Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Landscape Photography Locations => Topic started by: Lisa Nikodym on January 05, 2005, 06:24:21 pm
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A question to start with: where are you from??? I ask because...
I live in the western U.S. but have spent perhaps a total of a month or two travelling around Britain. In general, Britain can't begin to compare with the western U.S. for interesting and beautiful outdoor scenery (tastes vary, of course, so some people might take issue with that statement - YMMV). However, it's full of fascinating and historic architecture (gothic cathedrals, ruined abbeys, neolithic standing stone sites like Stonehenge) that the U.S. doesn't have. What I'm saying is that if you're accustomed to photographing the western U.S. (or anywhere else with spectacular outdoor scenery), and if you have any interest in architecture and/or history, I'd focus (pardon the pun) on the historic architecture instead. If you're from somewhere with more history than outdoor scenery, though, then I'd follow pom's suggestions.
A few good places for historic architecture (non-inclusive, just the ones I've been to that immediately come to mind):
Canterbury
Salisbury & the Salisbury Plain (Stonehenge, Avebury, etc.)
northern Wales (castles)
York & the Yorkshire Dales
Lisa
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The following link may be instructive on the national Parks in England, Scotland and Wales. If you are coming for two weeks then at most pick two relatively close areas for photography...you don't want to spend a lot of time travelling as congestion in some of the more beautiful areas can be a problem in summer.
National Parks (http://www.anpa.gov.uk/template_parks_home.asp?PageID=192&LanguageID=1)
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I look at pom's images and find it a bit hard to just take on faith that UK can't compare with the western US. Yes, my MVs.
Generally speaking, "old" western US is practically new in Europe. I once lived in Duxburry, Mass. The really old cemetaries there were populated with people leaving the old life in Europe.
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ive never been in the us. but i know one thing, that there are indeed fantastic photographic possibilities in the uk. (ive been there more than enough to know that)
the reason that there are fantastic photographic possibilities in the uk is 'the light'! the weather doenst often coperate, but when it does, then there are trembling photographic possibilities!
the light, thats what photography is all about !
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Agree with the 'different' point again. If you want to see examples of great colour landscape photography in the UK, take a look at any of Paul Wakefield's books or 'First Light' by Joe Cornish. For black and white, I would recommend Fay Godwin or John Blakeborough. As for locations, I see cornwall, Western Scotland and the islands as well as the Lake District mentioned. No one has mentioned the Northumberland coast which is truly fantastic. As for Wales, I live there and recommend just about anywhere along the South coast and heading West. The Gower peninsula and Pembrokeshire are obvious choices for seascapes with rocks. Also, the Brecon Beacons. As for camera shops, there is Leeds PhotoVisual in Newport. Walters has branches dotted around South Wales as well as Bath (another good location) and then there is the ubiquitous Jessops which is not usually a great shop in itself, but they will order in just about anything and they will price-match against anything in the UK including on the web.
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Hi, Wim. I agree very much with your point. Here in the UK humans have adjusted the country side for years. The national parks themselves prove this. Also some of the best landscapes i have seen have included ruins of old mines and other heritage. The americans should follow suit. Yes they do have many miles of untouched land but a visual record of "human adjustment" in america would be historically useful as well as facinating. Does any one have such shots of the US to show?
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Oh Lisa...
Given the background of US paranoia against photographers, I was all worried when I first saw that pic. I thought that you had just booked yourself a free holiday to Guantanamo Bay! I know you actually do have many more interesting examples of built heritage!
We "old worlders" do tend to take history for granted, my dad lives in house that was built in the 1780's, in the centre of Kilwinning we have a ruined 12 century abbey where the local youths hang out and on Arran there standing stones and burial cairns many thousands of years old....its just around you all the time and you tend not to notice it. What is amazing is...that despite the continuous accupation and use of the land over the passed 5000 years there are still unspoilt corners which we can all enjoy!
Graeme
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I have now had the experience of attending 2 workshops with Joe Cornish - the last being a large format one in Northumberland. Along with Joe was David Ward. Both of them are gifted artists and to spend days with them was a real eye opener. Northumberland is the place to go
In particular, the coast - Dunstaburgh, Bamburgh, Sea Houses and up to Holy Island are simply breath taking. Few tourists, friendly people and acres of sky, sea and rock. It is a favourite of mine - having been there 4 times in the last 12 months I am constantly busy! In fact I am up there again at the end of Feb - I can recommend a good place to stay if you like?
Further south, Mewslade Bay (and the Gower) is dramatic (watch out for the fast tides) Dunraven Bay, Burton Bradstock, Pentire Head..Ahhh I could go on and on
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Hi
I have sent you a mail with some details - let me know if I can be of any further help. Oh and Light and Land whilst expensive are very very good at what they do
Good light!
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Hi, I am planning a week to two week break this summer planning to vist as many uk locations as i can. Being new to landscape photography i was wondering if anyone had any good places to go and advice on what kit would be useful (filters etc). Cheers
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Ardenaig Waterfall, Highlands of Scotland
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/Andenaig.jpg)
Eileen Donan Castle, North Scotland
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/Elileen.jpg)
Sconser, Isle of Skye
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/Sconser.jpg)
Ullswater, Lake District
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/Ullswater.jpg)
Elterwater, Lake District
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/Elterwater.jpg)
Peak Cavern, Peak District
(http://www.bphotography.co.uk/pics/art/peakcavern.jpg)
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over a few weeks i will move to the united kingdom!
ive been there a couple of times, some time in the highlands (see the image of glen nevis on My Webpage (http://www.johanjanssens.com)), a year later ive spend some time on the isle of skye (also featured on my site), ive been a couple of times in london (both busines and pleasure ;-) and half a year ago ive also been for some time in snowdonia...
but now the big question .. i will live nearby cardiff. and im looking for locations .. both nearby cardiff and places farder away where i then would stay for some time. do you maybe have some tips?
i want to photograph beaches with rocks (i think cornwall will be interesting for that) and places with rocks, mountains and lakes ..
the lake district is a good place i think but do you have some more specific advice, regarding to locations, places to stay, ...
i would be very thankfull !!
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Cornwall isn't very near Cardiff, though you American's wouldn't think twice about a 6-8 hour drive. The good news is that you have to drive over 80mph before the police bother on the highway. :cool:
Wales is a country in it's own right, it has a great coastline and loads of mountains. If you want lakes, the Lake District is about 4-5 hours north of Cardiff, and there are about 5 zillion beautiful lakes there, as well as mountain ranges, etc.
Locations in the Lake District, hmmm....
The lake district is very small, especially for you Americans. I'm sure some of your national parks are as big as the whole of England if that gives you some idea I would suggest starting with Windermere Lake, following up through Grasmere and Ambleside, heading North for Penrith but coming down using a small road through to Ullswater, from Ullswater head down and take the mountain pass back to Windermere. From there take the forest road through to Coniston Lake and circle it.
Technically that drive will take you no more than 3-4 hours so you get some idea of the size! I have of course left out the whole west of the Lake District, and the southern mountain passes.
If you want I'll map out a bunch of routes for you that will give you a full taste of the Lake District.
There are about a billion B&B's (Bed and Breakfasts) and a load of hotels, do a search for accomodation, Lake District for more details. I like staying in the Travel Inn at Killington Lake Motorway Services though I'm sure the B&B's are cheaper.
Eileen Donan Castle is usually portrayed as lit up. I travelled down from the Isle of Skye at 2am for 2 hours to get this picture, but I found out when I got there that the lights are only on during the winter. I wasn't going to give up so from a car park opposite I lit up the bridge with my car headlamps for a 30 min exposure. (I couldn't light up the main building because of the angle of the car.)
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Hmm the lakes. Glad to hear that it seems on the top of everyones lost as it is short drive from Middlesbrough(Boro). But what about locations on the Yorkshire Moors? I have been on in Boro for 3 years but still do not know my way around. Opps. So any ideas on the moors?
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Check out this web-site for ideas where to go - these guys offer photographic tours in the UK - so if its good enough for people to pay to be taken there.....
http://www.lightandland.co.uk/ (http://www.lightandland.co.uk/)
Chris
Derbyshire, UK
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But what about locations on the Yorkshire Moors?
Yorkshire has several extremely picturesque ruined abbeys. The most memorable one to me was Rievaulx Abbey, situated in a very pretty green valley. Whitby Abbey is another one. A web search should turn up exactly where they are - it's been quite a few years since I've been there, so I don't remember precisely. I think the former was in the Yorkshire Dales, and the latter in the Yorkshire moors (but I couldn't swear to it).
Lisa
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Two weeeks is barely enough (in my experience) for only a little part of these islands.
For some inspiration, you could take a look at these landscape portfolios (http://www.fotografiewimvanvelzen.nl/landscape.htm) and articles (http://www.fotografiewimvanvelzen.nl/webarticle15a.htm).
Cheers, Wim
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Well, there is something Britain has and the west of the USA have not (well, almost): seascapes with distant islands. One of the best features of western Scotland.
But landscapes without any signs of human history are very rare indeed. But human landscapes can be photographically very worthwhile too.
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Photography workshops in the UK. I have never used Light and Land...too expensive, but I thoroughly recommend Lee Frost who is a great bloke. He also lives in Alnmouth and has a house that you can rent there. See www.photoadventures.co.uk
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Here in the UK humans have adjusted the country side for years. The national parks themselves prove this. Also some of the best landscapes i have seen have included ruins of old mines and other heritage. The americans should follow suit. Yes they do have many miles of untouched land but a visual record of "human adjustment" in america would be historically useful as well as facinating. Does any one have such shots of the US to show?
OK, how's this one?
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And now I'm starting to feel embarrassed about starting the whole "US has better wild scenery than UK" stuff. I really was just trying to emphasize that a photographer visiting the UK should make sure to look for historical artifacts to photograph too (which is what it looks like the topic has come back around to :) ). When in the US, I usually (though not always, as the above photo shows) photograph wild scenery, but in the Old World my favorite photography is of ancient sites and archaeological sites.
Lisa
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"Old World" !!!! But we have new stuff as well :p
In the UK, there is the angel of the north, which is a relatively new statue in Gateshead Angel of the North (http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/angel/pics2.htm)
And in the really Old World of France (where I live) we have the Milau Vaiduct which opened at the end of last year
Milau Viaduct (http://www.fosterandpartners.com/InternetSite/html/Project.asp?JobNo=0778)
Back in Scotland there is the worlds only rotating boat lift at Falkirk
Falkirk Wheel (http://www.falkirk-wheel.com/wheel/falkirk-wheel/wheel.htm)
It's not all old rocks and monuments...and we don't go round in old hessian sacks taking pictures under a black cloth using a view camera :: We have heard of film cameras you know :D
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Okay Lisa you beat be the strangness front! How about something pre 1900?
I don't think there's much of anything in my little part of the world that's pre-1900. A few years ago, there was a ruckus in the next suburb about whether it was worth preserving the oldest structure in town, which was a decaying adobe shed from the 1930s. No kidding.
That's why I love the old stuff in Europe so much; I can't get anything like it at home. If I were to go a little further afield, I could get to Old West ghost towns, but even that isn't all that old (late 1800's or so).
And yes, DiaAzul, I know there are new things in Europe (I've been there many times). That Milau bridge (which I've seen articles on recently) is wonderful. Perhaps the terms "Old World" and "New World" are not as commonly used there as they are here - here, they are primarily used as geographical descriptions - "New World" for the Americas, "Old World" for Europe/Africa/Asia (where does Australia fit? I don't know). No "old" vs. "new" value judgments are implied.
Lisa
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I've skimmed the replies you have received. Most stress what I might call the dramtic landscape. Some say the UK doesn't approach the photographic possibilities of the US. Maybe I have a different take on this. I view much of the English countryside as a living museum; a lot of the old is preserved, with much that is modern out of view. The very green rolling hillsides, dotted with small farms, are spectacular in their own way. Little, actually tiny, country roads are superb for viewing. Stay off the highways unless you are going a long distance. Turner,a famous landscape painter, trod these rolling hills and valleys and I doubt he was ever at a loss for inspiration. The villages of the English countryside are not to be missed. If one dosen't find them photogenic and nostalgic it is the imagination that need calibrating. Oh, and then there are the gardens - everywhere.
A couple of specific suggestions are the Cotswold and Cornwall villages and surrounding countryside. These are separated geographically, but nothing an American driver can't reach in a day.
If any of this interests you, you need to do some research. Go beyond the Fodor-style guides. BTW walking the English countryside is a great pleasure, if you are so inclined. There are many walking paths of incredible beauty that are hundreds of years old. In planning your trip of two weeks, keep the weather firmly in mind. For example, summer in the Cotswold is not as rainy as many other parts. A week of rain could really (dare I say) dampne things.
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Well after the feedback I have got and looking on the web I have formed a plan. How does a online database of UK photographic spots so if anyone is visiting our great island they know where to go. As well as where the nearest camera shops are info on accomodation could be good. Has some one already done this or have i stublmed on a great idea?
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I was a wee bit surprised to see the attempt to compare the oportunities for landscape photography in the UK against those in the western US. When you try to compare things that are completely different you generally end up missing the point. The point being...they are completely different!!!
I think that there have been plenty links posted to show the potential...which is vast. I was particularly pleased to see Wims pics of Arran (including Mrs Davidsons front door at the Glen rosa camp site!). Arran falls within my responsibility and I work hard a making sure the quality of the landscape and wildlife is maintained. I was supposed to be there today, but the storm stoped the ferry sailing. Arran is normally the most accessible of the bigger islands and a great place for a weekend break!
Graeme
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Hi Wim
No damage done here...but it did stop all the transport links.
Glad to hear you are comming back for more ....enjoy yourself.
Graeme
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btw during my staying in the uk, i will regurarly add new photographs on my My Website (http://www.johanjanssens.com/) :laugh:
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thats very friendly! i would be happy the get advice on places to stay!
im familiar with their work and indeed its fantastic!
sorry for asking, where is northumberland..? im -not yet- familiar with the areanames and i dont have a map with them (i do have a regurar one, but it doesnt mention areanames)
i know i urgeantly need one ;-)
ive also heard that the north-east coast (northern part of england, almost against the border of scotland) is wonderfull ..
thanks!
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This may help with English Counties:
County Map (http://www.picturesofengland.com/mapofengland/counties-map.html)
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hmmm, where to start...
Do a search on the internet for UK photography, look at some stock sites and see what type of photography is done here.
Two weeks is very little to conver this incredible island, methinks that if you would like to travel the whole UK then you won't get any serious landscape photography done unless you do some very, very in depth research.
I would suggest concentrating on the Highlands of Scotland and the Lake District, spend a week at each.
Film is readily bought here though the prices may be expensive if you do not want to be x-rayed too much, the airports are as if not more anal retentive about film as in the US, don't even bother asking.
There is no special 'UK' filter :p though keep in mind that it can be very rainy in the UK even at the height of summer.
Do research, find out where you think you would like to go and then ask again.
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by the way, how did you get that beautiful glow on the water in front of eilan dohan castle..? did you use a flashlight orso..?
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thanks for the advice pom!
by the way i dont live in the us, i leave in that litle country which is wel known for the chocolate and the beer ;-) (just on the other side of the channel)
i live (now) like euhm .. 500km orso from cardif... :-)
you said 'I travelled down from the Isle of Skye ' does that mean that youll live on that beautifull isle? been there, done that ;-) i would love to go over there again!
the problem for whales is that i wont have a car there .. so im limited when it comes to visiting locations. thats why i asked for places to stay (but i meant it in a meaning of a kind of 'base camp' from where youll leave to your locations on food or bike orso..)
if i wasnt limited then i would certanly re-visit the isle of skye and glen coe ...
in there any chance on snow in the snowdon area, or in the nebourhood of cardif when i arrive (beginning of february)
i stay for a while, so i will certainly have the chance to photograph spring :-), and maybe summer
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I look at pom's images and find it a bit hard to just take on faith that UK can't compare with the western US. Yes, my MVs.
Generally speaking, "old" western US is practically new in Europe. I once lived in Duxburry, Mass. The really old cemetaries there were populated with people leaving the old life in Europe.
Well, as someone who lives in both the Pacific NW and in the UK I can absolutely vouch for the fact that the UK can't match the western US for scenery!!
Now don't get me wrong, the UK has loads of fantastic scenery if you search for it or travel to the extremities but you don't get the same access to good light nor is it easy to get away from the marks of humanity EVERYWHERE. Wild scenic vistas with big sky aren't that easy to find, particularly in the south.
As mentioned though, if you want ancient architecture, buildings, villages, castles, churches, graveyards .... it's just a shame that it's like living under a dull grey sky so often.
There is a lot of photographic opportunity but I do find that you need to work a little harder here to capture it. (Unless you live in Yorkshire, the moors, lakes, Scotland, Wales etc).
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Outdoor Photographer and Photography Monthly produce such information on a location by location basis but not a centralised site of anytype that I've seen. It would be a great thing to have such a consolidated resource though.
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some locations can be found on light and land website (http://http://www.lightandland.co.uk/gallery_categories.asp?CategoryID=36)
one of the locations where i was looking for was the arch on the beach... thanks to light and land i now know that it is in dorset
if im looking for a certain kind of scenery, then i can check their site, and look or that 'kind of scenery' is represented there and decide on that basis or it suits my needs ...
or use the areaname to do a more comprehensive websearch..
also outdoor photography (i think the british 'sister' of outdoor photographer) regurarly publishes photographs together with a map. if youll see more than ones, photographs of an interesting area, then youll can use the areaname for a more comprehensive search..
those way youll can get a 'decent' visual impression of a certain area and decide or its worthwhile to check it out.. and photograp it in your own way
by the way, is there a camerastore nearby cardiff where i can buy lee filters..? i can use some more and theyre a lot cheaper in the uk (at least by robert white) than here.
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Hi Graeme,
Survived the heavy gales? I heard on the radio that this was about the worst storm in years. Much damage done to the woodlands?
We (that's my wife and two sons) hope to visits the Western Isles this year... But Arran is great indeed!
BTW, it seems that most American photographers that a real landscape photograph should show no human influence. But let's face it: most landscapes are influenced by man, so why not make pictures of that relationship of people and the land they live in?
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Okay Lisa you beat be the strangness front! How about something pre 1900?
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the pembrokshire coastline, cornwall and snowdonia (again) are very high on my location list.
ill hope that there will ly some snow when i arrive over twee weeks ... :cool:
btw nice tip about Joe Cornish, i have his stunning book -somewhere- here! when youll mentioned it i remembered that he also added the locations of each photograph...
its a great aide to get some id how a certain location looks like (or could ;-)
thanks to all of you !!
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sorry for asking, where is northumberland..?
ive also heard that the north-east coast (northern part of england, almost against the border of scotland) is wonderfull ..
You've just answered your own question. :)
That's exactly where it is.
Lisa