As the summer kicks in and the hols are in full swing, I, like many of my fellow professionals, use the time to process images that I’ve managed to shoot on my own days out. If I am not running my landscape photography workshops, I am either writing for magazines, updating the catalogue or revisting my talks.

The footfall across the national parks is a lot heavier than usual at present due to the pandemic and travel restrictions, so I prefer to avoid them if I can.

There is a feeling that when the ‘green gown’ descends across the landscape, summer doesn’t produce the best images. I disagree and feel there is always something we can concentrate on. Having a project or two ensures this. I mentioned it in an earlier news item/blog and it is something that I have always felt strongly about. If you are looking for inspiration just go and look up Mike Prince and the varied work he delivers throughout all the seasons. Not just a good photographer, Mike is a really nice guy too.

I am very lucky to have Vicki Procter working alongside me as my assistant and it is always interesting to see how we both look at the same thing. Sometimes we are similar and others at different ends of the spectrum but even a small difference is what makes photography so worthwhile. A different perspective.

It helps your progression when you begin looking more closely at what is around you and not having an over reliance on the ‘obvious.’

I have never had an issue with returning to similar and regular places but am always mindful to vary routes and perspectives. Documenting an area or a specific genre throughout the seasons ensures good comparisons and contributes towards a body of work. That will be ‘Your Body of Work’ and it can be as diverse as you like.

Once you have begun and the images start to amass, the decision you will then be faced with is, “what do I do with it?” Also how and when do you decide that it is complete?

In many cases, the project it will never reach a conclusion but by segmenting the work into sections and seasons, there will always be good, comparative photography that will sit well across various forms of media. It will also create a longevity and continuous meaning to your enjoyment with the camera. More importantly, you will stretch your self photographically and that is always a good thing.

For me, books are the obvious ones to consider as your outlet, as they allow others to see and handle your work. Printing and framing your images are also valuable skills to learn and offer others a chance to see what you have been up to.

The Summer is also a good time to plan for the coming Autumn and Winter by looking at what you would like to do with your photography time. Again, don’t always go for the obvious and that ‘big picture.’ Of course I love the grand landscape but it is good for your development to look more intimately at what sits alongside and within that space.

A project on an area or subject you like will give you the impetus to move forward and derive more pleasure from your work. I have been involved in a project that is dear to my heart in Snowdonia at Dinorwic. It will never be finished as it is one where reclamation and time will literally envelop the landscape way after I have departed this earth. I have already produced one book about the Dinorwic buildings and will leave many more books for my family and friends. It will form a part of my legacy.

Whatever you personally decide to do though enjoy it!