I would echo you completely on the value of nature connection – how important it is personally and for successful photography and, in turn, how the process of creating images can strengthen that bond. Interestingly, at the WildPhotos symposium in Bristol last weekend, one of the speakers pointed out that quite the opposite can happen in some situations – you can concentrate so hard on getting the picture that you miss the chance to see something special with your own eyes; it can be hard to put the camera down and just watch an animal, for example, but doing so can create a stronger connection and better memory than trying to document the behaviour and taking away a card full of, possibly not great, images. That said, I never walk without my camera and love how it shows me things that otherwise I wouldn't have noticed.
A lovely memory there Gill. It did occur to me when reading your blog how people generally seemed to appreciate nature more during Covid, probably because of our desire to get out, but also perhaps because animals ventured nearer to us as our towns and cities were so relatively quiet. So I think it’s there under the surface for people to seek nature, but unfortunately has probably become less of a priority again for some since - a missed opportunity. Personally having grown up in East London I always enjoyed finding green spaces. Bringing up a family in Loughton on the edge of Epping Forest encouraged this further, but it’s only after moving to north east Essex I’ve found some relatively remote places where you can feel even closer to nature. Enjoy Scotland - I’m currently enjoying your book “At The Edge of Permanence”!
I can only wholeheartedly agree with you Gill about the importance of nature connection! Nature has always been my go to when I need to re-balance, ponder ideas or just be at peace. With photography, having a camera has helped me to look more closely and I find that the images that are my better ones are those where I really felt a connection to a place and moment...where I had immersed myself in the nature surrounding me before I decide to raise the viewfinder to my eye.
Hi Gill, I really enjoyed your Nature Connection written piece, the term “Blog” doesn’t do it justice!
It reminds me of how I think about my surroundings and how lucky I am to live here. Nature is on my doorstep, but in reality it’s on everybody’s doorstep. It just that some do not bother to look for it.
If I walk with my camera, it's as if it slows down time for me and makes me look closer at what is happening around me. Then when I look at the photos back home, I can relive those moments and scenes again!
My friend is now going to buy a camera, but he’s interested in photographing the night sky as he has a prime view across the fields. Of course, this is still nature, but you just need a thicker coat!
As you were describing your recent early morning outing Gill, I was just thinking how immersing yourself in Nature engages all the senses. Not just looking closely, but smelling, hearing and touching (I can never resist the feel of bark) - and there was Contact at number 1 of Professor Richardson's list. A very strong yes to both your questions - a deep connection allows a sensitivity to the nuances of the landscape and its inhabitants that shines through in great photography, and having a camera encourages (demands) that connection. Plus, there is the thrill of seeing something unusual or unusually beautiful. Good luck with the workshops.
What beautiful photographs. Thanks Gill for sharing these and your memories with your Dad and a kingfisher. I am 20 years your senior but I saw an adder for the first time this year and that was special. I hope you enjoy your workshop in Scotland and you have good conditions for photography.
What a great memory! I have memories with my own parents and hope that I've instilled some in my own kids, too. I've felt a deep connection with the natural world my entire life, but photography has helped me see and appreciate finer details and qualities around me.
Wonderful photos this week Gill! I do feel the need to get out and explore more locally before our natural areas are lost to development.
I would echo you completely on the value of nature connection – how important it is personally and for successful photography and, in turn, how the process of creating images can strengthen that bond. Interestingly, at the WildPhotos symposium in Bristol last weekend, one of the speakers pointed out that quite the opposite can happen in some situations – you can concentrate so hard on getting the picture that you miss the chance to see something special with your own eyes; it can be hard to put the camera down and just watch an animal, for example, but doing so can create a stronger connection and better memory than trying to document the behaviour and taking away a card full of, possibly not great, images. That said, I never walk without my camera and love how it shows me things that otherwise I wouldn't have noticed.
A lovely memory there Gill. It did occur to me when reading your blog how people generally seemed to appreciate nature more during Covid, probably because of our desire to get out, but also perhaps because animals ventured nearer to us as our towns and cities were so relatively quiet. So I think it’s there under the surface for people to seek nature, but unfortunately has probably become less of a priority again for some since - a missed opportunity. Personally having grown up in East London I always enjoyed finding green spaces. Bringing up a family in Loughton on the edge of Epping Forest encouraged this further, but it’s only after moving to north east Essex I’ve found some relatively remote places where you can feel even closer to nature. Enjoy Scotland - I’m currently enjoying your book “At The Edge of Permanence”!
I can only wholeheartedly agree with you Gill about the importance of nature connection! Nature has always been my go to when I need to re-balance, ponder ideas or just be at peace. With photography, having a camera has helped me to look more closely and I find that the images that are my better ones are those where I really felt a connection to a place and moment...where I had immersed myself in the nature surrounding me before I decide to raise the viewfinder to my eye.
Hi Gill, I really enjoyed your Nature Connection written piece, the term “Blog” doesn’t do it justice!
It reminds me of how I think about my surroundings and how lucky I am to live here. Nature is on my doorstep, but in reality it’s on everybody’s doorstep. It just that some do not bother to look for it.
If I walk with my camera, it's as if it slows down time for me and makes me look closer at what is happening around me. Then when I look at the photos back home, I can relive those moments and scenes again!
My friend is now going to buy a camera, but he’s interested in photographing the night sky as he has a prime view across the fields. Of course, this is still nature, but you just need a thicker coat!
Have a great trip to Scotland!
Kingfisher is my favourite bird, that flash of electric blue is a real heart warmer. Very nice article. Have a nice time in Scotland.
As you were describing your recent early morning outing Gill, I was just thinking how immersing yourself in Nature engages all the senses. Not just looking closely, but smelling, hearing and touching (I can never resist the feel of bark) - and there was Contact at number 1 of Professor Richardson's list. A very strong yes to both your questions - a deep connection allows a sensitivity to the nuances of the landscape and its inhabitants that shines through in great photography, and having a camera encourages (demands) that connection. Plus, there is the thrill of seeing something unusual or unusually beautiful. Good luck with the workshops.
great read...
What beautiful photographs. Thanks Gill for sharing these and your memories with your Dad and a kingfisher. I am 20 years your senior but I saw an adder for the first time this year and that was special. I hope you enjoy your workshop in Scotland and you have good conditions for photography.
What a great memory! I have memories with my own parents and hope that I've instilled some in my own kids, too. I've felt a deep connection with the natural world my entire life, but photography has helped me see and appreciate finer details and qualities around me.
Wonderful photos this week Gill! I do feel the need to get out and explore more locally before our natural areas are lost to development.
This is such a beautiful collection of photographs, you capture the landscape of Suffolk so evocatively.