7 reasons you should practice local photography

If you like local photography, you might wonder what’s so special about Padley Gorge?

There’s a lovely bit of woodland in the Peak District in the UK called Padley Gorge. It is a highly popular spot, particularly with photographers. Search “Padley Gorge photography” and you will find endless blogs, workshops, guides and images.

There’s no denying the scenic beauty of this place. However, I can’t help wondering why so many people travel so far to take a picture there rather than practising local photography. There are plenty of other beautiful woodlands and streams, most much nearer to the average photographer. Why do certain areas command so much attention? Does the photography community lack the imagination or creativity to create beautiful images in ordinary places?

I prefer to carry out local photography

My recent project 1Point4 Miles was completed on a short walk (which lasted, naturally, 1.4 miles!) straight from my front door. I could not have spent the right time coming up with the ideas for this project or making the images if I had not stayed local.

Here are some of the advantages that I see in focussing on local photography:

1. Local photography helps you become more creative

If you travel to well-known locations for photography, you can practically see the tripod holes for all the classic views. If you stay local, you may have to think a little harder to find worthwhile images. But that in itself is a pleasurable exercise. Also, the more you look, the more you discover. As you carry on exploring your local area you will see more and become more creative.

2. Local photography heightens your sense of appreciation

As you have to search for the images and the details, you begin to appreciate your local area more. You value the little scenes you may not have previously given a second glance. You become grateful for the sights that you never really realised were there.

3. Local photography allows you to dive deeper into a subject

Because you are local, you can spend time developing the images you make. Local photography is perfect for longer-term photographic projects. You can return again and again with little effort and build up a series of images that develops with time, the changing scene and how your view of the area changes.

4. Local photography means you never miss a shot

Many times during the 1Point4 Mile project series I struggled to make the images I wanted because the weather was wrong for the mood I wished to capture. I was often annoyed that the weather was too nice! However, being local meant I could wait patiently until everything was just right. One day I accidentally made an image that contained an unwanted bird. I didn’t realise until I loaded it on my computer. However, it was easy to return and re-make the image.

5. Local photography lets you make images more often

Being local means that I can pop out with my camera at the beginning or end of the day or at lunchtime. I don’t have to commit a whole day to a photography trip. It means the frequency of my photography increases. And I end up making more images that I like.

6. Local photography is cheaper

I walk from my front door to make images. I have no travel expenses.

7. Local photography is better for the environment

Those of you who read my last piece on low carbon footprint photography know that I am passionate about reducing the environmental impact of my photography. Staying local helps me achieve this.

What happens if there is nothing worth shooting near you?

There is ALWAYS something to inspire a photographer nearby. In recent weeks I have been working on projects that include:

- Making distressed images of local berries, weeds and flowers (as part of my longer-term States of Mind project)

- Making images of flowers, either in the vases that my wife puts out, or in local pubs and cafés

- Making a series of images based on the shower tiles of the house I was staying in at Christmas!

The only limit to working locally are our imaginations.

How do you start if you want to practice more local photography?

My key suggestion may seem rather strange: go for an unhurried walk without a camera. This takes away the pressure to take pictures. It allows you to look round and see your local environment in a different way. What catches your eye all of a sudden? Hopefully, you will find some inspiration and some idea for a project that you can start working on.

It doesn’t matter that you do not have your camera with you. There is no urgency to make an image today. You can always come back another time. It’s not like you are making a long trip to visit a distant location like Padley Gorge.