My favorite time of year has arrived for landscape photography and today was the perfect lighting. With camera over my shoulder I cycled up the Lune Valley cycle track from Lancaster.
Tranquil beauty spot, The Crook O’ Lune
I wanted to capture the Autumn sunlight coming through golden oak tree leaves and this shot ( left) proved tricky to ‘edit’. Too little contrast and it would look flat and the colours wouldn’t look vibrant. Too much contrast and I would loose the natural haze over the river. As I often say though, photo editing work is always kept to a minimum. I prefer to enhance the beauty that’s already there, than create something that wasn’t.
View across the Lune Valley
Still… River Lune near Caton
The Millennium Park cycle route ends a a mile or so east of Caton village, where the river bends close to the path and gives a great view. The stillness of the water allowed the lovely blue sky and clouds to reflect very nicely.
My return journey to the city proved even more rich as the sun sank lower, colours got more vibrant and shadows lengthened.
Stunning Autumn colours at Caton
At any time of year the route of the old railway is beautiful, as much of it cuts through attractive woodland.
In terms of railway history, the former Halton railway station is a real gem; beautifully preserved, thanks largely to a local rowing club who use it. The lighting made for a really interesting and nostalgic shot as I passed.
A last look at the Autumn colours near Halton, before I returned to the city, looking particularly nice here, contrasting with the passing walker. I thank him for wearing blue!
Lune Aqueduct over the River Lune
The imposing and recently renovated Lune Aqueduct caries the Lancaster Canal over the river in style and looked good through a line of handsome trees, as the sun went down.
Skerton Bridge and Lancaster Castle
My favourite shot of the day and a lovely way to end a most enjoyable afternoon, was this one looking down the river towards Skerton Bridge with Greyhound Bridge, Lancaster Castle and The Priory Church behind. I was very lucky with the lighting on this shot and haven’t used a filter or any heavy photo editing software.
New landscape images being added to my landscape gallery shortly. Copies can be purchased there and make for great Christmas gifts! CLICK HERE