Taken by the light.

I recently listened to a podcast on Fstop with photographer John Barclay, describing his thoughts on taking pictures.  Looking back at my photographs I have realised the ones I am most fond of are the times when I did little planning and just head out into the landscape.  John eloquently and perfectly put this way of photography into words, something that has resonated with me and helped me understand my thoughts and feelings on this process.

“Taken by the light”, as put beautifully by John, is a way of letting the landscape turn your head, no expectations, just wandering and absorbing the environment. I’ve been guilty of chasing the light. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach, more often I’m left disappointed when the conditions don’t quite live up to the promise. Letting the landscape wash over you, listening to the sounds, taking a little time, and accepting what is, the experience becomes as much a part of the enjoyment as taking the photograph. 

I believe in the concept of letting the landscape find you. The image opposite was made using this technique. The memory of the day still lives strong in my mind; it’s a powerful technique and has become a useful tool I use for helping me capture images when I’m out in nature. I think if we combine the experience of just being outdoors, alongside photography, this would lead to a more personal and more fulfilling experience?

Listening to the podcast has also made me reflect on the “why” of taking pictures; thoughts that have been festering in my mind for some time. In a world where it feels like you have to shout the loudest to be noticed, the next image being more epic than the previous, it becomes difficult to compete and keep up and ‘we’ wonder where we fit in to the order of things. Is the antidote taking a quieter and more personal approach to enhance the practice of photography; seeking out the small details and the less photographed paths, exploring more and being “taken by the light”?  When we remove the external pressures and expectation then do we remove the stress? I believe so.

 After all, in the end, isn’t taking photographs for our own fulfilment and enjoyment?

As mentioned in the post

Podcast

https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/page/f-stop-collaborate-and-listen/

John Barclay.

https://johnbarclayphotography.com

The images below where taken on the same beach on the same day. Both created by the power of the ocean.

Captured on a wander, taken by the light.

Managing the mind.

It doesn't happen too often. All the stars alining when it comes to capturing an image. More than often I choose a location and my mind wanders to the prospect of conditions elsewhere. It's a source of frustration and doesn't lend itself to being completely relaxed and immersed in the act of taking the picture. As landscape photographers, we can procrastinate over the weather and the location, being indecisive and creating a noisy mind. Trying to master a better mindset, leaving the FOMO behind can be as much of a learning curve than photography itself.

The image below was one of these rare occasions when everything came together. Autumn was in full swing, my mind was not thinking of anyplace except this spot, I had perfect conditions and a scene that caught my attention. The landscape in front of me seemed to be sharper, the noises of the woodland clearer. A gentle breeze blowing through the canopy above, and the birdsong creating a perfect sound track to this simple act of taking a picture. I spent a good hour focused on the small patch of woodland, enjoying every minute trying to piece together the elements and unlock the view. My mind was quiet and completely clear. I've found that letting the landscape find me rather than planning and worrying about trying to be in the right place at the right time has led me make images I am happier with. These times are rare, but trying this tecnique is the enjoyable part of photography.

My Images are memories of being out and about, and when that zen moment has happened, looking back at the picture taken reminds me of the experience and senses I felt, as clear as the moment I was stood with the camera. The trick is to try and remember this the next time I pack the camera for a trip out.

Baslow.

Often I will visit a location over and over. Becoming familiar with a place is key for me to develop as a photographer. Many times I have arrived at a location with amazing light, and I’m more akin to a headless chicken than a photographer. Knowing the place allows me to be more constructive and take more time once I begin working. It also allows me to see the landscape in many different conditions, and lets me take more risks and try different compositions, knowing I will always be back to try again!

Below are a few images taken at the wonderful Baslow Edge. I’d love to know what you think to the images.


All about the light

Sound obvious right! Most of my photography has been photographed in the “Golden Hour”. One reason, I just love this time of the day, especially dawn. The chance to see in a new day is such a rewarding experience, its a special and quiet time. Seeing the Landscape bathed in glorious golden light is just amazing.

More recently however, over the last couple of years, I have been trying to capture images in less dramatic light. Embracing duller, flatter, more cloudy days. Not only does this open up more opportunity to shoot, its focuses the mind on composition.

For me composition is the most important element to any image. Its then a case of waiting and using the light given to us, to the best of our ability.

I’m hoping over time using this approach will improve and evolve my work. I would love to know what you think in the comments below.

Cracked.jpg
BJ9A7571.jpg

Does my photography matter.

One dark cold morning I headed out with Ralph for our usual early walk. Now more often that not I take out my "big" camera but this particular day in a rush I left without it. Arriving at the fields the atmosphere was beautiful, aqua frost illuminated the grass, mist lingered in the valleys and the soft pastel colour in the sky was loverly. Kicking myself for not bringing the camera I reached to my pocket hoping at least to find my phone, and after berating myself for a while I walked and casually "snapped" the views as we completed our little ramble. 

Looking back at my snaps and enjoying reliving the morning this got me thinking does my photography matter, who does it matter to, well no one apart from myself in reality. While its good to have positive comments from social media sites images are well forgotten after the click. But to me each image is a memory, a place I've visited perhaps for the first time, perhaps many times. I'm always able to look back feeling the cold or the warm sun the sense of excitement of being out and about.

So next time whatever form of camera I have I'll enjoy the moment and capture that new memory an experience to look back fondly on.

45807524094_4eae8ef786_c.jpg

Landscape Photographer of the Year.

I had some great news recently that two images of mine have been commended in the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards. You can view an exhibition of the winning images at Waterloo station till Feb.

https://www.take-a-view.co.uk

Screen Shot 2018-11-22 at 16.29.43.png

Landscape Photographer of the Year

I'm lucky enough to have two images reach the final and be commended to appear the this years book. Its the 10th year and a real privilege to share the pages with the high calibre of winners this year.

 

Cloud Cover

Cloud Cover

Cloud cover taken on a trip to Scotland. The scenery is absolutely breath taking with ever changing conditions makes it a fantastic place for photography.

The Clearing

The Clearing

Taken above Bolehill quarry in the Peak District. Always a real pleasure to have a local image in the book. The Peak District is such a special place, and one of the most varied landscapes in the UK.

Print Auction for Marc Elliott.

Photographer John Gibbs has kindly organised a print auction for fellow photographer Marc Elliot who tragically lost his leg in a motor bike accident. I've been a long admirer of Marc's work on flickr  and he is a hugely talented artist.

To bid and support the auction you can visit John's website here. There are some outstanding images to see and a great chance to get hold a beautiful picture for a worthy cause.

 

Keeping it simple.

This location is right on my doorstep and i've walked the area many times and has views of the countryside and wonderful pathways through woodland areas where deer can roam. I've taken the odd image in this area but never any I have been hugely happy with. On one particular cold and frosty morning after a recent snow fall mist had risen in the valley. This isolated elements of the landscape making a once busy scene into beautiful simple compositions. 


The Worldaway Exhibition.

I'll be exhibiting work from the Peak District at the Nicolson Gallery and Museum in Leek from July to September. Its open for 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday.

See and experience the Peak District as you have never done before, through the lens of a Destination Photography Partner.

This group of dedicated amateur and professional photographers, travel around the Peak District's diverse landscapes in all weathers, capturing their adventures with stunning photography.

Come along and share these inspiring images with those living or visiting the Peak District and give recognition to this dedicated group of photographers who travel the area in all weather conditions to bring its glory into our lives for us to enjoy the world away, that’s not far away!

Landscape Photographer of the Year

I've recently had some exciting news that two of my Peak District photographs have  been commended by the LPOTY judges and will appear in this years book. The photographs will also be exhibited at Waterloo Station, London.


Both images where taken this year, one on a misty morning on Mam Tor looking over Hope Valley and the second on a beautiful morning on Curbar Edge.