In June 2024, I started a 4-week project to photograph the area around the village where I live. With the aim of encouraging people to find 30 minutes a day to take photos, I set out to explore the area within walking distance of my house. Here's how I got on in week 3. 

Monday 8th July 2024

Distance walked: 4 miles

A steady start to the week. I am actually starting to enjoy the exercise bit of this challenge.

This morning, I hiked 2 miles uphill to reach what is probably going to be the highest point on this challenge. The view isn't all that exciting, from a photography perspective at least. However, it's a good opportunity to work up a bit of a sweat.

Once I reached the top, the sun made a rare appearance. It made a nice change from the endless overcast skies (which I prefer), but it wasn't long before the light was too harsh for photography. We're never happy, are we?

Tuesday 9th

Distance walked: 2.5 miles

We have been blessed with some wonderful still conditions of late. I do enjoy the serenity of a calm summer morning. Or at least I would if it weren't for the midges!

They weren't a problem this morning as the gusty breeze kept them at bay. Normally, I don't enjoy photography when it is windy. I am too paranoid that it will blow over my tripod leaving me with an insurance claim.

However, shooting handheld offers no such concerns and I was able to take full advantage of some wonderful conditions. We're passed the halfway point now and the project is starting to take shape!

Wednesday 10th

Distance walked: 6 miles

It was a rather soggy start to the day, but that didn't stop me from equalling my longest hike of the project so far! It wasn't the rain that was the problem so much walking through the long wet grass. Simply labelling my hiking boots as 'waterproof', doesn't make it so!

It wasn't a great day for photography. I do enjoy overcast conditions, but even I have a limit.

With all the walking and such little photography to distract my thoughts, my mind drifted to what I am going to do with the photos once the project is finished. I had always planned to produce a zine featuring 28 photos from the project, but I also think it would be a good opportunity to share some of the philosophies that guide my photography.

Thursday 11th

Distance walked: 7 miles

My biggest hike of the project so far. My fitness levels are improving, allowing me to push myself further.

It was an opportunity to explore a new area I have had my eye on for a while. Unfortunately, it didn't offer as many potential subjects as I had hoped for. And the midges were back.

Certainly, it was a day to keep moving. Not the best for photography, but enjoyable nevertheless.

Friday 12th

Distance walked: 3.5 miles

After such a big day yesterday, I was half expecting to be tired today but far from it! I was up and out way before dawn this morning. I love this time of year. While even the farmers are still asleep in their beds, I have the whole place to myself. Magic!

As the project has progressed, I have become more and more interested in producing extraordinary photos from ordinary subjects. I love the idea of creating something from a patch of brambles, or an old gatepost.

I also can't help wondering how I would fare in a less picturesque area. While it might not be the Lake District, I am discovering just how beautiful the Eden Valley is. Perhaps for my next project, I will focus on somewhere less attractive.

Saturday 13th

Distance walked: 2.5 miles

With only three miles to cover in the next two days and 21 photos in the bag, I am tempted to give myself a short break. However, I have learned that when things are going well, that is the time to crack on because it won't last forever!

Nevertheless, I can take things a little slower today. I've noticed when I am focused on covering a larger distance, I have my head down and miss a lot. So it was more of an amble this morning than a hike.

That being said, the photos from today were a little disappointing and below the standard I have set for myself. Perhaps the challenge of maintaining a high level of creativity for 28 days straight is too much for me.

Sunday 14th

Distance walked: 0.5 miles

I only had 1/2 a mile to do today to complete my third marathon in as many weeks. That was probably just as well as the weather was challenging.

As I prepare to move into the final week of the project, I am starting to think about revisiting shots that didn't quite work the first time around. This will be reverting to my normal 'planned' approach in preparation for when the project is complete.

However, today was not the day to start. With such a flat sky, I was unlikely to improve on anything that had gone before. Let's hope for better next week.