The Photographer's Guide to the Yorkshire Dales

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Whenever out in the countryside in the UK, you can be secure in the knowledge that it's a generally safe place to be as long as you take the usual precautions regarding fields with cattle in them. The majority of the Dales consists of moorland and sheep though, so few problems should be encountered regarding farm animals. Even at night, as long as you bring a head torch you should be fine, just be careful of hidden holes in the ground especially in the limestone regions of the west and south. When it comes to capturing the essence of Yorkshire landscape photography, Aysgarth Falls offers a unique opportunity. Located within a mile, you’ll find not one but three distinct cascading falls, each with its own character and charm. Historical Significance: The Old Mill One of the best views in Knaresborough, is the famous view from the castle gardens overlooking the river Nidd and the viaduct. This is easily one of the most photographed places in the town, which is always great to shoot regardless of the time of day or year. I've taken many photos at this spot but my favourite time to take photos there is at night. The river is illuminated by lights from the surrounding houses and roads. It's a great opportunity for a long exposure, especially if the train is going over the viaduct. Go low to the ground with a long-ish focal length (above 70mm) and use a wide-ish aperture (f/2.8 – f/5.6), and focus on the distant barn. The colourful, out-of-focus foreground flowers contrast beautifully with the sharp stonework of the barn, giving a slightly painterly feel to your images.

Stepping Stones: These offer a fun and dynamic subject, especially when capturing people navigating their way across. Additionally, planning your route carefully will help you use your time wisely. For example, there are some spots in the city (such as The Shambles and York Minster) that see the most tourists. That means it’s best to photograph these spots as early as possible. Whilst you will still come across people, there will be a lot less. This makes it easier to photograph from different angles to avoid them. Alternatively, it may not be hard to edit out just a few people later on. Shoot the minster from different angles

The East Coast

You are bound to get some good shots on a visit to Brimham regardless of the weather, just let your imagination run wild. Located above Hebden Bridge and near Heptonstall, Hardcastle Crags offers a serene woodland setting that’s a dream for Yorkshire landscape photography. With its burbling stream, historic Gibson Mill, and the ever-changing play of light and shadow, this location is a photographer’s paradise. History: The Tale of Gibson Mill

This week, I took a few days out to spend some time walking in the Yorkshire Dales. I say I took some time out, but I always like to take a camera with me for some photography. You never know what great landscapes you will find as was the case with my first day near to the town of Settle. The western reaches of the region are certainly worth a visit, particularly around the Three Peaks area (consisting of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent). The landscape over there is by far the most dramatic, with hills towering above the rare limestone pavements and plenty of foreground interest with lone hawthorn trees. In this guide you'll find a number of locations to make the most of these views, from both low down and up on top of the mountains themselves, but there's always more to discover. If you look carefully enough, you'll even find a number of hidden caves and potholes which are worth visits in their own right, even if hard to photograph. Bolton Abbey offers a rich tapestry of photographic opportunities for the avid Yorkshire landscape photographer:

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In midsummer, the viewpoints looking up the coast will work well at both ends of the day. In winter the sun rises behind the lighthouse, so this can be a good time to capture views from up on the coastal path above the cliffs.