of sizes and framing options available, there's something for everyone in my collection. Choose your favourite abstract and bring a piece of the ocean into your home or office!

Abstract artwork for sale by Geraint Rowland Photography:

If you would like a piece of my abstract photography take a look at my ‘Ocean & Sea’ and ‘Abstract Ocean Art’ albums on my Flickr account, as well as the abstract page on my website. Some of my abstract pieces are also for sale via Art Vogue, check out their website here. The majority of my abstract ocean images are also available to license via Getty Images. Have a look and if you are interested in purchasing a print, using an image online or would like further information send me an email to discuss.

Abstract Ocean Art Photography by Geraint Rowland

I am a big fan of this kind of abstract artwork, both in paintings and photography itself.  I think I first saw the technique being used by Surf photographer Morgan Maasen.  So, how do you make abstract style photographs?  Producing these abstract photographs is fairly easy, you simply take a photo of the ocean with a long exposure (up to a second or more depending on the light) whilst moving the camera from left to right (or right to left depending on you preference).  It's often a good way to create interesting and often beautiful shots at an often bland location.  In addition it is a technique which doesn't require a tripod, which I often can not be bothered to carry about with me.  Meaning you can still have fun, and produce some nice images while others may be carrying out long exposures with a tripod.  The end result being a painterly type of image often more similar to a painting, or piece of art than that of a photograph.  

An abstract water photo at sunset by Geraint Rowland Photography.

An abstract water photo at sunset by Geraint Rowland Photography.

The same technique can be used for trees, for example in a forest or jungle.  The trick is to move the camera in the same direction as the main lines within the frame.  For example, with the Ocean or Sea you go from left to right, following the horizon and the swell lines.  In a forest or woodland you would move the camera vertically from bottom to top, or top to bottom.  Click through the slideshow below for more examples of abstract ocean photography.  These photos were taken in Peru, England, Spain and West Africa.

I was involved in an 'Emerging Artists Exhibition' in Lima in 2013 in which I exhibited and sold several large abstract ocean art pieces which were printed on to canvas.  They were 1 metre by 1 metre in size and looked excellent hung on the wall.  More examples of my abstract ocean and surf art can be found here on my website.  

My abstract photography can now be bought on Etsy via LindaWisdomPhotoCo. The Red Lima sunset above for example can be purchased here.  My blog on taking abstract ocean images can be read in Spanish here. More of my abstract photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Twitter and my Flickr account. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.