"In a way, the simplicity of this picture is what I like about it. The smooth, symmetric reflectiveness of the water and the bright colours creates the feeling of peace that I really like to convey in my photos."
Summer hasn't made much of an appearance in this part of the world this year. Last weekend, I was driving home after a trip out for lunch when the cloud started to clear and the blue sky began to emerge. With that, I decided to get my camera gear and head to somewhere I had not explored before - Ryton Pools Country Park - to see if I could get some new shots.
This country park is not at all far from my home, so I knew that if the trip didn't work out, not too much would be lost. But I already had in mind that I'd find one of the ponds there and try some long exposures with my filter set.
I'd been told by work colleagues that this is a nice place to visit, so it was his time I went to find out.
Stopping at a car park near the edge of a lake, the sun still beamed down. Such was my optimism that I had not even taken my sunglasses with me! A small wooden platform sat at the water's edge, the ideal place to set up my camera. A few people were strolling, including families with children. A man with a dog sat on a nearby bench. Unusually, few people paid attention to me and my camera (I've got quite used to people creeping up next to me with their smartphones to take the same shot I'm taking 😂 - the tourist group that stood behind me in Spain is a story for another day!)
Now, it is fair to say that the scene was not remarkably interesting, but I had in mind that a long exposure and good editing could create an atmosphere of calmness that could work well. So I set about getting some shots using a 10-stop ND filter and a 30 second exposure.
After taking my images, I set off for a bit of a walk around to see what else was there. I never intended staying long...but being out in the warm sunshine was such a nice feeling! I followed some of the paths around the lake to explore the area and just enjoy the fresh air and atmosphere. In fact, I eventually put my camera in the car and just wandered for a while
After a short time, I headed home and decided to have a look at the lake pictures. You might recognise the editing style I have used as similar to that of one of my skyline pictures of The Hague that I took about a year ago - I love this vibrant and mystical style that has given a simple scene a feeling of warmth and tranquility.
In a way, the simplicity of this picture is what I like about it. The smooth, symmetric reflectiveness of the water and the bright colours creates the feeling of peace that I really like to convey in my photos. What do you think?
I'll add this pic to my Woodlands & Countryside gallery in due course 😀 and check out my Instagram page to see a black and white version of this image too!