Overview
Nestled in the northwest corner of England, the Lake District is a photographer's paradise brimming with natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. A place of pilgrimage for many, this region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a diverse terrain of lakes, mountains, forests, and charming villages to captivate the hearts and lenses of photographers from around the world. In this blog I attempt to scratch the surface and explore the allure of the Lake District for photographers. Join me on a visual journey through the lens of the Lake District and discover the art of photography in this most enchanting destination.

Introduction to the Lake District
The Lake District - a place that sounds like it's straight out of a fairy-tale but is very much real. Nestled in the northwest of England, this region is a nature lover's paradise, boasting majestic lakes, rolling fells, and quaint villages that will make your heart sing like a Julie Andrews movie!

Geography and Landscape of the Lake District
Lush green valleys, shimmering lakes, and towering mountains creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. The Lake District's landscape is a masterpiece crafted by nature making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Cultural Significance of the Lake District
Aside from being a playground for hikers and naturalists, the Lake District is steeped in cultural history. From inspiring literary greats like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter to serving as a backdrop for countless works of art, this region is a muse for creative souls.

The Appeal of the Lake District for Photographers

Calling all landscape togs! - the Lake District beckons! With its jaw-dropping natural beauty and diverse landscapes, this place is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities waiting to be captured.

Natural Beauty and Scenic Views
From the mirror-like lakes reflecting the sky above to the rugged peaks piercing the clouds, the Lake District offers photographers a canvas like no other. Every turn presents another picture-perfect moment just waiting to be framed.

Varied Terrain and Landscapes
One day you could be photographing the tranquil waters of Windermere, and the next you might find yourself amidst the dramatic landscapes of Wasdale. The Lake District's diverse terrain ensures that every click of the camera reveals a different story.

Iconic Locations for Classic Lake District Images
Think rolling hills with Herdwick sheep, picturesque stone bridges crossing mountain streams, quaint villages nestled amidst verdant landscape.  Chapel Style, Langdale, Elterwater - These iconic spots are a photographer's dream come true.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Photo Opportunities
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, the Lake District is brimming with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether it's a secluded waterfall or a hidden valley, these lesser-known spots offer a unique perspective on this enchanting region. Examples include Watendlath, Rydal Water and Hawkshead.

Capturing the Changing Seasons in the Lake District
The Lake District transforms it's appearance with each passing season, offering photographers a kaleidoscope of colors and moods to capture through their lens.

Spring: Blossoms and Renewal
As the flowers bloom and the trees come alive, spring in the Lake District is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Capture the vibrant hues of the blossoms and the fresh greenery that blankets the landscape.  Of course, we could not speak of spring in Lakeland without mentioning the ubiquitous daffodil.

Summer: Vibrant Colors and Long Days
Long days and warm sunshine bathe the Lake District in a golden glow during summer. From vibrant wildflowers carpeting the meadows to shimmering lakes reflecting the clear blue skies, summer is a season of vibrant colors waiting to be captured.

Autumn: Golden Hues and Foliage
When autumn arrives, the Lake District transforms into a painter's palette of golden hues and fiery reds. The falling leaves create a carpet of colors, and the misty mornings add a touch of magic to the landscape.

Winter: Snowy Landscapes and Moody Atmospheres
When winter wraps the Lake District in its icy embrace, a sense of tranquility settles over the land. Snow-capped peaks, frost-covered trees, and a quiet stillness make for moody and atmospheric images that capture the essence of this enchanting, and occasionally hostile, season.

​Social Responsibility and Ethical Considerations in Photography Practice
Respect the privacy and traditions of the local community when photographing in the Lake District. Seek permissions when necessary, and be mindful of the impact of your work on the environment and residents. Use your photography to foster positive relationships and contribute to the sustainability of this cherished region. As the sun sets over the tranquil waters and rolling hills of the Lake District, the beauty and serenity captured through the lens serves as timeless reminders of nature's splendour. Whether you're professional or amateur, the Lake District offers a canvas of inspiration waiting to be explored and preserved through the art of photography.

​Embrace the magic of this captivating landscape, share your unique perspective with the world, and continue to celebrate the enduring allure of the Lake District through the art of photography.

Herdwicks or better yet, 'Herdys', are the iconic breed of sheep from England's Lake District. These hardy and visually striking creatures are not only a staple of the region's landscape but also play a vital role in preserving its unique heritage. With their distinctive grey fleece and sturdy build, they have been grazing upon the fells for centuries, adapting to the harsh climate and rugged terrain with remarkable resilience. This has earned them a reputation as some of the toughest sheep around, capable of thriving in conditions that would leave other breeds bleating for mercy. Known for their independent and feisty personalities, Herdwicks are truly the rebels of the fells - always ready to challenge convention and assert their dominance over lesser livestock. So next time you find yourself wandering through the mountains and valleys of the Lake District, be sure to tip your hat to these woolly wonders with a cheery "Hey Herdy!"

Day Two of my short trip up to The Lake District.

My plan for today was twofold. Firstly I was going to spend about an hour in the morning capturing a couple of compositions I’d spotted on my stroll after arriving in Tover near Coniston. Secondly I intended to go for a mountain bike ride over to Grizedale Forest on the east side of Coniston Water from about 1100 for the rest of the day.

It didn’t work out that way. I became immersed in the photography and after bagging the two compositions I’d set out for I went a bit further. And a bit further, and a bit further. You get what I mean. I stayed out for the rest of the day exploring the area known as Tover Commons. It’s an area that I had intended to check out this week having recently watched a YouTube video by photographer Henry Turner in this area. Indeed, I ended up following the exact route he took, plus a couple of extra miles, ending at Kelly Hall Tarn for sunset. The whole walk was just under eight miles and I was exhausted by the time I got back to my campervan around 1730. I’ll sleep well tonight!

I was lucky to bump into photographer Mark Banks at Kelly Hall Tarn and had a pleasant conversation with him. He was leading a photography workshop with a group of people. It’s a popular location, sadly the sunset never really materialised but that’s OK, it was just wonderful to be out in such a beautiful location.

Maybe I’ll go mountain biking tomorrow….?

Here’s an iPhone pic grabbed at Kelly Hall Tarn showing one of the compositions I was trying to capture.

Mark Banks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbanksphotography?igsh=MXQ4cW5ranlhZHZ5NQ==

Henry Turner YouTube video featuring Kelly Hall Tarn: https://youtu.be/rrd4uwEcMXI?si=R0dNQ-UgYW8muLR0

I’ve just arrived in the wonderful Lake District of England in early November for a few days and it’s such a treat being here again. I’m in my campervan staying on a small, basic site at the hamlet of Tover just up the road from Coniston. Luckily the weather is being quite generous given the time of year and the fact that the area is well know for being incredibly rainy! Admittedly it is a little damp and rather overcast but at least it’s relatively mild and calm, I’ll take that, my glass is definitely half full!

Not long after I arrived I went for a short walk and found a couple of potential photograph compositions to which I’ll return with my camera to see if I can make a decent image. It’s very quiet and peaceful. A far cry from the madness of summer or any bank or school holiday period.


Here’s a quick iPhone shot of one of the potential compositions.
I’ll post the final image later if I manage to do it justice!

It’s Autumn! 
​Imagine Noddy Holder shouting that, you get the idea….

As a landscape photographer, I absolutely love the autumn, yet as the season begins to unfold I became slightly concerned, a little uneasy and a mildly paranoid….

Will I be able to capture the beauty before it disappears? Will I miss the opportunity to bag a worldie from the natural drama before inevitable storms lash the precious gifts of gold from the trees?
Travelling to unmissable appointments it often seems that weather, light and colours are perfect, yet I’m unable to stop and explore. If autumn is nature’s gift of gold to the landscape photographer then it’s a cruel irony that she frequently balances her glorious generosity by including gale and downpour into the wrapping paper should we fail to be appropriately appreciative. The days themselves contain fewer hours within which to find that elusive combination of composition and colour. The door of night creaks closed with mocking acceleration as our numb fingers race to dial in vital settings and adjust tripod locks.

Mother Nature is beautiful beyond comprehension but she will not be trifled with!
​
Autumn is truly the most wonderful season, but blink, and it’s gone!

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Nothing Gold Can Stay By Robert Frost

Once again I’m incredibly flattered that Holmfirth Tourist Information Centre have invited me to exclusively supply the images for the official Holmfirth Calendar 2025! It’s such an honour given there are so many extremely excellent and skilled photographers working in this part of Yorkshire.

The calendar is available to buy at Holmfirth Library & TIC in the centre of the town. I think it is very reasonably priced at £7.00 and would make a smashing ‘stocking filler’!

Thanks to Chloe at the Library & TIC for her excellent work making this project happen.

View all 12 original images (Opens in a new tab)

As Rod Stewart once said “It’s late September and I really should be back at school”, but instead I really should be updating my blog just in case someone actually reads the thing! Another thing I really should be doing is making the effort to go out and take some photographs. It’s supposed to be what I do. It’s far too easy to make up an excuse and convince my lazy self that I’ve got more important stuff to faff about with. It might rain, it’s too windy, it’s too cold. But as a wiser man than me once said “Excuses are like arse-holes, everybody’s got one!” (Sgt Red O’Neill in Oliver Stone’s film ‘Platoon’)

I always know that making the effort, going out with my camera is never a waste. Even if I don’t get any images I’m out in the fresh air for a while, having a walk. There have been a few occasions when I’ve been out and not even taken my camera out of its bag yet I have never regretted making the effort. Not once have I wished I hadn’t bothered dragging my lazy arse out of the front door.

Yesterday I made the effort. I walked around my local patch on the moorland near Winscar Reservoir in the South Yorkshire pennies. The weather was wonderful, dramatic, dynamic.

No excuses, no arse-holes. Nor should there be, I live in a beautiful place where many photographers would dream of being. The magnificent Yorkshire pennies are quite literally outside my front door (and I literally mean, ‘literally’!).

The route I took around Winscar reservoir wasn’t particularly demanding but rough and inaccessible enough to make it a solitary walk sharing it with only one other person who I kept seeing in the distance ahead of me on the path. Maybe four miles in total on public access land where you can wander freely most of the year the exception being when the land is closed for shooting, these being grouse moors.

There were plenty of sheep to photograph. They are becoming a staple subject in my portfolio over the years and people can’t seem to get enough of them! Wildlife I encountered included several kestrels zipping about in the steep gullys or hanging rock steady in the breeze over the fading heather and a few buzzards floating laconically in lazy circles across the sky. A special treat was a red kite patrolling low along the ridge line of Snailsden Edge twisting its forked tail as it manoeuvred low over the bleached grass.

Yes, glad I made the effort.

New website. The web hosting service I previously used at Wordpress became too expensive so I’ve had to ‘downsized’ to a more cost effective option. My website is now hosted on Weebly which is a free service for a basic design which is all I really need. I still have the option to upgrade if I need more functionality but, for now, that will be OK. Please let me know in the comments or message me to let me know what you think. Cheers! Tony.