The long shadows, sparkling light and often short periods of afternoon winter sunshine make great subject matter for the wandering outdoor photographer. This walk took me up into the Lancashire hills over the very popular beauty spot of  ‘Nicky Nook‘ not far south of Lancaster and within earshot of the M6.

Long winter shadows

Light and shade; Grizedale Reservoir.

My attention was caught by the stark bare trees (mostly Silver Birch, I think) and this one glowing in the sunshine against the dark Grizedale Reservoir in the shade of the valley below.

I found that black & white worked as well for a different shot of the bare trees, when the reservoir appears as almost black in the background.

Climbing Up to Nicky Nook, looking back towards Grizedale Reservoir.

Striking tree in sunshine.

It was later in the afternoon as the sun started to set, that the magic of the lighting really began. My plan wasn’t to snap the classic sunset shot, lovely as it would have been, but to go for something a little more exciting on my way back to the car. The resulting emphasis is on light through trees and reflected on the road, rather than the general landscape and sky. The final two shots I was particularly pleased with…

 

Golden glow: Sunlight on a fence.

Last minutes of sunlight on a country lane near Scorton.

I hope you have enjoyed my short winter walk. More Photographer’s Ramblings coming soon. Comments welcome by the way.

To see my full landscape photography gallery, click here.