When I manage to get out to do some photography, more often than you’d think I don’t even get my camera out of the bag, let alone get a decent photograph that I’m happy with. A lot of the time it’s just the action of getting out into nature and enjoying the world in the company of Murphy, my ever amazing labrador. Sometimes we don’t even need to go far, just a wander up into the local woods or down to the shoreline to catch the sunset.
We like to get out in all weathers, be it wind, rain, hail, everything the heavens throw at us. Murphy isn’t bothered about getting wet or blown about, as long as she’s outside sniffing around and exploring. Even getting out in the middle of the night to take in the beauty of the night sky and just exploring, trying to find that elusive subject to take a photo of.
Where as a lot of people wouldn’t dream of going out for a walk unless it was a nice sunny day, I really love the adverse weather, the drama of big brooding clouds ready to dump the next bout of rain onto the world, having to walk head on into the gusty wind or getting out when its freezing cold when other people would be sat all cosy at home in front of the fire. The fact that there’s no-one else about is a bonus, it gives me absolute solitude, a time for me to reflect on the weeks events, a chance to clear my head and just relax with nature.
Obviously if there is a photographic opportunity while i’m out and about I relish the chance to capture the moment to enjoy and share with others later down the line. I want to try and capture the mood and emotion of the scene as best I can to portray how I was feeling at that time.
You see, it’s not always about the images, photography is always a good excuse to get out there into the big wide world and go exploring and to enjoy my own company if for just a little while, to forget about the worries in life. It’s my escape.