|  If
the three golden rules of Landscape Photography are Location,
Location, Location, then The English Lake District must be photography
heaven with its lakes, fells and valleys to focus the camera
on. The Lake District is a very special place whether you want
wild rugged mountains, tranquil lakes and tarns, magnificent
waterfalls, quiet woodlands or wind blasted moorland; it has
something for everyone.
The colours change with the seasons from the first hints of
green at the beginning of spring through to green bracken bedecked
fellsides in June and July, purple heather clad tops in august
and into the autumn when the bracken dies down to turn the fell
sides a fiery red and if you’re very lucky you may even
catch some of the white stuff in the winter.
 Walkers
will be able to combine both their passions; going for a walk
together with a photo shoot; always take a camera with you wherever
you go and whatever the conditions.
In setting
out for a shoot adopt the three P’s of photography: Planning,
Preparation and Patience!
Planning
involves researching websites, tourist information and in particular
maps. Also think about the logistics of being able to travel
from one location to another. Check the weather
forecast the day before setting out and think about the
time that you’ll be on location as the warmer light at
either end of the day is often preferable to the starkness of
midday sunshine.
 Preparation
is the fairly obvious preparation of equipment; making sure
all your gear (cameras, lenses etc) is clean and in working
order. Also make sure you’ve plenty of film or digital
media-there is nothing worse than arriving at a great location
at the end of a day and having to start rationing shots for
fear of running out! Don’t forget to take money for parking
and remember to keep safe and comfortable whatever the conditions;
in summer it’s important to keep cool and to have plenty
to eat and drink when out for a day, but in winter it’s
even more important to be prepared for the conditions; warm
and dry clothes including hat and fingerless gloves, a hot drink
and sturdy shoes or boots depending on where you’re going.
Finally
remember to take a bucket load of patience with you. The
Lake District is a popular destination and can get busy
so having carefully chosen your shot, set the camera up, waited
for the right light someone is sure to walk into your picture-
and another- and another. Just be patient, remember everyone
has a right to be there. Fortunately if you’re there at
the beginning and end of the day to get the best light, these
are usually the quietest periods as well.
Images taken
by Keith
Wood, Lake District Photographer
Keith Wood is an experienced outdoor photographer, specialising
in landscape and heritage photography.
Visit Keith's Outdoor
Photography website
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