When November comes around I seek out some respite from shooting weddings, and escape with some fellow photographers and head for the hills. A few days away walking in The Lake District was just the tonic. This year the trip was shorter than planned, but none the less we did get one day without rain in the Lake District, which is pretty good odds! There’s something about getting out in wild countryside that clears my mind and recharges the batteries. Bringing with it a fresh outlook and more creativity.
I’ve visited the Lake District on a couple of previous occasions now, and most times it’s rained. This isn’t exactly conducive to great days out walking, and somewhat dampens the enthusiasm for taking photos. However, there was one day with perfect ‘mountaineering’ conditions. Cool temperatures, blue skies, clear air and not a drop of rain in sight. An eight mile hike was planned therefore, starting out from Grasmere, taking in Easedale Tarn, Codale Tarn then over Sergeant Man (763m) and back along Far Easedale. It’s not a walk for the feint hearted, although I would walk my kids (5 & 8) up to the intermediate level of Easedale Tarn, but navigating pathways across the top is less than ideal for weary legs.
A few pics from the day are below, but there’s no substitute for actually being on top of a mountain yourself, and no photo really ever does it justice.
Stickle Tarn, viewed from Sergeant Man.
Easedale Tarn (on the right) and Codale Tarn (left).
The obligatory ‘four figures in the shadow’ photo. As taken on a previous year in Marrakech.
Easedale Tarn
Sour Milk Gill Waterfall, near Easedale Tarn in The Lake District.
Anyone wishing to improve their photography, getting outdoors and practicing is essential. If you need a point in the right direction though, why not consider my 1-2-1 photography course. Great locations and perfect light always help, but you need to see the light and know what to do with your camera in order to capture it :-)