The first day of the meterorlogical Spring has now occurred and I noticed as I moved around the fells last week, that the lambing season signs are now posted on gateposts etc acting as a gentle reminder to all of us that we are actually encroaching someones working environment.

The people I know will always be respectful but if you see someone who doesn't understand the 'countryside code', I am sure that you will take the appropriate course of action. A gentle word can go a long way. It can also get you an ear bashing from those that are sadly ignorant but I am sure that most will take heed and comply.

On the work front, it has been a very busy few weeks and I was delighted to deliver a couple of workshops over Ullswater and Keswick way. I enjoy all of the lake district and it was a pleasure to meet both Sheldon and Chris as I spent three days working with them in very different environments. The weather didn't always play ball but its the lakes! We just get on with it otherwise we would all stay in doors. I enjoy taking photographs in inclement weather and the opportunity was defintely there last week.

I never take for granted or tire of the views and the places that I visit. No matter what the weather or season I still enjoy them. However, it gives me another 'lift' when I take people to locations that I have witnessed on many occasions but they haven't. You can visibly see their spirits lift as they watch the changes that occur as the light dances across the fells. thats providing the clag isn't down.....

I literally feel as though it envelops me, (it does when its misty or raining ha ha) and then become part of that scene. Irrespective, it never daunts me. Isn't that what being in the outdoors does for us? Isn't that why we go and venture out time and time again? It certainly is for me. How can the splendour and magnificence of the fells, valleys, rivers, beck's, meres, waters and 'that' one lake not create that feeling? It gets me every time and thats why I enjoy photographing them. Capturing that moment and that view so I can relive it time and time again. However, I have to keep going back because it just might throw up something even more fabulous.

Whilst the first of the three days was spent around Ullswater, I moved over to Derwent Water and Buttermere for the next two with Chris. Again great contrasts in weather but that all goes to show just what we can do even when it is inclement.

Chris by the shores of Derwent Water near Lodore before the heavens opened.

It was also nice to see a couple of publications utilising my work this month.

I am extremely proud to have been chosen to provide the cover for Cumbria Magazine on their iconic 70th anniversary edition. It is a cracking little mag that packs a punch and their are subscribers across the globe. A great littel read that is full of interesting articles on Cumbria.

There is also an article of mine in 'Lancashire Life' and 'Lake District life' on the work of Andy Beck and his magnificent achievement as he publishes 'THE WAINWRIGHTS IN COLOUR'. Ten years in the making and a tribute not only to the great AW but Andy too who has worked tirelessly on his labour of love. I am proud to count him as a friend and I look forward to being at the launch party in early May.

Other than that, I am back running workshops and processing images from recent shoots with a big commercial undertaking in the pipeline for the middle of the month.

Spring looks like it has sprung and so I hope that you manage to get out there and enjoy this fantastic time of year. I snapped this iphone image of my first queen bee of the year. surely a sign that spring really has sprung?

I hope so.

Oh yes, if you do venture out don't forget your camera....