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The fading light in December is a challenge. There is a temptation to ‘settle’ for a monochrome approach to taking shots; looking only for high-contrast situations. But there are opportunities for compositions that lend themselves to a limited spread of subtle colours.

As a second stage, modern editing tools can be applied to bring out a small selection of colours as highlights – such as the those found in the mounds of leaves blown under the hedgerows. Berries are a big plus…

Below, an old footbridge over the River Kent is a feature of our village. Winter offers a chance to see and photograph it in a different light.

(Above: According to the sign, the small footbridge can accommodate 25 people! It doesn’t feel like that when you’re on it and it’s swaying…)

The bridge over the River Kent has a natural photogenic quality. It’s difficult to find an angle that isn’t interesting, and the material contrasts are rich.

(Above: Built in the 1920s, the footbridge was constructed to allow owners local worked to get to the local gunpowder works without having to jump over the river using large stepping-stones!
(Above: the local farm shop offers its own lovely contrasts – and the dusting of snow greatly assisted)

Gates are great, and the countryside is full of them. Taken flat and front-on, they can be dull, but at a slight angle, blending into the rest of the landscape, they become great ‘lead-lines’ for the viewer.

(Above: Gates are great!)
(Above: the end of a paddock becomes a rough cattle-track. The curve plus the snow makes it visually inviting)
(Above: gates lead to fences which cross boundaries; in this case, boundaries that change texture from wood to shrub)
(Above: gates usually lead to fences, which can be pressed into visual service. in this case the line points us at the river)
(Above: beneath the bridge is a river bank. The dusting of snow creates temporary objects that can lead the eye out to a larger composition. The River Kent looking dark and moody at this time of year)

©Stephen Tanham 2023

Stephen Tanham is a writer-photographer and mystical teacher. He is the founding Director of the Silent Eye, which offers a mentored, journal-based journey from personality to the awakening of realised Self and its world of Being.

http://www.thesilenteye.co.uk and http://www.suningemini.blog

Category: #Silenti, Lake District, nature, Photographic techniques, Photography, Places and Prose Tags: , , ,

11 Comments on “Pale December Light”

  1. Hi Steve, it is very interesting to examine your pictures together with the discussion. I understand your explanations of the visual effects and am making a note of these tips. The photographs are terrific.

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  3. A good time of year to be out, Steve. Your frosty images capture it well. I was looking forward to a bit of snow this morning, after seeing images from Cumbria last night, but we’re clear – just grey and damp.

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  4. Goodness, Stephen. Your photos are spectacular. I love the subtle colors of November and December. Like black and white, they draw my eye to texture and composition. Add that hint of color and I’m in awe. Gorgeous post.

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