| Without doubt there is something awe inspiring and | | | | smallest parts of our planet that I believe we can start |
| wholesome in the big view. Every year there are vast | | | | to make any sense of nature as a whole. There is |
| arrays of calendars all full of pretty landscape pictures | | | | also emotion and drama to be found in these little |
| adorning our high street shops. Many we can relate to | | | | cameos that we so often overlook, it may be |
| and one day would like to see for ourselves. Indeed, | | | | something as simple as a single delicate flower |
| we are fortunate in this country to be blessed with | | | | growing in a boulder crevice. Hanging on and defiant, its |
| such wonderfully diverse scenery. From the wide open | | | | tenuous grip on life is totally dependent on the |
| spaces of the fens to the rugged mountains of | | | | sustenance that it draws from the debris residing in the |
| Cumbria, Wales and Scotland. From rolling meadows | | | | crevice. Yet it lives on year after year, testimony |
| to dramatic coastlines they all have an important part | | | | indeed to its determination and resilience. It is this |
| to play. However, sometimes with such a grand vista it | | | | interrelationship that is so enduring, fundamental and |
| is difficult to fully appreciate its beauty simply because | | | | compelling.As a natural history photographer getting |
| there is nowhere for the eye to settle, no point on | | | | close to nature is a very important part of my life. It |
| which to concentrate. There is just too much to take in. | | | | allows a far greater appreciation of the beauty and a |
| It is just so overwhelming.However, if we can take a | | | | clearer understanding of the natural world in which we |
| fresh approach and look hard for a moment at just | | | | live. Take for example a clear cold winters day with |
| part of this scene we begin to see and appreciate the | | | | crispness so sharp it is breathtaking. When we start to |
| finer features of the individual pieces of the landscape. | | | | look for details in these conditions we are immediately |
| Look at how they combine, fitting together like the | | | | drawn to magical patterns in the snow, frosted ivy |
| pieces of a large jigsaw to make the complete picture. | | | | leaves and shimmering icicles. Ice patterns are one of |
| But let us now break it down into its basic components | | | | my favourite winter subjects as they offer such |
| and take time to contemplate the colours, shapes and | | | | diversity and literally capture a moment frozen in time. |
| textures. We can then take this notion even further | | | | Some offer gracefully smooth curves whilst others |
| and that distant bright yellow patch becomes, on closer | | | | display harsh jagged lines depending on the prevailing |
| inspection, a rich and riotous stand of Broom. If we | | | | weather conditions. So even something as simple as a |
| move closer still to the broom we see clearly the | | | | puddle icing over is heavily influenced by its immediate |
| perfection and intricate detail in each flower and | | | | surroundings.Light quality will also play a significant part |
| seedpod. Look even closer at the seedpod with its | | | | in our appreciation of these finer details, if it is too |
| gossamer covering of fine hairs, each one an individual | | | | harsh then the increase in contrast will actually block |
| but reliant on its close neighbours and we can begin to | | | | out the very detail we are trying to see. It is far better |
| understand how things fit together. Whilst this may not | | | | to have the diffused light that occurs with high thin |
| be a scientific approach it provides a raw and basic | | | | cloud cover. This provides a much softer light allowing |
| understanding, offers enlightenment and makes us feel | | | | all the detail, texture and nuances to be so clearly |
| an integral part of nature. So by isolating and | | | | seen. Subject colour will also influence our interpretation |
| concentrating on a small part of the whole we have | | | | of the subject, for example vibrant colours like reds |
| simplified the subject. Made it more memorable, more | | | | and yellows suggest dominance and power, whereas |
| basic and more powerful.We have now entered the | | | | muted shades like grey and browns portray more |
| close up world of nature, a world that lies just beyond | | | | tranquil, earthy and basic feelings.Early morning is often |
| the familiar that is so full of rich detail and striking | | | | a fine time to appreciate a wide range of subjects and |
| beauty. With an open mind, a little imagination and an | | | | a stroll in the garden will pay dividends. Flowers and |
| almost childlike curiosity there are many more subjects | | | | grasses, for example when covered with dew or fine |
| for us to consider. There is certainly no need to go far. | | | | rain make fascinating studies, the fine hairs hold onto |
| Indeed it should be seen as more of a soul searching | | | | droplets of water so that they almost defy gravity. If |
| journey, a journey of inner vision and contemplation | | | | the conditions are right there may be insects that have |
| rather than a journey to some far off place. | | | | become encrusted with minute droplets of water |
| Furthermore, the deeper we delve the more | | | | following a night's inactivity. Butterflies in particular look |
| fascinating and rewarding they become. They reveal | | | | stunning covered in dew as it makes them sparkle as |
| their hidden treasures without hesitation allowing us | | | | though covered with a myriad of jewels.So, with |
| time to reflect and admire their majesty.With this | | | | renewed vision and childlike wonder the natural world |
| attention to detail it becomes easier to understand that | | | | is without doubt a beautiful place that only requires a |
| the whole is clearly made up of many individual parts | | | | little time and an inquisitive mind to fully appreciate. |
| that are all unique. All these parts inter-relate with each | | | | Satisfaction and contentment can be provided by the |
| other and no doubt they all have a vital role to play. | | | | simplest of things and with this comes harmony and |
| Indeed, it is only by appreciating the importance of the | | | | hopefully inner peace. |