Fine Art Landscape Photography of England
Light transforms landscape photography and there's no better example
than this shot of Lavender
in the Somerset countryside near Bath. The lavender farm
is not far from me so I was able to visit on several summer evenings
when the lavender was in full bloom.
Trees so well reflect natures rhythms and this eye catching combination
of landscape photographs from The
Four Seasons shows this off brilliantly.
I have always held a fascination for trees and this one in particular
- I have been photographing it for nearly 30 years (!!), in all moods
and in all seasons and will hopefully continue to do so.
Enhance your home or office environment with one of these exceptional
fine art landscape photographs of England by Ed Collacott. Choose
from the following print options:
- Archival fine art photograph with professionally cut window mount
- Stretched canvas print with mitred and wedged wooden stretcher frame
The Four Seasons, Salisbury Plain
The Four Seasons - this particular series of images spans about 20 years, note the different times of day and different lighting conditions that add extra layers of interest in what has quickly become one of my most successful images.
The four individual images from which this combination is created are successful images in their own right as the tree sits with perfect aesthetic balance within the folds of the chalk downland.
Hardraw Force, Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales National Park
England's highest single fall. Strangely the only access to these falls is through the local pub, The Green Dragon in the hamlet of Hardraw - a small charge is levied. When in spate Hardraw Force is pretty impressive but on this occasion a more gentle character is revealed. Vertical panoramic images are often difficult to achieve but this fall lends itself to that format perfectly. The contrast between the water and the dark rock, the hint of autumn leaves and the spread of the fallen water gives impact and interest throughout the image.
The Four Seasons, Summer - Salisbury Plain
Trees so well reflect natures rhythms and I have always held a fascination for trees
and this one in particular - I have been photographing it for nearly
30 years (!!), in all moods and in all seasons and will hopefully continue
to do so.
The Four Seasons, Winter - Salisbury Plain
Trees so well reflect natures rhythms and I have always held a fascination for trees
and this one in particular - I have been photographing it for nearly
30 years (!!), in all moods and in all seasons and will hopefully continue
to do so.
Somerset Lavender
Light transforms landscapes and there's no better example than this
shot taken in the Somerset countryside near Bath. The Lavender farm is
not far from me so I was able to visit on several Summer evenings when
the lavender was in full bloom.
On this day there had been several Summer
storms but the sun finally emerged from dark clouds to provide dramatic
lighting not long before sunset. This terrific light contrasts so well
against the retreating storm clouds, the green of the trees, the lavender
colours and the warmth of the stone wall - photographers just love this
light - its simply stunning.
If you are in the area this Summer the farm is well worth a visit, it's
a wonderful location, there's a lovely tea room and there's always a
warm welcome - check it out at www.somersetlavender.com
Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge, Bristol
A classic landmark and
one of Brunels masterpieces. I have made many trips to capture this scene
but the elements were never quite right. I always arrive around sunrise
and on this occasion it was high tide. It was a cold Autumn morning and
a mist hung over the river, perfect. Well it would have been had it not
been for a survey vessel which had decided this was the perfect time
to start work on this stretch of the river, I was fuming !
After what
seemed an eternity it moved upstream and the water gradually became still
again. The light was still lovely but the mist had disappointingly gone.
Just as the water returned to calm and reflections were perfect
the vessel returned - snap - just in the right place below the bridge,
brilliant, frustration averted. When on location we never quite know
what to expect - be prepared - take advantage - always wait, just in
case, it would have been so easy to have left early but patience paid
off.
Bethruthan Steps near Padstow, North Cornwall
Yet another stretch of stunning coastline that I return to time after
time. Winter can be dramatic with Atlantic storms crashing in but in
Spring the coating of pink thrift adds colour and life to the cliffs.
It seems that every time I visit a different face and character
is revealed - good enough reason for many more trips to come.
Autumn Beechwoods, near Hathersage, Peak District National Park
Working on Stannage Edge, a gritstone outcrop very popular with climbers,
the weather closed in - it was time to move down to lower levels
and this wood proved ideal.
The low cloud and mist helps create atmosphere
and the colours and shapes of Autumn are brilliantly recorded using Velvia
film. Another good example of having researched alternative locations
when, for whatever reason but usually weather, a particular angle is
not working.
Majestic Beechwood, New Forest National Park
The New Forest, recently
designated a National Park, is an area I visit every year, Spring and
Autumn I love. I research many locations, I arrive before sunrise and
before the crowds and before photographers (!)
and I hope for light this good. It's just flooding the whole scene with
golden warmth.
The colours that Autumn were amazing - what a combination.
These ancient beechwoods are truly magnificent, the light is not always
this good so go often - enjoy.
Autumn Gold near Hathersage, Peak District National Park
It's that combination again, Velvia film and autumn colour - just brilliant. This time the misty conditions add sublety and mystery. Pictures always look good in sets of three. Atumn Gold, Avenue of Limes and Autumn in the New Forest make a fine themed Autumn collection.
Durdle Door, Dorset
This is dramatic coastline, this is the Jurassic
coastline of Dorset, a fabulous stretch of coast from the chalk
cliffs of Ballard Down in the east to Portland Bill and Chesil Beach
in the west.
The section from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is spectacular
and a great short walk featuring coves, caves, sea stacks, towering cliffs,
fascinating geology and this iconic natural arch. This gentle atmospheric
image was created by
a number of elements, a late evening stillness, fine soft light, autumn
colours, textural light on the arch and viewpoint, all in all a lovely
coastline study.
Poppies and Sea Mist, near Crantock and Newquay, North Cornwall
This headland near Porth Joke is owned by the National Trust and the
farm is managed using traditional methods which encourage natural flora
and fauna to grow. The poppies, which require disturbance to germinate,
and the corn marigolds flourish here as must have been the case before
modern agricultural practices eliminated scenes such as these.
A cold
sea mist rolled in just after sunrise (very early at this time of
year !) and lasted just long enough for a series of unusual but successful
images before the Summer sun burnt it off.
Hay Tor, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Heather moorland in full flower is impressive and here with the distinctive
backdrop of Hay Tor, Dartmoor's most popular and well known Tor, and
dark brooding skies give this image a dramatic edge. Dark skies and low
slanting light are always a great combination and excite photographers
the world over, I'm no exception.
The Logan Rock, near Treen and Porthcurno, South West Cornwall
The Cornish coastline offers stunning scenery and this area around
Pendvounder Beach and The Logan Rock is no exception. It is a favourite
and accessible area of mine for both walking and photography. In this
shot the effect of the rippled sand beneath the turquoise waters was
unplanned but very welcome - nature is unpredictable and can offer pleasing
surprises. Earlier, from the cliff top, I was entranced as seals played
in the crystal clear waters below.
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
This was a seriously good sunrise, Northumberland is blessed with a
seriously good coastline, a good combination.
The morning was cold, very
cold, the sand underfoot crunched with frost. Dunstanburgh Castle makes
a perfect silhouette and the long shutter speed, necessary because of
low light levels at this time of day, gives movement and energy to the
waves.
Cherhill White Horse, Calne, Wiltshire
Wiltshire has 11 white horses carved into the escarpment of the chalk
downland and this one, situated on Cherhill Down between the towns
of Calne and Marlborough, is a prominent feature for miles around.
It is carved just below ancient earthworks known as Oldbury Castle.
On this occasion the farmer had planted rapeseed which makes for a
great foreground so I turned up for several evenings and captured many
successful images. On the last of my visits a frontal system came across
to give a dramatic sky and the picture was shot when only a little
of the blue sky remained above the chalk. Yet another example of persistence
paying off to produce a striking image.
Sunset, Snape Maltings, Suffolk
This was a great sunset. It was taken at the Snape Maltings, old malt
houses converted into a very special and world renowned concert
hall made famous be the Aldeburgh Music Festival. The location on
the Alde Estuary surrounded by reed beds has rich potential for photography
but to catch a sunset this good requires much luck. The old adage applies
once again - the more often you are out taking pictures the more luck
comes your way.
Bluebells, Savernake Forest, Wiltshire Downland
This is one of my most popular bluebell images, the bluebells just
seem to go on and on, a real carpet of colour. The panoramic format is
photographically very successful, it mirrors our own vision closely.
The majority of my work is now shot using the 6 x 17 panoramic camera
for precisely that reason. It may be heavy and awkward to carry around
but for landscape work and the way I see the landscape, it is unmatched
and the quality achieved on its large format is truly outstanding.
Bethruthan Steps near Padstow, North Cornwall
Yet another stretch of stunning coastline that I return to time after
time. Winter can be dramatic with Atlantic storms crashing in but in
Spring the coating of pink thrift adds colour and life to the cliffs.
It seems that every time I visit a different face and character
is revealed - good enough reason for many more trips to come.
On the Ridgeway, Avebury, Wiltshire
The Ridgeway is an ancient routeway stretching from Avebury to Ivanhoe
Beacon in Bedfordshire. Here at Avebury, close to the stone circle, it
makes for fine open ridge walking on the chalk downland.
The area
is crammed with ancient monuments and remains, the characteristic clumps
of beech trees mark old burial mounds. These make a pleasing contrast
between the blue skies and the yellow rape fields - the whispy cirrus
clouds - a stroke of very good fortune.
Cotswold Sunflowers, Wiltshire
Not so often do we find sunflowers in this country but when we do photographers
swarm to them. I joined the swarm, well much too early for them and
came across this view, it just looked right.
I love the textures and
the colour gradations in the greens and yellows - unusual maybe but successful
none the less. Rules and conventions are there to be broken, break them.
Constantine Bay and Trevose Head, near Padstow, North Cornwall
Cornwalls'
fine beaches go on and on, no wonder it is such a popular holiday destination.
Here the low early morning sun highlights the rippled sand and makes
for a foreground full of interest and leads the eye out across the bay
towards the headland, Trevose Head. I enjoy running and the run here
along the coast path to Harlyn Bay via Trevose Head and back is one of
my all time favourites.
 |
Bluebell Wood, Savernake Forest, near Marlborough, Wiltshire
Successful vertical images on the panoramic format are not always
easy to achieve,great care is required .
Fortunately these beech trees
fit the format naturally, the bluebells add a splash of colour and the
branch of Spring green beech leaves gives perfect overall balance.
|
| Bluebell Wood |
order
print order
card |
Woolacombe Sands and Baggy Point, North Devon
Woolacombe is one of the many fabulous beaches found on this stretch
of North Devon coastline. It is also very popular, so to catch it empty
of surfers and walkers early starts are essential - this was early.
After
a cold night early morning mist was rolling seawards adding a surprising
element of interest to the picture. This soon burnt off but by then
the light had lost its magic, the surfers had arrived and joggers and
walkers were enjoying the beach - time for a well earned breakfast.
Sediments at Sandymouth, North Cornwall
This is very much a personal
favourite, I just love the rich subtle colours and you can almost feel
the texture of the rocks. The lack of anything defining scale emphasises
the abstract nature of the image, a very hazy evening light helps control
the contrast and the vibrancy of Velvia
film is just perfect for the colours. This looks great on a large canvas
(well I think so).
Avenue of Limes, Sherwood Forest, Nottingham
For two weeks I had been in the Yorkshire Dales trying to capture Autumn, but lousy weather had been the winner - a stable air mass had trapped a heavy dullness that was going nowhere. Time to research new areas so off to the Sherwood Forest, now found I will return, it's wonderful, full of potential. This avenue is a photographers delight. The apparaent brightness suggests gentle sunlight - wrong, it was another deeply grey day with a hint of drizzle but the bright leaf colour and Velvia film really do the business.
Early Summer, Exmoor National Park
This is a wonderful image. It is taken high on Exmoor near Dunkery
Beacon on what is probably an old Drovers routeway that has become overgrown
by time. I have always been fascinated by the dynamic and sculptural
forms that trees possess and the ancient beeches exhibit these qualities
beautifully - they create an almost magical charm, can you imagine Hobbits
here?
The mosses and lichens, the rich evening light and the vibrant
spring green impart terrific unity to the image - I just love it.
Autumn, New Forest National
Park
The richness, subtlety, depth and tonal range of Autumn colours always
excites me - we are very fortunate to enjoy such seasonal splendours.
The New Forest is lovely in all seasons but excels itself in Autumn.There
is always new angles to find and new route to explore, with open
moorland, birchwoods, mixed woods and these ancient beechwoods - I never
tire of it.
Ash Tree Silhouette, Yorkshire Dales National Park
This ash tree is actually growing from bare limestone pavement high up
on the moors above Ingleborough. I'd been on Whernside, Yorkshire's highest
mountain, all afternoon and stayed up for evening and sunset shots towards
Ingleborough, a very distinctive mountain across the River Doe Valley.
On my way down this sculptured form of an ash tree held my fascination.
The silhouette against a rich but quickly fading sky made for a perfect
shot and well worth the walk back down in darkness.
Aspens in Winter
Aspens are distinguished by their nearly round leaves on mature trees, 4-12 centimeters in diameter with irregular rounded teeth. They are carried on strongly flattened leaf stems, that cause the leaves to twist and flutter in slight breezes. Aspens are all native to cold regions with cool summers, in the north of the Northern Hemisphere, extending south at high altitudes in the mountains.
Bluebell Woods, Savernake Forest,Wiltshire Downs
Many of us are lucky enough to remember youthful wanderings
in bluebell woods. Fortunately there are still many fine bluebell woods
scattered throughout the British Isles. This one near Marlborough is
particularly good and I have enjoyed visiting for many years. Carpets
of colour, air full of scent and the spring green of the beech canopy
make it a great location.
Photographing bluebells is challenging, but as I wander
through the woods I stay very focused and inspiration is never far away,
new ideas and new angles always present themselves - this means there
is always a good selection to choose from.
Glastonbury Tor, Somerset Levels
Glastonbury Tor stands out from the Somerset Levels, it can be seen
from miles around - it is an iconic location with a deep spiritual heritage
finely balanced between fact and legend. It draws visitors from around
the world but few get to see it from this angle or in this light on
a cold winters day. This is a great image that looks really impressive
on stretched canvas.
Stonehenge, World Heritage Site, Wiltshire
With so many imposed restrictions, Stonehenge is not an easy area to
photograph with the same freedoms I enjoy elsewhere. What are English
Heritage afraid of ? This is a site of international importance, it
belongs to us all.
It is another location I had visited many times but this sunset was special.
It is one of the few images that is filtered, it has an 81B slight warm up
filter which emphasises the rich colours and makes the silhouette of the Stone
Circle really stand out.
Winter Oak
Click
here to view Winter Oak at a larger size and to choose print
options.
Winter Oaks
Click
here to view Winter Oaks at a larger size and to choose print
options.
Winter Wood, near Yoxford and Minsmere, Suffolk
One of a series of black and white pictures taken during a hard winter some time ago.
It is quite simply, lovely - its beautiful. It combines my passion for trees and a visual simplicity that is not always easy to achieve and being in black and white there is no colour to distract. I`m often told ( as a compliment I`m sure ) it`s like a line drawing and when seen on a canvas its painterly qualities certainly stand out. Its one of my most successful all time images and looks great on canvas or as a fine art print, especially when framed in a simple dark moulding.
Misty Pines, Quantock Hills, Somerset.
If I were asked which of my images gave me the greatest sense of pleasure it would be this black and white image. It is not my most popular picture but for me it excites a very deep sense of joy. Taken some time ago in the Quantock Hills, I just love the misty conditions, the pronounced grain and textural depth achieved. Its sometimes difficult to explain ones emotional feelings but perhaps that mystery is part of the pleasure. A large print of this hangs in our sitting room and continues to give enjoyment.
On Salisbury Plain
Trees so well reflect natures rhythms and I have always held a fascination for trees
and this one in particular - I have been photographing it for nearly
30 years (!!), in all moods and in all seasons and will hopefully continue
to do so.
Holywell Bay, Newquay, Cornwall
Taking pictures close to mid summers day means early starts, very early. On this morning peace, stillness and soft light create the gentle calm of an early summers morning - a good time for quiet reflection.
This beach
became known as Holywell Bay because pilgrims believed a cave there
contained a source of water with healing properties.
Logan Rock, Pendvounder Beach, near Porthcurno, SW Cornwall
Another shot of the Logan Rock, this time in square format - this is great coastline. I'm often asked if this is really England. Yes we do have a stunning coastline and here in Cornwall crystal clear waters, great for watching seals play - perhaps one day basking sharks, now that would be special.
High Tide, nr Bude, North Cornwall
Same location as Rock Veining and same poor weather, but ideal for pictures such as these. The poor light and slow shutter speed add movement and energy to the scene, also a sense of the big seas that evening.
Rock Veining, nr Bude and Widemouth Bay
Another textural favourite of mine. With no apparent sense of scale it's abstract nature achieves a balance and unity. The deep rich colour of the wave worn shale rock is crossed with quartz veining and also a more subtle iron rich layering. A canvas of this hangs in my bathroom - it looks great.
Beech Trees, Exmoor National Park
This is a wonderful image. It is taken high on Exmoor near Dunkery
Beacon on what is probably an old Drovers routeway that has become overgrown
by time. I have always been fascinated by the dynamic and sculptural
forms that trees possess and the ancient beeches exhibit these qualities
beautifully.
Harlyn Bay, nr Padstow, North Cornwall
Harlyn Sands, a lovely gently sloping beach, is located between Bedruthan Steps, Constantine bay and Padstow on the North Cornwall coast, one of my favourite areas of Cornwall. Here the curve of fine sand sweeps round towards Trevose Head in late Spring. An intermittent sun brightens the beach against a dark sky - always a good combination.
Porth Nanven, St Just, Cape Cornwall
This is another area where my passion for geology and rocks is well catered for. The granite coastline has been wave worn into fantastic sculptured shapes. Barbara Hepworth (and Henry Moore ) just must have been influenced by this aspect of Cornwall`s strikingly beautiful coast. Barbara Hepworth lived and worked not far from here in St Ives and her sculpture garden is open - please visit, its one of the most amazing places in Britain.
In this image feast your eyes on the contrast between the sea washed, wet grey slate pebbles and the feldspar coloured granite cliffs, add a little soft light of a hazy setting sun - result, a terrific sculptural study.
Granite Foreshore
Porth Nanven (also known as Cot Valley Beach) is a beach in the far west of Cornwall, United Kingdom. It is located half-a-mile west of the village of St Just.
The beach is at the seaward end of the Cot Valley and is part of the Aire Point To Carrick Du Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Porth Nanven is sometimes referred to as 'Dinosaur Egg Beach' because of a remarkable deposit of ovoid boulders covering the beach and foreshore. These boulders come in all sizes, from hen's egg to a metre or more in length, and have proved so tempting as souvenirs that they are now legally protected by the National Trust which owns the beach.
Winter Jetty.
A very simple composition and almost monochromatic in nature, it emphasises the gentle calm of a winter landscape softened by snow - you can almost feel the quiet here.
Winter Wonderland.
Taken in the woods on the northern slopes of Bath. These days it is not often we can wander in woodland softened by deep snow, well certainly not here in Bath, so what an opportunity we were given this winter. The snow lay deep and crisp and even and creates an almost monochrome image - there is a hint of colour in the beech trunks and leaves. Sadly heavy snow followed so no more picture taking but it was great fun spending time walking the silent woods. This image manages to do exactly what the title says!!!
An English Winter, Dunkerton All Saint's, Somerset
An English Winter, Dunkerton All Saint`s, Somerset.
Dunkerton, a small village, nestles in the folds on the edge of the Cotswolds, just south of Bath. An unusual amount of snow this winter caused problems for many but for photographers it presented an opportunity not to be missed. This is another of those images in my collection that convey an atmosphere that is very English, a gentle reminder of our pastoral past.
Chesil Beach, Burton Bradstock, Jurassic Coastline - World Heritage Site
Our only world heritage coastline - looking towards Portland Bill, the intense warmth of the setting sun, again no filters here, highlights the amazing colours of the sandstone and marl cliffs. A slow shutter speed, a wave breaking just perfectly and a hint of high cirrus creates an image that really excites my sense of colour and balance - this is a cracking picture and has rightly made it onto the front cover of my 2011 Calendar.
Walk in the Woods, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
Having been to the Forest of Dean very little since geology field trips many years ago, it was apleasure to return several times this year - there`s much to explore here.
Bluebells this year were weeks late but strangely the beech canopy not so, so when I came across this scene I was really excited. I just love those fresh spring greens, the path breaks the image and leads the eye in and there`s that hint of bluebells. Good bluebell images are always popular and this is a great addition to the collection.
Order by Telephone - you can also place your order now on +44 (0) 1761 436377
- all major credit and debit cards accepted.
Order by Post - your order with a cheque made payable to Fine Art Photographs
and post to:
1 Hillside, The Hollow, Dunkerton, Nr Bath BA2 8BQ.
|