We have had one too many grey days throughout January and into February. Typically they can be difficult months to navigate, not only photographically but generally in our day to day.
As we wait the anticipation of spring, slowly moving from the winter slumbers, days begin to lengthen, edging quietly lighter and energy returns. Right on the edge of winter we recently had a bright and frosty morning. Packing the bag I headed out for a walk. In the early hours of the day, unsurprisingly the Peak District was already busy with people out making the most of a rare sunny morning.
There was a chill to the air, cold and frosty. Pockets of mist lay silent in the valleys. With the usual places busy, I decided to explore a place I had been wanting to visit. It sits at the bottom of a valley by a river and the place was thick with fog, hanging heavy in the air. After plenty of rainfall, the water was raging, flowing fast with a deafening sound.
As I made my way along the rivers edge, the mist and fog began to lift, the water slowed and the noise of the river eased, gently being replaced by the birdsong and soft breeze through the trees. Down muddy paths, over old wooden bridges, I past farmland with grazing sheep huddled together to keep away the mornings chill. Wonderful willow and alder trees lined the river bank, making a little nod towards the water flowing beneath.
Walking by the river, although a beautiful morning and great conditions in the little pockets of woodland, nothing was catching my eye. ‘Looking for Trees’ was proving difficult. I took a seat by the waters edge, watching the play of light in the moving flow. Trees above my position mirrored back, creating lovely shapes in the motion of the gentle waves. Finally I'd found my trees.
I created a series of images from this space. Enjoying the slow pace and quiet time, experimenting with shutter speed and composition. It was an enjoyable couple of hours, finding somewhere new and seeing images I hadn't expected. ‘Looking for Trees’ with a different perspective.
