A TRIP TO THE NORTH EAST

Areet pets!  For me, the North East of England is where I call home.  Actually, its just about as far away from where I now live as it’s possible to get in England, but I mean it’s where I grew up!

Since moving down South in 2009, I’ve only travelled back a handful of times and I haven’t really taken the time to photograph the North East properly.  I can see that there’s loads of potential though, absolutely tons!  From the scenic reservoirs on the moorlands to the burnt orange and yellow autumn foliage of the coniferous forest.

So, I thought I’d share a few snippets of the area where I grew up, give you an idea of what it’s like up there.

Here's the dam at the stunning Derwent Reservoir. It was really misty all weekend and I love the mood that mist can add to photos. Not much good for astrophotography shots though!

MIST AND CONIFERS

Conifers are some of my favourite trees!  This group of trees include the Pines, Spruces, Firs and Larches.  The North East is full of them.  

In particular, I love the contrast in autumn between the deciduous Larches and the rest of the evergreen conifers.  The mist further emphasise the shape and structure of these amazing plants.  When I see these trees from afar or in a photograph I instantly imagine myself walking through the woodland over the soft carpet of needles that they drop.  It’s awesome when a photo can transport you like that!  

Here's a quick snap of a mixed conifer woodland in the North East. I love the way that the mist emphasises the tops of these trees and adds a sense of mystery to the trees in the distance.

LOVELY WILDLIFE!

The North East is ram packed with beautiful wildlife.  I used to love walking to the woods to look for deer.  Sometimes I could find one or two and watch them from a distance for a long time before they moved on.

I really need to invest in a long focal length lens in the future, as I’d love to take more close up wildlife shots.  Although not strictly “wildlife”, some of my favourite animals are the sheep that you can find grazing amongst the heather on the moors.  They’re so tough!  They tolerate some absolutely freezing conditions up there and they’re just amazing! 

If you do go up the the moors to take photographs, be wary of the Grouse.  They’ll give you the fright of your life when they take off from their hiding spot close to your feet!

The sheep are some of my favourite animals in the North East. If you go walking in the moors, be prepared for a lot of shocks when grouse jump up and fly away from you!

WATER FROM THE HILLS

There’s a load of hills in the North East, as a consequence there’s also some really beautiful ice cold rivers.  One of my favourites is the River Tees which creeps through some of the previously mentioned moors.  

When we were there last weekend, the rivers were so high because it had been raining for the last month (almost none stop apparently).  It’s great to see the forces of nature and the effect that they are slowly having on the land.  They’re gradually carving valleys and moving rocks from one place to another.

The River Tees is incredible. This is about as full as I've ever seen it. I love the dark dolerite rocks that the water flows over.

I NEED TO GO BACK AGAIN!

I seriously need to make the seven hour drive back there again soon!  It’s awesome up there.

I’m especially looking forward to doing some astrophotography shots.  I’ve heard that Kielder is really dark and gets great displays of the northern lights too.

Here's a final shot of the forests covered in dense mist. I expected it to disappear in the day time, but it didn't thankfully as I love it.

Hopefully you’ve seen enough to make a trip there yourself.  Let me know if you’re planning to head up there or if you’ve got any hot tips on photographing the area.

Cheers, Joe 

This Post Has One Comment

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    Josephine Vary 9 Jan 2020 Reply

    Thanks for your wonderfully explained ‘tours’ of Lulworth Cove and your North East trip. The photos are all stunning and coupled with your descriptions really bring the places to life, and make the reader want to follow in your footsteps! If I can’t physically visit at least I can be transported for a while through your illustrated tours! Thanks Joe!

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