Little could be nicer than to be out and about with your camera (or even just your eyes) on a spring countryside stroll. And what spring is complete without a cute lamb photo or two?…

Spring lamb

You looking at me?

Several quick tips for that irresistible cutesy lamb photo… 1. Avoid bright sunny days as the high contrast lighting means you may struggle to keep  highlight detail on your lamb and you will have unsightly heavy shadows.

2. If you can attract the lamb’s attention and get it to look at the camera that’s a good start!

3. Go for a close-up and try to avoid cluttered backgrounds that will cause the shot to lose impact.

4. Lambs interacting with each other or leaping in the air is a fab shot to get if you can.

Roadside snowdrops are delight

Still on the predominantly ‘white’ theme and keep your eyes peeled for a lovely display of snowdrops; the earliest common flowers of spring and a delightful display to any roadside verge.  Often a low angle is best and zoom in to ‘compact’ the display and make them look more dense. Snowdrops make such lovely delicate close-ups. Alas the fly photobombing my photo didn’t help, but that’s nature (and a careless photographer)!

Experiment with close-ups

You don’t always need a fancy macro lens for a nice close-up. A zoom or telephoto lens will suffice but you will need to be further back, preferably with a tripod.

Exploring Arnside Tower

Arnside Tower on the Lancashire/Cumbria border is an attractive local landmark. Stick by the footpath as going inside isn’t safe. I found a nice quirky angle, bit of framing and striking blue sky to make a pleasing shot.

Using the sun

Very similar to my recent shots of Brough Castle, the sun in the right place can be great for a ruin silhouette. I particularly like the low sunlight catching on the grass on the left and positioning the angle so as the sun doesn’t over-dominate the shot. Be sparing pointing the camera at the sun and never use a zoom lens (if you value your eyesight!).

The Pepper Pot, Silverdale

The same principals applied at a different spot only a mile or so away. Overlooking Silverdale is the locally known Pepper Pot where there’s a lovely view over Morecambe Bay. 

Morecambe Bay’s silvery sands.

Turning west Morecambe Bay’s silvery sands sparkle in the sunshine and make a great photo. Underexpose by a stop or two so you don’t lose highlight details.

More Photographer’s Ramblings Coming Soon!