Reawakening the Digital Woods: New Growth at MH Landscape Photography
Hello everyone, and welcome back to the MH Landscape Photography corner of the web! If you've been a visitor here before, you might have noticed things have been a little… quiet. And you'd be right. Life, as it often does, has a way of pulling us in different directions, and unfortunately, my little digital woodland here at www.mhlandscape.co.uk has been somewhat neglected.
But I'm chuffed to bits to say that this year marks a turning of a new leaf (pun intended!). I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I want to share my passion for the landscapes around us, and I'm committed to breathing new life into this space.
Cannock Chase
A stunning winters morning at Cannock Chase in brutal, freezing rain and foggy conditions.
The first shoots of this renewed energy have already sprung! I'm so excited to announce the launch of my Woodland Workshops in Cannock Chase! It's been a fantastic experience sharing my knowledge and love for this beautiful area with fellow enthusiasts. If you're interested in joining me for a future workshop, you can find all the details here: https://www.mhlandscape.co.uk/workshopscannockchase. It's been incredibly rewarding to connect with people in person and explore the magic of the woods together.
Looking ahead, I have even more exciting plans in the pipeline. One thing I'm particularly keen to introduce is the opportunity to purchase prints of my photography. While this isn't quite live yet, it's definitely on the horizon. I've been capturing moments in nature that I'm truly proud of, and I can't wait to share them with you in a tangible form. Stay tuned for updates on this – I promise it won't be another long silence!
Beyond workshops and prints, I envision this blog becoming a more vibrant and regular hub for all things MH Landscape Photography. My aim is to share more of my recent photography adventures, offering glimpses into the places I've explored and the stories behind the images. I also want to use this space to share helpful tips and insights I've learned along the way, whether it's about composition, camera settings, or finding those hidden gems in nature.
Speaking of recent adventures, I've been out and about with my camera quite a bit lately, pushing myself in some new and interesting ways. I even tried my hand at street photography in a few of our vibrant UK cities: Whitby, Coventry, London, and Nottingham. I must admit, it was a different ball game altogether compared to the landscapes I'm used to. It proved to be challenging, stepping out of my comfort zone and trying to capture those fleeting moments of urban life. However, it was also incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to share some of the images I managed to capture in future posts.
Under London Bridge
I loved this scene with the converging angles framing this couple at th side of the Thames.
Of course, I haven't abandoned my love for more natural settings! Back in January, I had a fantastic trip to Cannock Chase where we were treated to some beautiful winter conditions. The crisp air and frosty landscapes made for some truly stunning photographic opportunities. More recently, I also had a brilliant time exploring the Yorkshire Coast, visiting gems like Saltwick Bay and Staithes with the Thumbs Up Photography team (https://www.thumbsup.photography/). It's always inspiring to connect with other photographers and learn from their perspectives. In fact, we've got some exciting projects in the works with Thumbs Up Photography that I'm really looking forward to sharing more about in a future blog post – so keep your eyes peeled!
But it's not just about my own journey. I'm also incredibly inspired by the work of other talented creatives in the photography and videography world. I believe in the power of community and sharing the brilliance of others. So, I'm planning to regularly feature artists who inspire me, and for my first spotlight, I want to shine a light on the fantastic Chris Homer (https://www.chrishomer.uk/).
Chris Homer
Doing what he does best, camping in extreme conditions and taking us all on the journey with him.
I first discovered Chris's work on his excellent YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@chrishomer), and I've been consistently impressed by his incredible skill and dedication as a specialist cameraman. His channel is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in cinematography and filmmaking.
What truly stands out about Chris's YouTube content is the sheer quality of his videography. His beautifully captured B-roll footage is often breathtaking, offering a real sense of place and atmosphere. What elevates his work even further is the engaging soundscape he crafts. It's not just about the visuals; the carefully considered audio truly draws you into the experiences he's sharing.
One of the unique aspects of Chris's style is that he doesn't rely heavily on narration. Instead, he masterfully lets his videography speak for itself. Through compelling visuals and immersive sound, he manages to draw you in completely to the experiences he's having.
One of the amazing limited edition canvasses available on Chris’s website.
“An incredible cold winter sunrise scene of the Clent Hills in Worcestershire England. The ridge of Walton Hill and the surrounding trees are covered with a light dusting of snow and a fierce frost. Sunrise is breaking through the thick layers of freezing fog, giving a beautiful warm glow on the hills” - Chris Homer
I particularly enjoy his 'Coffee in the Woods' sections. These beautiful woodland walks, where he simply enjoys a brew amidst nature's tranquility, perfectly capture a sense of peace that truly comes across in the videos. It's a reminder of the simple beauty that surrounds us.
Then there are his wild camping trips, often set in the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia or the Shropshire Hills. The remote spots he ventures to provide the backdrop for some amazing time-lapses, showcasing the grandeur of the natural world in a truly captivating way.
Watching Chris's work has been particularly inspirational for me, especially when it comes to improving the B-roll in my own videos. His ability to convey so much through visual storytelling and evocative sound has really motivated me to focus more on capturing those immersive details in my own photography and videography.
Whether he's capturing the serene beauty of a woodland morning, documenting the challenges and rewards of a remote wild camp, or perhaps showcasing the intricacies of his filming equipment, Chris's passion for his craft is evident in every frame and every sound. It's been invaluable for me to appreciate the power of visual storytelling, understand the importance of sound design, and inspire my own approach to capturing atmosphere in my landscape work.
If you're not already familiar with his work, I highly recommend heading over to his YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@chrishomer) and subscribing. Prepare to be captivated by his stunning visuals and immersive soundscapes, whether he's sharing a quiet moment in the woods or the epic beauty of a mountain range. He's a master of visual storytelling, and I've learned a great deal from experiencing his ability to transport the viewer without saying a word.
This blog is a commitment to reconnect, to share, and to grow. Thank you for sticking around, or for joining me on this renewed journey. I'm excited about what the future holds for MH Landscape Photography, and I look forward to sharing it all with you right here. Expect more regular updates, more beautiful imagery, and more insights into the world of landscape photography and the inspiring individuals within it.
Here's to new beginnings and a more vibrant digital woodland!
