Buttermere, a location I have previously visited on a photography workshop, however that time I didn't venture very far as we stayed in one area.
This time it was a family affair and we had met up with some friends for a day out. So I thought it best to leave my camera at home, I say 'I thought it best' really meaning it was implied by my better half, hehe. To begin with I thought it was just as well really as the weather was not great and there was light rain for the majority of the day. Needless to say we were all soaked to the bone by the time we finished our walk round the lake.
It may have been raining all day but that did not stop us having fun and enjoying the adventure. Our children were happy playing regardless of the weather, who can blame them when surrounded by such a beautiful place that you just want to explore rain or shine. Truth is I want to be taking photos of it all the time too. It is so difficult for me to go anywhere in the Lake District without wanting to stop, take it all in and then capture it with my camera.
I suppose technically I always have a camera with me, the one on my iPhone, which is the camera I took the photos with in this blog post. I will of course be going back to Buttermere with my camera many times I'm sure. Only having my phone camera with me was a blessing in disguise, as when I did take photos with it I needed to think more about my composition and particularly where I was positioned to get the shot I was looking for. For example I couldn't just put on a long lens and pick out points in the distance.
With the mood of the day being grey and dull I found some images would do well in black and white. I also tried to look for the more simple image and smoother leading lines. I also found that not being restricted by my tripod became quite an advantage getting into place easier. I will have to try this approach with my DSLR too.
I have found wondering around with just my phone or even my DSLR with one lens is really helping improve my photography. Certainly taking this approach more when scouting locations to come back to, then being pleasantly surprised when I get back and find images I really like captured on my phone.
There are so many other photographers that I have heard provide advice of not going for the big vistas all the time, using one lens and looking for the simpler image. I admit I am drawn to those simpler, more intimate images when I browse the likes of Instagram. I have always thought that it was a good idea, just never really taken action on it. Time to put their advice into practice more often.
All in all I felt it was quite a successful day out. My family and I, and our friends, had a great time exploring Buttermere, plus I got to do some photography. Win Win.
Looking forward to going back and exploring more of Buttermere.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. What advice or tips have you found has helped your photography? Which location do you like visiting whatever the weather?
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