A great piece, Gill. For me, taking my camera for a walk often creates my own private space, a bubble in which a degree of solitude emerges. Even in the middle of the bustling city where I live, I find it… I just need to open my eyes and look, which is what the camera helps me do.
I also find that at different times of the day - or night - those often-busy places can transform into bolt-holes of solitude, as well as presenting a different challenge photographically.
So I think that private solitude is actually one of the joys - perhaps even therapy - that photography brings me, and is probably why I often photograph alone…
Thank you so much for your comments Charlie and I am so sorry for the slow response.
I agree that photographing alone is one of the joys of photography - finding that solitude in nature or any other location by total immersion in what we are doing is such good therapy.
Lovely pictures Gill and having visited there on one of your group photo walks I can picture the scene. I think we’re fortunate in East Anglia to have a number of quieter places, but finding one close to home may be more challenging. My nearest is probably walking the sea wall at Salcott or Tollesbury Wick. Just the sound of the wind and birds - lovely and good for the soul!
Thank you for your comments. It is always good to find somewhere to escape the bustle of modern life and even though the East Coast is not exactly remote there is always somewhere we can go to find a bit of peace within nature. 🙂
Lovely piece Gill. There's a place close to home in rural Somerset where I go and won't see another soul in the early hours that is full of farmland birds, a barn ruin and at the moment fields of poppies that have seeded amongst the oil seed rape
Thank you very much Alex, I am glad you enjoyed it.
I used to live in Pilton in Somerset and miss the green and rolling countryside. It is always good to have somewhere to go to find peace and be at one with nature - I find it very therapeutic. Your place sounds perfect. 🙂
Beautiful images Gill - I've not visited but they really capture a sense of place. An ancient wood on the edge of a local wetland area is my nearest place of sanctuary and solitude - nothing is remote in the south east but this wood is less visited and out of earshot of roads...to stand there in spring with just the birdsong and breeze is so nurturing for the soul.
Your wood sounds perfect. I always feel refreshed when I spend any time in the woods and agree that it is always good for the soul. These places may not be remote but I feel that they are necessary.
I feel it is really important for us to find these places of solitude. I have never been to northern Denmark, but it is somewhere that has intrigued me ever since reading 'A Line in the World' by Dorthe Nors. I will visit one day. 🙂
Wow, your words are as beautiful as your photos! I'm amazed at how well you describe how I relate to nature, as well! And I listened to that podcast! It was a great one!
Thank you so much Erik, that is really kind. I love how many landscape photographers share such a passion for the natural world, its great to have that connection no matter where we live.
I really enjoy Matt Payne's podcasts, there is always something interesting to take away from his conversations.
Gill, I think you've hit the nail on the head with your emphasis on the importance of seeking solitude close to home. Beautifully written piece today about a special place, and lovely images.
Beautiful pictures Gill. I actually felt transported to that location through those images.
Alan
Thank you so much Alan, I am glad you enjoyed the post and the images.
A great piece, Gill. For me, taking my camera for a walk often creates my own private space, a bubble in which a degree of solitude emerges. Even in the middle of the bustling city where I live, I find it… I just need to open my eyes and look, which is what the camera helps me do.
I also find that at different times of the day - or night - those often-busy places can transform into bolt-holes of solitude, as well as presenting a different challenge photographically.
So I think that private solitude is actually one of the joys - perhaps even therapy - that photography brings me, and is probably why I often photograph alone…
Thank you so much for your comments Charlie and I am so sorry for the slow response.
I agree that photographing alone is one of the joys of photography - finding that solitude in nature or any other location by total immersion in what we are doing is such good therapy.
Lovely pictures Gill and having visited there on one of your group photo walks I can picture the scene. I think we’re fortunate in East Anglia to have a number of quieter places, but finding one close to home may be more challenging. My nearest is probably walking the sea wall at Salcott or Tollesbury Wick. Just the sound of the wind and birds - lovely and good for the soul!
Definitely David!
Thank you for your comments. It is always good to find somewhere to escape the bustle of modern life and even though the East Coast is not exactly remote there is always somewhere we can go to find a bit of peace within nature. 🙂
Lovely piece Gill. There's a place close to home in rural Somerset where I go and won't see another soul in the early hours that is full of farmland birds, a barn ruin and at the moment fields of poppies that have seeded amongst the oil seed rape
Thank you very much Alex, I am glad you enjoyed it.
I used to live in Pilton in Somerset and miss the green and rolling countryside. It is always good to have somewhere to go to find peace and be at one with nature - I find it very therapeutic. Your place sounds perfect. 🙂
So beautiful, it's so important to rebalance ourselves in nature..
Thank you Alanna, I absolutely agree.
Lovely poppy images!
Thank you very much Chris.
Beautiful images Gill - I've not visited but they really capture a sense of place. An ancient wood on the edge of a local wetland area is my nearest place of sanctuary and solitude - nothing is remote in the south east but this wood is less visited and out of earshot of roads...to stand there in spring with just the birdsong and breeze is so nurturing for the soul.
Thank you very much Lin.
Your wood sounds perfect. I always feel refreshed when I spend any time in the woods and agree that it is always good for the soul. These places may not be remote but I feel that they are necessary.
Beautiful images - so calm. Poppies contribute so much to the images. Well done
Thank you so much Bill, I am glad you enjoyed the images.
Looks like a beautiful place. You captured it‘s stillness and peacefulness perfectly.
Northern Denmark is such a place for me, where I feel at peace and can enjoy solitude.
Thank you very much Susanne.
I feel it is really important for us to find these places of solitude. I have never been to northern Denmark, but it is somewhere that has intrigued me ever since reading 'A Line in the World' by Dorthe Nors. I will visit one day. 🙂
Great images Gill It is such a wonderful, tranquil place I have had the pleasure to visit!
Thank you very much Stephen, it is a beautiful place especially in the summer.
A lovely place to spend time Gill. My favourite photo is the last one. Just magical.
Thank you very much Ross. The last photo is my favourite too! 🙂
Wow, your words are as beautiful as your photos! I'm amazed at how well you describe how I relate to nature, as well! And I listened to that podcast! It was a great one!
Thank you so much Erik, that is really kind. I love how many landscape photographers share such a passion for the natural world, its great to have that connection no matter where we live.
I really enjoy Matt Payne's podcasts, there is always something interesting to take away from his conversations.
A beautiful evocation of late spring, with stunning images.
Thank you so much Deborah, I am glad you enjoyed them.
Gill, I think you've hit the nail on the head with your emphasis on the importance of seeking solitude close to home. Beautifully written piece today about a special place, and lovely images.
Thank you so much Mick, I am glad you enjoyed it. I think we all need to escape into nature every so often, it does wonders for the soul. 🙂
Great read and so much truth in what your saying long may it continue 💕👍
Thank you so much Laurence. I agree - we need to do better at looking after these places so that they are there for future generations to enjoy. 🙂
Delightful. Reading this stilled a manic morning between classes.
Thank you David, I am glad it gave you a bit of peace in an otherwise manic day 🙂