Focus On Photographer: Kate Maxwell
Our December issue front cover features a photo by Kate of Kate Maxwell Photography. We asked Kate a few questions on how she captured the shot...
Photo caption: Silent Night – I woke early one winter morning to a strange silence in Ludlow, and when I looked out of my window, saw a thick blanket of snow had fallen overnight, deadening all sound and emptying the roads. It was still dark, so I grabbed my camera and wellies, and wandered through the early morning streets among the thick, soft flakes. It felt like I’d walked back into Dickensian times.
What camera and accessories were used? Nikon D750 with a 24mm 1.8 lens. In these slippery conditions I didn’t fancy taking a tripod, so I took a lightweight prime lens with a large aperture which I could hand-hold, using a fairly slow shutter speed (1/40 second) to catch the snow falling.This meant I had to crank up the ISO to 1600. I always shoot in RAW so I have more editing freedom with the data in post production.
Did you use any editing software for this photo? I use Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop to process my pictures, and a denoise program called Topaz. I have recently upgraded my equipment – images can be a bit fuzzy at high ISOs on this old camera, but it’s still a good workhorse and the one I take with me if there’s a chance I might drop it or get it wet!
Any advice for photographing in winter? I love this time of year for photography – the only downside is the short days, but the light can be beautiful all day with a low sun, and twilight evenings can be lovely in town.The worst weather often makes the best pictures. During the Christmas season, the streets can be very pretty with all the lights reflected on wet pavements. Frost, mist and snow make fabulous landscapes. If you haven’t got one already, buy a tripod to expand your photo opportunities. Get out early to catch the best weather conditions, dress warmly, and take a soft cloth to clean your lens. If it’s damp, a clear plastic bag over the camera helps to keep it dry.
Where is your favourite place to photograph near or in Ludlow? We are spoiled for choice around Ludlow, with great views from Whitcliffe overlooking the castle, and the characterful medieval streets and bridges over the river in town. Mortimer Forest is lovely at different times of year, but my favourite place is probably Titterstone Clee when it pokes above the clouds on a misty morning.
Anything else you’d like our readers to know? I have recently started specialising in family and pet photography – my website is www.katemaxwellphotography.co.uk or you can find me on Facebook (Kate Maxwell Photography) and Instagram @katemaxwellphotos and @katemaxwell.animalphotography.