On the basis that everyone, not least photographers, have had to “make do” for so long now due to COVID restrictions, this winter I began a project which I had had in mind to do for some time. I am currently based in Northamptonshire, apparently the “county of Spires and Squires” and “the Rose of the Shires”. It’s a county renowned for its well treed and hedged arable landscape, but large infrastructure developments including the M1 and other principal roads have had a major influence on local landscape character and livelihoods. Regrettably, few of the features associated with the Northamptonshire landscape evoke strong images. There are no mountains or fells, tumbling becks or picturesque rivers. Classic landscape photography is not there for the taking necessarily, so you have to be more creative, particularly in the winter months.
Kelmarsh
Cold Ashby & Naseby woods
I’m an avid walker and have trekked along the roads and byways from my front door many times, and in all conditions. As I have rambled I’ve wondered if the wider landscape, which is generally perceived as tranquil, rural and productive farmland with attractive villages, could be presented in small, simple insights captured by one who knows the area intimately.
Rockingham Hill & Coton village
I began to build a collection of photographs of Northamptonshire, not taken in direct sunlight but in inclement conditions such as freezing fog, mist and drizzle. I found that obscuring the wider landscape drew attention back to the forms, shapes, contrast, lines, mood and temperament of this countryside, and it is quite beautiful.
Welford Canal
I shot from the car when conditions were particularly bad and took photographs in places you wouldn’t look at in normal circumstances, but staying within a 10 miles radius from home.
Disused airfield, RAF Husbands Bosworth
All of the locations are well known to me but the challenge was to create something aesthetically pleasing in the ‘wrong’ weather, and all with a fixed lens camera without tripods or a bag full of technical equipment. Ultimately I yearn for the mountains, but this search for unique images in my backyard has kept my brain working by looking hard for strong or atmospheric compositions.
Welford, Haselbech & Coton woods
Some of my local images have already been shared on my ‘socials’ but this is a work in progress, particularly since the winter weather is still with us and staying close to home is the new “getting out”. I miss the Lakes and Dales but to quote John Clare, the Northamptonshire peasant poet “All nature has a feeling: woods, fields, brooks”. There is art and design in all of nature – not least Northamptonshire.
Sibbertoft to Sulby road