Parish Church of Saint Materiana

Perched dramatically on the clifftops above the Atlantic, this ancient Norman church sits in near-isolation on a windswept headland, making it one of the most atmospheric ecclesiastical subjects in Cornwall. The churchyard's weathered Celtic crosses and leaning gravestones photograph beautifully against stormy skies or rolling sea mist, and the combination of rugged coastline and medieval stone architecture is rare anywhere in the world. Approach from the coastal path to frame the church with the sea behind it, or get low among the gravestones to compress the foreground detail against the tower. Overcast days suit this location perfectly, softening shadows and bringing out the texture in the ancient stonework, while golden hour adds warmth to the grey granite. A wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range lets you include both the building and the dramatic coastal backdrop. The site is free to access and the surrounding paths give you plenty of room to explore different angles. (Tintagel, Cornwall, United Kingdom)