Field Notes I.

I first came across this scene back in 2019 thinking there could be some potential to make an image. The old twisted oaks and millstones are something I like to look out for while exploring. The sense of history is fascinating, clues on how the land has been worked and now how it is being reclaimed back to nature.

I'll often take a phone snap while out searching, its a good reminder of places and allows you to plan out compostions. Its taken a few visits to finally capture anything of note here. The images below are the best interpretation have achieved so far. A misty morning helped add the atmosphere and I really enjoyed the view in full green.

Luckily the mist lasted for a good hour or so and allowed me to work the scene without being under too much pressure, it would occasionally disappear then gently drift back down the valley and into view.

The wider view is the composition I finally decided on, allowing the viewer to get a real sense of the place, the mossy millstones, the pathway offers a route through the image framed by these fantastic twisted branches. The view then descends down into the wooded valley below.

Scouting locations is part of my learning curve for landscape photography. Putting in the miles to reccie places can sometimes offer rewards when the conditions are right. It can reduce the panic and allow you to be more confident when composing, taking time to really refine one scene.As always many thanks for taking time to read the words and view the photographs.

Matt