Landscapes

Being outdoors and engaging in photography—even in challenging weather—restores and energises me. I’m not very good at being still or mediative but being outside taking photographs somehow enables me to be mindful and provides that mental break from the day to day stresses of life. I often find that the wilder the weather the more I seem to enjoy and immerse myself. Bad weather can create dramatic and unique scenes, reminding me that beauty often emerges from challenges. And let’s be honest: cloudy nights are just nature’s way of reminding me that I need to sleep.

Landscape photography also allows me to tell stories about the environments and serves as a vital creative outlet for me, allowing me to express my artistic vision and interpret the world in my unique way. Ultimately landscape photography enriches my life and enables me to be still and appreciate the world’s beauty.

Knowlton Church is only ten minutes from my home in Wimborne and has to be my most frequented location. Not just because it is so close but also because it offers so many photographic opportunities.

It is a ruined Norman Church built in the 12th century, at the centre of a Neolithic ritual henge earthwork. This unusual placement symbolises the transition from Pagan to Christian worship. The 12th century church is built of stone and flint, and the line of the roof remains clearly visible on its eastern side.

The raised circular henges allow a 360 degree view making sunset and surnrise vistas possible. It is situated in Cranborne Chase, which became the first National Landscape in the country to be designated in its entirety as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2019 making this a fabulous location for Astrophotography.

Therefore Knowlton is literally my 24/7 Go To location.