Looking beyond the obvious an article in Outdoor Photography magazine

Published in this months Outdoor Photography magazine www.facebook.com/outdoorphotographymag this is a copy of the letter I wrote about familiar locations.

I have lost count at the number of times I have you opened a photography magazine only to find the same images of familiar UK locations? Every part of Britain seems to have one; an iconic landmark which is so often photographed that it has become the defining feature of an area. The lone tree on Ranock Moor in Argyle(sadly now no longer standing), the Old man of Storr on Skye, Burnham Lighthouse in Somerset, Eileen Donan Castle in the Western Highlands, Thurne Mill in Norfolk and the much photographed boat landing stage on Derwent water in Cumbria. All are amazing places and fully deserve their iconic status for the quality of photographs that they have inspired, but as artists should we not look beyond the obvious and try to seek out the detail in a landscape instead of being encouraged to replicate already successful images?

As a photographer on the Suffolk Coast I have many beautiful local landmarks available for me to photograph. Several have become magnets for image makers and have almost come to define this stretch of coastline. If you have never been here before you may well be forgiven for thinking that the best the Suffolk coast has to offer is a pier at Southwold, interspersed with rows of colourful beach huts, a giant scallop shell adorning the beach at Aldeburgh and an amazingly fanciful "house in the clouds" at Thorpness.

These features are so well photographed that they have become instantly recognizable landmarks on the Suffolk Coast. I am not denying their attraction to a photographer. When the sun rises in front of Southwold pier it is hard to image a more perfect image and one I have been guilty of trying to replicate many times in the past. It is right that these places should inspire us but they should also lead us to search for something different. After all it is not the landmark that makes a great photograph, but the skill of the photographer. With this in mind maybe we should choose compositions which are more representative of an area as a whole instead of heading straight for the well known landmarks. They may not initially seem as striking but then surely that is the challenge?

There have been many times that I have visited an unfamiliar area with preconceived ideas for the type of images that I would like to take there. These have generally been formulated from photographs seen in magazines, books and tourist information literature. Often my destinations for a photographic outing are chosen based on familiar iconic images. However I have found there is a fine line between inspiration and replication and going to an area with fixed ideas can be creative suicide.

In my work I have found that iconic images tend to lead to inspirational and beautiful areas of the British countryside, but once there I have found from a creative point of view it is much healthier to ignore the obvious and look around for something more subtle.

It has often surprised me how many different images can be created from within a very small area, even when at first the potential may not seem obvious. I believe the skill is really in seeing the landscape in every detail; looking into its soul if you like to get the best from it, much as you would if you were taking a portrait. The deeper you delve, the more you discover what a particular landscape is all about, and it is this understanding that goes a long way to creating a compelling image.

Now, when I am planning a trip to an unfamiliar area I look at the images that already exist together with OS maps and then I spend my time researching the environments and habitats that I am likely to encounter when I get there. Understanding the topography, the flora and fauna and land use give me a much better idea of what to expect when I arrive.

My work as a photographer on the Suffolk Coast has led me to document a small area of estuary shoreline in an attempt to uncover the true character of the place. Over two years I have put together a collection of photographs which create a fascinating insight into a beautiful stretch of coastline. There are no iconic images, even though several exist locally, and few man made structures but I hope my images go some way to conveying the beauty of the Suffolk Coastline in a more in depth way than is usually portrayed by shots of Southwold Pier or the Aldeburgh Scallop shell.

For my part I believe that there are enough amazing places to photograph in the UK to fill magazines and books for years to come without continually replicating the same landmarks. It would be wonderful to see something different from now on so that we can truly begin to appreciate what a diverse and visually rich country we live in.

Words on images - adding extra impact

We are all familiar with the old addage "a picture is worth a thousand words" which refers to the notion that a single image can convey a complex idea. Whilst it is true that a photographic image is a very powerful medium sometimes adding a little extra in the form of words can help create a greater impact. This technique is used all the time in marketing campaigns, but it is also something worth considering as a photographer especially if you are trying to add that extra punch or meaning to your images.

In May's edition of Outdoor Photography magazine Niall Benvie http://niallbenvie.photoshelter.com/ wrote a really interesting article about the subject. "Too many images, he believes, are being lost in the crowd, not because of any aesthetic or technical shortcommings but because they lack context". This is a problem Niall says can be overcome by adding a few words to a photograph and getting the image to speak to its audience.

This is a process which can easily be undertaken in Photoshop or Indesign, but it is worth paying careful attention to your choice of words and the font type, size and location - all of which are fundamental in getting your message across.


My winning entry in the Outdoor Photography words on pictures competition


This image was taken on Christmas day on the shores of Loch Reraig in Wester Ross. It was fairly early in the morning and the loch shore was deserted. I took the shot hoping to convey the peace and tranquility of this beauiful place. When it came to adding the words I used indesign and Palatino Linotype font to express the connection I felt with the outdoors at that moment in time. I hope this creates an image with just a little more impact.

Here are some other examples of my images with added words

Applecross a place for all seasons

The Applecross Peninsular in the Highlands of Scotland is one of my favourite places to visit and photograph. The area from Shieldaig round the coast to Applecross and Toscaig and then over the Bealach na Ba Pass to Kishorn is wonderfully diverse with high mountains, sandy beaches, woodlands, loch and rivers.



Winter at Applecross Bay



The first time I visited this wonderful location was Christmas 2009 when the whole area was under snow for several weeks. Amazingly the Bealach na ba was still passable and the scenery for photography was stunning.

Bealach na ba pass in December

I have just come back from my most recent visit to Applecross and the area is just as lovely in the summertime. For this visit we stayed at the tiny settlement of Arrena on the shores of Loch Torridon in a lovely building which used to be the village post office until the 1950's. http://www.arrina-oldpostoffice.co.uk/


Sunset from the Old Post Office


The views from the house take in the loch and mountains beyond but it is worth climbing the hill at the back of the village for the sunset and far reaching views from the top over Loch Torridon.

Sunset over Loch Torridon from Arrina

One of the best ways to explore the Applecross peninsular is on foot. There are a network of paths across the area and some very useful walking leaflets produced by the Applecross Estate. More information can be found at http://www.applecrosswalks.org.uk/

So if you are visiting the area for the first time with photography in mind where are the best places to go? My selection would definitely include the following locations:

1. Applecross Bay and Milltown Loch
There is plenty to see and do in Applecross and some amazing walks around the estate and over the hills. Be sure to visit the Potting shed in the walled garden for tea and cakes http://www.applecrossgarden.co.uk/

Milltown Loch in December

2. Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig village
The mountains make a stunning backdrop to this lovely village. Don't miss a walk around the Shieldaig peninsular which affords some stunning views and coffee at Nannys is a must! http://www.nannysshop.co.uk/

Morning light over Loch Shieldaig

3. The Bealach na Ba pass
No visit to the Applecross Peninsular would be complete without travelling this amazing road and the views from the top over to Skye are a must for any photographer.


The Isle of Skye from the Bealach na Ba Pass






































4. Ardbain and Coille Ghillie
Take the walk from Culduie through moorland and woodland to the coral beaches associated with these old townships.

Finally, as a visitor, the photographs in this blog can only ever be a taster for what is on offer visually in this stunning part of the world. In my travels I came across a website by a local photographer Steve Carter whos amazing images really capture the essence of this beautiful place and I strongly recommend a visit to his site. http://www.stevecarter.com/

Go West - A photographers guide to Ardnamurchan

Ardnamurchan in the highlands of Scotland is the most westerly part of the British mainland. A small peninsular bounded by Loch Sunart it is a wild and undiscovered place full of natural beauty, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife. It is a photographers paradise.
From the Coran Ferry much of the peninsular is reached by a single track road which leads all the way to Kilchoan and then further west to the lighhouse at Ardnamurchan point.
From a photogrphers point of view the area has a stunning diversity with scenery ranging from dazzling white beaches to the emerald green oak forests of the Sunart shoreline. Wildlife here is abundant and varied. Pine martens roam the woodland and golden eagles soar the skies whilst in between the seas are a rich habitat for seals, porpoise, whales and dolphins as well as a host of seabirds from gannets to manx sheerwaters.
So if you are planning a photography trip to this part of Scotland where are the best places to go? Here is my list of the top 10 must visit locations on the Ardnamurchan Peninsular.

1. Kilchoan
Almost the end of the road on the Ardnamurchan peninsular, this settlement has a lovely bay renowned for its seals, the ruins of a castle on the shore and plenty of interest for both landscape and wildlife photography.

Boats on the shore at Kilchoan Bay

2. Otters Holt self catering lodge, Kilchoan
This is a lovely place to stay and has the added attraction of a pine marten which can be tempted to the patio with a small bribe of jam or peanuts.
More information about Otters Holt can be found from http://www.ottersholtkilchoan.co.uk/

Pine marten at Otters Holt

3. Sanna Bay
With miles of brilliant white sand and turquoise seas Sanna Bay is a fantastic place for landscape photography. Try a visit at sunset which can yield some fantastic shots as the sun disappears behind the islands of Muck, Eigg and Rum.


Sanna Bay



Sunset at Sanna Bay

4. Loch Sunart
The remains of the ancient oak forests along the shores of Loch Sunart are great places to visit on a dull day. The emerald green forests dotted with moss coverd rocks and trees heavy with lichens make ideal subject matter for the photographer. There are many sections of woodland along the shores of Loch Sunart which are owned by the forestry commission for Scotland and which have trails and guides to aid exploration.

5. Ockle
The tiny settlement of Ockle is the starting point for some stunning coastal walks along the north of the Ardnamurchan peninsular.



View from the coast path at Ockle



6. Tobermoray, Mull
Although not a part of Ardnamurchan no trip to the peninsular would be complete without taking the 40 minute ferry trip from Kilchon to the harbour at Tobermory. The delighful town and busy harbour make for interesting subjects whatever the weather and season.

The harbour at Tobermory

7. Fascadale
The single track road to Fascadale runs past high peaks and wooded valleys. It was here that I saw my first Golden eagle gliding gracefully over the trees. There are small beaches and rocky coves along much of this shoreline and everywhere you look is a photograph.

8. The lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point.
The most westerly point on the British mainland is a must visit location for all landscape photographers especially during stormy weather when the most dramatic images can be achieved. Try shooting across from Eilean Chaluim bay for something a little more tranquil.

9. Portuairk
For me this delightful cove holds more interest than Sanna Bay itself. The combination of white sand, dark rocky outcrops, turquoise blue seas and a flotilla of tiny sailing boats makes an irresistable combination.

Portuairk bay

10. Ben Hiant and Loch Mudle
At 528m Ben Hiant is the largest peak in the area and offers fantastic views over the adjacent Loch Mudle. Look out for the Sea eagles which have been sighted regularly over the loch.

Pin Mill Smack race 2012

Saturday saw the 7th Annual Pin Mill Smack race set off along the Rivers Orwell and Stour. I was lucky enough to join the committee boat at the start of the race so was in an ideal place for taking photographs. After all the rain and wind we had the previous day it was good to wake up to a dry and bright morning. Unfortunately the weather earlier in the week had put off several boats from traveling to join the race so the start line was limited to about 10. Despite the reduced numbers the gathering of these beautiful classic craft was still a spectacualr sight.


Starting line of the 2012 Pin MIll Smack Race


The course ran from Pin Mill along the River Orwell to Shotley point then turned and ran down the Stour. The largest smack, Colchester based Pioneer, was the eventual winner.

CK18 Pioneer

CK258

CK328

LO195 Gladys of London

Photography - encouraging the younger generation

A recent report found that children today spend 60% less time outdoors than their parents did at the same age. In these days of tv, video and computer games where youngsters look to simulated adventure for their enjoyment, it is becoming increasingly hard to find activities to encourage children to venture outside. The countryside is often seen as boring and wildlife as un cool, but if we want our environment to have a future as a cherished and respected place then we need to start encouraging our younger generation to get outside and get involved. And what better way to do this than through photography. Could the simple art of taking pictures provide the link, for todays children, between technology and the outdoors? Today I went to the Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve at Lackford Lakes to find out.

I joined a junior photography workshop run by Kevin Sawford http://www.kevinsawford.com/. Kevin specialises in wildlife and nature photography and is a very enthusiastic ambassador for the outdoors.


Learning about depth of field


During the half day course the children learnt about simple camera operations, what settings to use when shooting particular subjects, how to control depth of field, how to use a tripod, and how to choose and frame subjects. They were generally left to find their own subject matter which was a great way to encourage them to notice their surroundings and really "see" what was around them. Despite the absence of impressive species the children found plenty to photograph from wild flowers to damselflies and even a slow worm. It was really encouraging to see the enthusiasm with which the children took to the art of nature photography and gives hope that the battle to reconnect a generation to the counrtyside is not lost.

So how do you go about getting your child inspired by outdoor photography? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Plant the seed at a young age. Children as young as 5 or 6 will derive a huge amount of pleasure from using a simple camera. They love to experiment and show their creativity and will get a huge amount out of exploring a wild area with a basic camera. Encourage them to take lots of images and have fun with the camera. It is only by experimenting and practice that young children will learn.

2. For older children it is possible to teach them a few basics such as how to hold the camera still and level, how to frame a shot, basic composition including points of interest, backgrounds and simple rule of thirds. Encourage creativity by discussing colours, lighting, depth of field and shooting from different perspectives. Stick to one or two ideas at a time and don’t use too much theory in one session. After all you want your child to have fun and catch the photography bug; too much theory may have the opposite effect.

3. Always let your child choose their own subject matter and vantage point. Encourage them to show their creativity and only help them once they have taken the first steps. If creativity is running low give a few suggestions to help such as photos that tell as story, objects of one colour or shape, or subjects that represent a season or habitat.

4. The nice thing about photography is that the creativity doesn’t stop once the shooting has. At the end of a day out you can upload your images and review them together. Most children love computers so it should be easy to encourage them to do something interesting with their images. Make a photo diary or collage of the day, or set up a photo blog on one of the many blogging sites. Encourage family and friends to visit their blog and to leave comments and feedback.

5. The most important thing to remember is that photography is fun and a great way to get children inspired and interested in the great outdoors.

For more information about Lackford lakes visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/reserves-and-visitor-centres/lackford-lakes/

The Suffolk Show with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust

I was lucky enough to be working at the Suffolk Show this year with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. I was there in my capacity as volunteer photographer with a brief of covering the event from the Trusts point of view.
It was my first trip to the show and I wasn't disappointed. There was an amazing amount going on and something different to see everywhere you looked.


Horse jumping at the Suffolk Show

 The Suffolk Wildlife Trust were publicising their Living Seas marine campaign this year and there were displays and interactive quizes aimed at families and children


Marine Quiz in the SWT marquee

 Outside the marquee in the wildlife garden there was plenty going on with bug hunting and pond dipping providing a wide range of activities for all the family.


Bug hunting in the wildlife garden




Pond dipping

 In times where virtual activities play such a major part in childrens lives it was fantastic to see so many families and children enjoying all the activities that the Trust had on offer at the Suffolk Show this year. Unfortunately by about 2.30pm the heavens opened and the rains came down, bringing a premature end to all the outdoor activities.