Capturing Lanzarote: A Novice's Cinematic Journey

 In 2013, during a memorable holiday to Lanzarote with my daughter, I embarked on an unexpected venture into filmmaking. While I was just beginning to explore the world of photography, videography was entirely new territory for me. Yet, armed with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I was determined to capture more than just still images; I wanted moving memories of our adventures and the breathtaking landscapes we encountered. These short recordings are a testament to that initial, enthusiastic attempt.

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Panoramic Vistas from Peñas del Chache

Our cinematic journey begins high above the island at Peñas del Chache, Lanzarote's highest public viewing point. Though a slightly loftier, militarily restricted area existed nearby, the sweeping panorama from our vantage point – a restaurant car park – was utterly unobstructed. Standing approximately 670 meters above sea level, I filmed the mesmerizing descent to the ocean below. This particular clip was captured during an organized island tour, providing a perfect opportunity to immortalize the island's dramatic topography. Peñas del Chache isn't just a daytime spectacle; it's a magnet for stargazers. With minimal light pollution, the summer nights here reveal a celestial tapestry where the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius blaze with particular brilliance.

Underwater Wonders at Aquarium Lanzarote

Our next series of clips transports us to the fascinating depths of Aquarium Lanzarote, conveniently located in Costa Teguise, just a short stroll from our hotel. While not sprawling in size, the aquarium offered a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Beyond housing a diverse array of marine life, it thoughtfully emphasizes species native to the Canary Islands, providing a unique glimpse into the local underwater ecosystems.

Wild Encounters at Rancho Texas Park

The adventure continued at Rancho Texas Park, where my recordings capture some of its animal inhabitants. This popular park offers engaging daytime shows, including captivating displays by sea lions and majestic birds of prey – thankfully, not together!

The Volcanic Heart of Timanfaya

Finally, the concluding clip in this collection takes us to the raw, untamed beauty of Timanfaya National Park, an iconic symbol of Lanzarote's volcanic soul.

There are also some slideshow videos of the island that can be seen on my YouTube channel, just search Lanzarote on my clips.

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Lanzarote's Spark: Where a Tablet and a View Ignited a Passion

In the summer of 2013, I found myself on the volcanic shores of Lanzarote, a place that, at the time, held little more than the promise of a sunny getaway. Little did I know, this island, sculpted by fire and time, would ignite a passion within me that I never knew existed: photography.

With a few days to spare and a desire to explore beyond the resort, I embarked on a comprehensive island tour. It was a decision that would forever alter my perspective. From the surreal, Martian landscapes of Timanfaya National Park, where the earth still breathes with volcanic heat, to the mesmerizing emerald hues of the Green Lagoon, each stop was a revelation. Jameos del Agua, a subterranean wonderland crafted by César Manrique, offered a glimpse into the harmonious blend of nature and art.

But it was El Mirador de Guinate, perched on the northernmost tip of the island, that truly captivated me. Standing there, overlooking the narrow strait of El Rio, with the serene island of La Graciosa floating in the distance, I felt a profound sense of awe. The landscape was a symphony of blues and browns, a panorama that stretched beyond the horizon.

Nestled within the municipality of Haria, El Mirador de Guinate is more than just a viewpoint. It’s an experience. The surrounding tropical park, a lush oasis against the stark volcanic backdrop, teems with diverse flora and fauna. As I wandered through its winding paths, I encountered vibrant birds, exotic plants, and the tranquil atmosphere that permeated the entire area.

Armed with nothing more than my trusty Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I began to capture these moments. It wasn’t a deliberate act of artistic expression at first; it was simply an attempt to hold onto the beauty I was witnessing. Yet, as I reviewed the images on the tablet’s screen, something shifted within me. I saw the world in a new light, framed and composed, captured in time.

The date was July 30th, 2013. A seemingly ordinary day, but one that marked the beginning of my photographic journey. The simplicity of my tablet, a tool I had previously used for casual browsing and entertainment, became the catalyst for a newfound passion. It was a reminder that inspiration can strike in the most unexpected places and with the most unassuming tools.

Looking back, those images, are more than just snapshots. They are a testament to the transformative power of travel, the unexpected beauty of Lanzarote, and the serendipitous discovery of a creative outlet. They are a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a stunning view and a simple device to ignite a spark within.

Lanzarote, with its unique landscapes and captivating vistas, offered me more than just a holiday. It offered me a new way of seeing the world, a perspective that continues to shape my creative endeavours to this day. It was a lesson in appreciating the beauty that surrounds us and the potential that lies within the most unexpected moments. And it all started with a tablet and a view from El Mirador de Guinate.

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Caleta del Sebo, the largest settlement on La Graciosa with a population
of over 730. The islands only ferry service runs from here connecting
with Orzola, Lanzarote.

The looking down towards the waters edge is approx 500 feet
from where the picture was taken. 

The western tip of La Graciosa.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.