Summer is the bane of ALL landscape photographers or so we are told. Personally I quite like summer but I do understand that it has many downsides which can turn a lot of people off. Anyway I'm not going to dwell on that, in fact, yet again I'm going to sing the praises of summer photography. So summer has a little trick up its sleeve and one that is a firm favourite of the landscape photographer.....Heather Season. We go absolutely banana's over these wonderfully purple plants and rush around like idiots trying to catch the heather at its very best. For around three weeks the dark greens of summer are infused with vibrant purples which really transforms the landscape. The purple colours really act as a natural contrast with the greens and yellows and compliment one another perfectly. So it really is a welcome change from the dark green tones and I guess the promise of a more varied colour pallet to come in the subsequent months. In this wee blog I'm going to look at my favourite images from heather season over the last few years and talk about my approach to this wonderful few weeks of photography. 

Composition:

I really approach heather season exactly the same as any other season in terms of composition. Composition is one of the fundamental elements of landscape photography and just because we have introduced an abundance of colour doesn't mean we can scrimp on other areas. We still have to lead the viewer into and through the image. So I not only look for heather but also other elements to compliment and help construct a strong image. Use rocks, walls, lone trees in conjunction with the heather to form foreground interest and focal points to your image. Always consider your foreground, mid ground and back ground and don't just plonk a big pile of heather in front of a nice view. Find variations in colour, so by this I mean combine the heather with green bracken or yellow grasses in your compositions to give a wonderful colour palette. 

Langdale In Bloom - This old wall acted as a wonderful lead in line and looked gorgeous surround by the heather. 

Park Fell in BloomIts my first attempt of shooting this year's heather and I wasn't disappointed. I've had my eye on this little scene after finding it in Spring and though it would look good when the heather was in bloom. So I went out this morning. The forecast wasn't brilliant but it obviously had changed over night and I was presented with gorgeous light, dramatic skies and beautiful heather. I really liked this old stonewall and think it really added foreground interest to compliment the wonderful back drop of Little Langdale and surrounding fells. This shot was taken from Park Fell, which is a little fell which sits above Skelwith Bridge.

Creativity:

I find these seasons great for exploring and discovering new locations. The Lake District has an abundance of heather 'hot spots' and while very beautiful, I find it difficult to put my stamp on and find originality with these places. So I always try and find something a little different and try different locations. I look at maps, books and various other sources to gain ideas. I also keep my eye out when out and about for suitable places and log them for future reference. I find this far more rewarding than just visiting the usual haunts, but I am lucky that I live locally and have a good knowledge of the area and the ability to explore. In photography sometimes you have to think a little differently and if 20 photographers are shooting a scene then pick up your tripod and have a wander 100 yards down the road and see what possibilities that brings. I find getting a little off piste really helps to fuel my creativity and keeps things exciting and fresh.

Borrowdale Heather Layers - I found this spot on a bit of an explore of the fells above Borrowdale. The use of layers and a slightly longer focal length helped to create depth to the image. 

Borrowdale HeatherA breezy evening above Borrowdale taking in the last of this years heather. A wonderful view over Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw.

Weather:

Weather can also play a big part in our images. I usually try and incorporate as much light in my images as possible, however when shooting heather we don't want the most intense light as it can sometimes dilute the colours and it can all become a little flat. So days were there is more cloud and mood to diffuse the light are perfect for showing off the best of the colours. Don't be put off by moody conditions as they can be really good, we also don't have to rely completely on light as we can use the gorgeous colours to add the vibrancy and interest to your image. Sunrise and sunsets can also work well with heather as again the heather isn't being burnt out by harsh direct sun and the warmth of the soft light can help to really show off the colours. This is really good news for us photographers as heather season is very brief, so we have to make the most of it. 

In a Mood - Moody conditions are excellent for heather photography and really showcase the colours against grey and dull skies. 

Kings mood copy Langdale Sunset - An example of how sunsets and sunrises can be perfect conditions for heather season. We don't always need direct light in our images and often harsh light can really burn out the wonderful colours of the heather.  Langdale Heather SunsetGorgeous sunset colours and the heather in full bloom looking towards Great Langdale on Monday Evening.

Heather season really is a great way to end the summer months and the potential for photography is endless. So my advise is to just get out there and enjoy it come rain or shine and don't be afraid to go and explore and try and find something thats not been done before. Experiment and have fun with your compositions and really fuel your creativity as its a wonderful time with the landscape really at its vibrant best. Its definitely a favourite of mine and you have to doth your cap to Summer for giving use these wonderful conditions. 

Tim