Lindisfarne Castle
While Lindisfarne is possibly best known for it's priory and the
associated religous history, I would suggest the castle is the image
that most visitors picture when they think of the island.
Bamburgh Castle
One of the many iconic castles along the north east coast of England,
Bamurgh still has much to offer the passing photographer. While
arguably not the most dramatic image I still rather like the way
the clouds seem to mirror the rocks and sand of the beach.
Dunstanburgh Castle
November is probably not the best month to visit this location,
and being on the east coast normally means a sunrise gives the best
light, but I like the more subtle and subdued colours and the sombre
atmosphere seems to suit a ruined castle.
Winter Trees
Winter can be a harsh season at the best of times but in the delicate
light of a morning mist the bare landscape is wrapped in softening
blanket.
Trough brook, Forest of Bowland
When I set off I thought the distant fog was just that, fog. When
I got closer it became apparent that it was actually rain. But although
this made my job so much harder, I think this image made it worth
while. I love the subtle, soft grey of the rain laden sky and there
was certainly enough water to fill the Brook!
Ashness bridge, Cumbria
I know it's been photographed a million times but if you're in the
neighbourhood, well, it's kind of rude not to.
Morning over Coniston Water
Although Coniston Water is one of the longer lakes in the area this
image only required a look across the northen tip to capture the
peace and tranquility of a winter's morning.
Winter morning, Derwentwater
Although one of the busier of the Cumbrian Lakes, Derwentwater can
also be calm and tranquil in the right conditions and at the right
time. This image was taken just a few miles down from Keswick on
a February morning.
Sunset on St.Annes Beach
I have always found the contrast between the isolated remains of
the pier and expanse of the beach at this location fascinating,
and have visited it often. On this occasion I was rewarded with
a wonderfully subtle sunset for my efforts.
Evening on St.Annes Beach
I had been taking detail shots of the weathered wood and iron on
the remains of the pier, when I was struck by the way the dark evening
sky was closing in on the setting sun. I drew back to try and capture
the scene and managed just a couple of exposures before the light
and the clouds faded away.
Sunnyhurst Reservoir, Darwen
Sunnyhurst reservoir is one of a number in the area but is the most
visible from the ridge on which Darwen Tower sits. This image was
taken facing roughly west from the ridge and, as a result, pointing
into the evening sun. However the canopy of trees shielded me from
the direct light an allowed a glimpse of the rolling fields beyond.
Evening at Darwen Tower
Darwen Tower is a curious construction. Standing high on a ridge
away from the town it serves very little purpose but does provide
a wonderful counterpoint to the exposed moorland around it. On this
occasion the sky was almost cloudless and did not promise much.
However, the colours from the sunset over the Fylde Coast some 40
mile away generated wonderfully subtle tones in the evening sky.
Sunsets do not always have to be dramatic to be worth the wait.
The Black Cuillins, Skye
The Black Cuillins deserve their name. A fearsome ridge it demands
respect but its drama also attracts walkers, climbers and photographers
in equal measure. I have been this way a number of times and cannot
remember ever seeing them under a cloudless blue sky. I'm sure it
happens but I actually think I prefer them in the brooding light
of impending rain.
Sunset on Crosby Beach
I had heard of Anthony Gormley's 'Another Place' and was intrigued
by it. The idea of the figures standing exposed on the expanse of
the beach appealed to me. I had an idea of the image I wanted before
I arrived, but the light and the weather had conspired against me.
What I was presented with though made for arguably a better image.
I love the dark sky as it seems to me to make the figures even more
isolated.
Eilean Donan Castle after rain
Eilean Donan Castle has an almost iconic status in terms of images
of Scotland. Ordinarily I would not attempt such a well photographed
location, but on this day I was travelling back from an earlier
expedition and passed the castle moments after a particular heavy
downpour. It was a warm autumn day and as a result the clouds were
sticking to the surrounding hills providing a back drop I couldn't
recall seeing before, and I just couldn't resist it.
Winter at Darwen Tower
I had expected it to be cold on this visit but not that cold! It
had snowed the day before so I had taken the opportunity capture
a different view of a landmark I had visited before. What I wasn't
prepared for was the wind chill factor. I always use a tripod and
a remote release for my landscape images and now I know why.
Reflections in Loch Leven
This is an example of elements coming together by pure chance. I
had only recently arrived in the area and was scouting for locations.
I was following the road that circles the loch and as I came around
a bend I was greeted by this image. Not only that but parking directly
infront of me and only 30 feet or so from the water's edge. Some
things are just meant to be.
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
The beach at Sanna Bay, on the most westerly edge of the Scottish
mainland, has the most pristine white sands. Undeveloped, save for
a scattering of houses, it is as near unspoilt as you are ever likely
to find. This is probably due in no small part to it's location
at the end of a difficult set of roads, but it is more than worth
the effort.
Sunset at Ardnamurchan Point
It's not well known but at the tip of the Ardnamurchan penninsula
on the west coast of Scotland, you are standing on the most westerly
point of the UK mainland. No sign posts or mile markers here though.
Just a fantastic coastline and sunsets to match.
Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point is still a functioning part
of the coastal safety system. I was struck by how small it seemed
against the elements but more so by the way the rocks just offshore
broke the surface of the sea, acting as a constant reminder of exactly
why the lighthouse was there.
Sunset at Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram (pronounced 'Cheerum' by the way) is no more than
a ruin now but was once a vital strategic stronghold guarding the
entrance to Loch Moidart. It seemed quite appropriate to capture
a wonderful sunset over a building that is experiencing a 'sunset'
of it's own.
Thornton force, Ingleton
Thornton Force is just one of many waterfalls that form the Ingleton
Waterfalls Walk in Yorkshire. The four and a half miles of paths
take in open countryside as well as more than half a dozen falls
of various sizes. Something for everyone then.
Autumn stream at Roddlesworth Woods
I was drawn to this scene by the colours of the leaves contrasting
against the dark tones of the river bed. I like to think the movement
of the water softens the rocks and provides a subtle lead through
the image, bringing the leaves from the trees in the background
down to the rocks in the foreground.
Autumn stream detail
I like 'wide screen' landscapes, but sometimes we need to look a
little closer. I was framing a wider shot of the stream when I looked
down and noticed this collection of rocks and leaves near my feet.
Even in such a small space it appears to provide all the elements
of a wider composition. The colour and contrast of the leaves and
the rocks, combining with the movement of the water. Less really
can be more.
Evening at South Stack, Anglesey
The lighthouse at South Stack is one of the jewels of Anglesey's
coastline. The dramatic cliffs provide not only great scenery but
excellent bird watching territory. The path to the cliff tops is
not too harsh but for the more adventurous, and a small fee, negotiating
the 400 steps and the short bridge down to the lighthouse itself
is apparently worth the effort. Not forgetting of course the short
bridge and 400 steps back up!
Beach at Llanddywn Island
The rocks of the headland at Llandywn Island give a convincing impression
of permenance. The hard dark stone has supported homes and monuments
for centuries. But if you wait long enough, the sea will reduce
it all to just pebbles on the beach.
Porth Dafarch, Anglesey
One many such coves along the north west edge of Anglesey, Porth
Dafarch is a lovely sheltered beach when the tide is out, but it's
character changes when the sea returns to go to work on the rocks
yet again.
Loch Ailort
The northern edge of Moidart, on the west coast of Scotland, has
a character all of its own. More rugged than its neighbours, Ardnamurchan
and Sunart, the combination of the high tide and brooding sky seemed
to suit it perfectly.
St.Annes Pier
I have visited the beach at St.Annes many times but for some reason
I had never explored the potential of the pier. I decided on this
evening to do just that and was rewarded with this image.
Loch Shiel
This stretch of shore at the north end of Loch Shiel is probably
most famous for the Glenfinnan monument, approximately 20 yards
behind me from this position, but I wanted the Loch itself to be
the star. Not the back drop as it is in so many other images.
Mooring poles, Derwentwater
This image was captured on a remarkably cold february morning, which
may account for the lack of boats but as a result the poles become
almost sculptures in their own right and just as worthy of appreciation.
Reflections in Esthwaite Water
When the temperature still hasn't climbed into positive figures
it takes a lot to get me out of bed in the morning. But with rewards
like this it's worth the effort.
