Llyn.info - Llun Llyn/A Picture of Llyn

Origins Photography

Origins Photography by Dave Newbould

Dave Newbould of Origins Photography travels all around North Wales capturing many excellent views. Here are a selection of his photos from around the Llŷn Peninsula, with more information from Dave about himself, his work and his online business below. You can visit the Origin's website by clicking here...

Origins Photography © David Newbould

"I have had no photographic training and still have very little technical knowledge, but have a love of the wild places and hopefully an 'eye' for a good picture. Originally I took pictures to record my mountaineering, but as I gained interest in being more creative I found eye-catching light, shapes, textures and colours in so many different places. Even in a city there are beautiful quiet corners.

I have lived in Snowdonia for nearly 20 years, though I have had a love of the mountains here from childhood when my father introduced me to mountaineering. As a student I spent most winter weekends here looking for some icy corner to climb. But it was not until I looked more carefully at the area with my camera that I really started to appreciate the beauty here and just how fortunate I am to live in an area that has mountains, beaches, wooded river valleys, and so much more all within easy reach. As a Christian I appreciate the creative work that has gone into what I see around me, and I have a desire to communicate God's handiwork to a wider audience.

Ali and I were married in 1984 - she shares a love of the outdoors and is my greatest encourager and critic! We have 3 young children who also love the mountains and show ability and determination in getting up them. Most children would start to whinge if they had been going 8 hours in the mountains - ours seem to be the other way round! I am also blessed with a couple of friends who are sometimes willing to go up in the mountains at silly times, stand on ridiculous pinnacles, and wear red jackets!

Following many enjoyable years working in outdoor pursuits, Origins was established in 1993. What started as a range of just 18 different greetings cards has grown to over 500 different cards, postcards, posters and calendars.
I sometimes feel that I have to pinch myself that I am considered a professional photographer! I know just how unknowledgeable I am. But perhaps I can give a few simple hints:
- Do not try and copy other peoples' ideas - really look at what is around you and see what you can see.
- Do not be constrained by what is considered the 'normal' or 'best' angle of a subject - have a proper look as to what is really the best.
- Be willing to walk - the best pictures are not usually taken from the roadside!
- Be willing for a bit of pain. I find that sunrise and the couple of hours afterwards often produce the best light and strongest colours. Sometimes I start at 2 a.m. so as to be on a mountaintop for sunrise.
- Think out angles and viewpoints. Sometimes I use a map to work out a good new viewpoint. I can also work out from which angle the sun will be shining. The strongest colours are usually achieved by taking a picture at right-angles to the sun.
- Use a tripod for landscapes, even when you don't need it. This helps you really think out the composition and foreground points of interest. A movement of the camera position of no more than a few inches can make the difference between a good picture and a great picture.

For those who are interested in kit, I use an SLR camera - a Minolta 700si - and mainly 2 zoom lenses - a Minolta 24-85mm and a Sigma 70-300mm. I carry a hefty Uniloc tripod and a cable release. Many people assume that I use coloured filters, which I don't. The only two filters I regularly use are a polariser and a graduated grey, both Cokin P filters. This whole kit could be bought new for about £1000. Film is very important, and I mostly use Fuji Velvia slide film, which is quite slow at 50asa but has great colours and fine grain."

David Newbould

Origins/Gwreiddiau

Click here to go to the Origin's Photography website...