Landscape photography is about capturing the world around us at any given moment. How we choose to capture it is based around a number of factors including skill, a good eye for a composition and an emotional connection. The ability to relate that emotional connection on to a sensor/film is important for the photograph to work. The choice of location also has a large influence of what emotional state the photographer is at that moment. This story is about a little place in the Yorkshire Dales. A place where I feel at ease and in my comfort zone. A place where my creativity flourishes.
Souther Scales lies on the northern foothills of Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a location I have returned to many a time and on each visit I seem to find something new. It is an area of around a kilometer in length. Parking is limited but access to the location is from the B6255 between Ribblehead Viaduct and Ingleton. It is a short walk up to the limestone pavements, running North East to South West of the North face of Ingleborough.
I must stress at this point that the area can be treacherous. Walking on limestone pavement can be dangerous and requires your full concentration. Wrong footing can lead to a slip down to its many small crevices and could lead to broken ankles or other injuries. Positioning a tripod is also very difficult and a steady, secure positioning needs patience. If you give it’s much deserved respect, the area can reward you well.
What brings me back for more is that the area provides two elements to form a composition. Patterns of the limestone pavement and gnarly trees dominate the area. This makes it easy in a way. It allows me to concentrate on building a picture with just two elements in mind. The hard part however, is finding the right patterns in the limestone and combining those with a tree that has good shape. Souther Scales will play a large part in my project named ‘Carved’
The limestone pavement has many patterns to be found and I prefer the irregular but rounded shapes that take you to a meandering journey to my choice of tree. Weather and time have played their part not only on the limestone but on the many characteristic trees. The branches weave in different directions, leaning to one side and forming almost human like silhouettes.
The potential of this place is unlimited for me and every time I leave, I look forward to returning. Landscape photographers need that a place that is personal to them. A location where you feel at ease and have the desire to work with. To follow my story and the results it produces, take a look at my project. I have recently made a vlog of my recent adventure. Please view below;