Looking at a computer 24/7 isn’t great for the soul, neither is it good for a hyper active individual such as myself. If you’ve read my ‘about‘ page you’re possibly already aware of this. What I really like doing is being outdoors, with space to spread my wings, roam free and enjoy the elements. I do strangely enjoy it out in the rain, or with a howling wind. It must remind me of my childhood days spent cycling up and down the road through deep puddles without a care in the world. My clothes soaked through, but a fresh set always at hand (thanks mum). Nowadays I’m in my element cycling, walking or surfing and will still find a puddle or two to jump in. I’m usually better equipped though, as I have an unhealthy habit of spending far too much money on ‘technical equipment’ which no doubt performs way beyond my needs.
During November each year, myself and a few fellow photographers get together to hang out for a few days. This year four of us went to North Wales, with an adventure up Snowdon on the cards. At 1,085m it’s not a tiddler, but being the competitive type I wash’t happy walking the easy route so took the more challenging option along the Pyg Track. I did however skip the ‘double black diamond’ option of scrambling along Crib Goch…..mainly because my wife told me she’d rather I made it home in one piece and thus with 40mph winds forecast, it’s not exactly the safest route.
Anyhow, I figured it’d be refreshing to share a few personal photos to give you an idea of me, what I’m about, and what I get up to in-between working. With thirty or so weddings under my belt this year and another dozen to documnet throughout the winter season it’s a great time to take a break and reflect.
Abersoch beach on the Llyn Peninsula North Wales.
Jumping for some unknown reason has formed a major part of our days out….albeit it’s usually me in the air, and my friends taking the pics.
For some reason cows often make up a part of our yearly road trips. Previous it’s been Scottish Highland varieties, this year it was these fellas.
There’s always one who gets wet on our trips…it’ll be the problem with looking through a lens and not at what’s going on around you. At least that’s the excuse I use at weddings when I fall over unexpectedly.
Day 2 – ‘walk the hill outside out house’.
That’ll be the great Self Catering accommodation we stayed in. Only a stones throw from Black Rock beach and couple of miles from Porthmadog.
Windy?
If you think wedding photography poses can be bad….Chris can take it to a whole new level.
Nice view though.
Okay, so I realised after watermarking this photo it’s not even one I took (as I’m in it). So thanks to my friend Chris who did in fact shoot it (as with the one below). Did I mention jumping?
Four photographers in North Wales. A rock and a self timer can come in handy when you don’t have anyone around to take it for you.
It’s important to practice being an idiot when out with your mates, and this usually revolves around jumping for some reason.
As a warm up to Snowdon’s summit attempt later in the week, we took a hike over this hill and came back along the coastline across Black Rock sands.
Boys will be boys.
Morfa Nefyn beach. Miniature like homes set amongst the landscape. And what a cool place for a pub too.
Day 4. With a ‘fairly’ clear day forecast Snowdon awaited us. It’s the distant peak on the left for anyone interested in knowing.
The infamous Crib Goch peak on the right, shielding Snowdon from view as you walk the Pyg Track (which at this point is fairly tame, little more than an undulating path).
No idea? But you know how I like to include wedding guests pulling stupid faces on my blog, it’s the same with my mates.
At around two thirds of the way up it gets a little steeper to walk. In fact, usage of hands was necessary at times, and so my camera was tucked away for safe keeping whilst we climbed to the summit. Which at this point I’d like to note was surrounded by blue sky and light fluffy clouds…..just you wait!
Not exactly the EPIC view I was expecting at the top of Snowdon.
40mph winds do mean it’s best to hold on tight to something…..or come down from the trig point on your arse so no to be blown over the edge.
Snowdon Su……(mmit). That’s about right, we could barely see the top.
The more sedate option of the ‘Miners path’ was chosen as the route back down Snowdon. The lakes are beautiful, yet despite bringing our swimmers, Chris and I left the courage to swim back at our self catering cottage, along with the beers and wine that probably fuelled the thought we’d swim in a lake on Snowdon in November!
So, another season almost done, my epic adventure complete, now looking forward to next year’s trip to the Lake District and climbing Scafell Pike.
And don’t forget folks, 2014 is already filling up rapidly, with around 70% capacity booked so far. If you snooze you’ll loose, so if you’re planning on getting married next year and need an all out action man photographer (hah!) don’t delay, drop me a line and check if the date is available. I’m happy to trek to the top of Snowdon for a wedding too. I’d prefer it if you could arrange a clear day though :-)