January is a tough month; days are short, whilst the year yawns ahead. Slipping and sliding through the thick mud along favourite countryside trails is not very appealing. We hunker down until April, when spring should be firmly established and the ground firmer.
Photography may not be top of mind either, too much grey and cold. But there is another way!
Winter opens up the Chilterns landscape through the skeletal trees, now devoid of leaf cover that hems in the landscape, blocking views and possibilities. Those popular snowscapes don’t always deliver when it’s not cold enough for snow.
To get around that problem, I am focusing on winter themes that should make me look at my surroundings anew. Starting with January shadows; long and varied in the low, deep winter sunshine, through the trees, crunching along the footpaths, buildings and structures or playing tricks through the mist. Close up or in the landscape, there are lots of opportunities to try something different. Have fun too, this is not about professional photography.
Iron gate in Tring Park, Chilterns
Self portrait in wood
Sheep shadows
Men at work
Holy shadows
Winter light and shadows
Get involved on Instagram @ChilternHills. I have been sharing images all month and encouraging others in my community to share their experiences. Please join in by taging and #shadows and I’ll RT the most creative and fun.
Further inspiration
The ambient sounds louder, views wider and more intense and unexpected pathways, routes and earthworks are revealed by skeletal undergrowth. It matters not where they lead, just follow! Winter in the Chilterns.
The Bedfordshire and northern Hertfordshire Chilterns landscape is the least explored. Find out what makes this mixed urban sprawl encircling the Barton and Pegsdon Hills with villages so interesting?
Chilterns Gifts
This winter, celebrate the seasons in the Chiltern Hills
with our range of beautifully designed gifts that reflect the special qualities of this lovely region. Shop online now.
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