Short exposure…Robin Goodlad

Living in one of the most photographed landscapes in the UK has pushed Robin Goodlad to seek out a fresh perspective for his photography. We put him in the hot seat for this month’s Short Exposure.

Hello! First of all please introduce yourself: tell us the type of pictures you like to take and how you first got into photography.

Hi! I first got into photography when I got a Kodak 126 Instamatic camera for my fifth birthday and I’ve never looked back. My parents could tell I was much better at communicating my thoughts through images rather than words and as I grew older I began to understand that myself. Over the years I’ve focused upon mountains, seascapes and woodlands, and I’ve come to realise I don’t have a specific subject matter to focus on – there’s beauty to be found in any view if you look close enough.

How often are you able to get out there and photograph, and is there a particular location you normally go to? 

Having a young family does make setting time aside to photograph a challenge, however with planning and good forecasting it’s very much about quality of visits rather than quantity. I’ve also started thinking laterally: in the forest close to home is a wonderful play trail for my daughter and I always take my camera – the light is often incredible. Visiting the same place regularly you really notice that no two days are the same, and where there’s nothing one day there can be lots the next.

Image above: © Robin Goodlad

What are you working on at the moment? 

I live in Dorset which is one of the most photographed landscapes in the country so my current focus is finding new and unphotographed locations, or photographing classic locations in unusual conditions. Experience has taught me the best shots aren’t necessarily taken during the golden hour, there’s beauty to be found all through the day.

Where do you find your inspiration? 

At the moment it’s by spending time in one place spotting compositions and then returning when the light is right. It only takes a short walk with the dog or the family to find photography opportunities!

Image above: © Robin Goodlad

What’s your dream photography project? 

I’d love to write a book, one which celebrates the majesty of a certain place. I started keeping Lakeland Herdwick sheep a few years ago as a reminder of a favourite place. Every time I visit and see them in the landscape I view it very differently and realise they’re an integral part of it. I would love to document this landscape, and it’s guardians, through the seasons.

Is there one thing in particular you think would improve your photography?

At the moment, I think it’s time. The pressures of life mean time for photography is often limited and sometimes I feel I have to rush to capture images. I’d love to have more time to get absorbed into a landscape, to stand, stare and notice. Time spent at a location not photographing is just as important as those fleeting moments when we fire the shutter.

What do you think is hot right now in the photography world?

Unquestionably it is a quest to find that different view (one which challenges the mind) and competitions certainly fire people inspirationally in this direction. I think short landscape timelapse videos are exciting and although there is nothing to beat a well finished print, we have to be mindful of trends.

Where do you see your photography in five years time? 

I honestly don’t know, which is one of the most exciting things about photography! Five years ago I had no idea I’d be photographing what I am now. I love the diversity it presents me and I will keep exploring avenues which interest me so that I can continue to make a living from what I love doing. I certainly plan to spend more time training and hopefully inspiring other photographers with my landscape workshops.

Image above: © Robin Goodlad

See more of Robin Goodlad’s work here.