Feature

Camera Ready How to Photograph our Chalk Streams

With smartphone technology improving each year, more of us than ever can take fantastic photos. What’s more, our beautiful local chalk streams provide amazing inspiration! Here’s our guide to capturing them on camera.

Plan ahead

You don't need fancy equipment to get a great shot, but you may want to give your smartphone a low-cost boost. One nifty tool is a clip-on macro lens, for small insects and fine detail. Another is a mini tripod to keep your phone still - handy for low light or windy days.

When planning your adventure, the most valuable thing to prepare is knowledge. If you're looking for wildlife, swot up on animal tracks, bird calls, and plant habitats. For landscapes and heritage features, local guides can be a goldmine of vantage points and hidden gems.

Watch the clock

The time of day can make a dramatic difference to your photos. The periods around sunrise and sunset are called 'the golden hours' for their warm hue, while noon on a bright day offers intense contrast. Avoid angles where the sun is behind your subject - this could create a silhouette - and watch out for your own shadow sneaking into the frame!

Another factor is the weather: we usually pack up when rain appears, but hang around and you might see some interesting details. Examine how water droplets cling to plants, or how stormy skies add a moody feel. You could even visit the same place in different seasons, comparing the cool tones of winter with the simmering heat of summer.

Play with patterns

When we think of nature photography, we often picture prowling tigers and towering mountains. But to capture the more familiar wonders of our chalk streams, often called ‘England's rainforests’, you may need to view them with fresh eyes.

Try homing in on textures such as stone, metal, or tree bark. This can be a great way to showcase underrated subjects like aquatic insects, historic structures, and non-flowering plants. If a stream is in your shot, experiment with reflections and the water's rippling surface.

You can also move around your subject in search of patterns; perhaps a few tree branches form a zig-zag shape, or a group of people have eye-catching symmetry. Leading lines - like that of a path, bridge, or stream - can add a sense of depth to your photos.

Change your perspective

Another way to put a new spin on something is to frame it differently. Try looking down on it from above or going low to mimic an animal's perspective. You can also use the rule of thirds: just imagine a 3x3 grid over your photo and position points of interest on the lines.

While it's tempting to fill the frame with your subject, try allowing it a bit of breathing room. The wider surroundings can add important context, such as a heritage feature next to a modern one or wildlife with people in the background.

If you do want a closer shot of your subject, it may be better to approach on foot: digital zoom, which is used by smartphones and smaller cameras, can reduce the resolution of your photos. However, only get closer if it’s safe and you won't disturb any wildlife.

Get creative

Why not test your skills with our Tales from the Riverbank Photography

Competition? It focuses on seven local chalk streams, including the

Candover Brook, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream. There are prizes on offer for heritage, landscape, people, and wildlife photos, as well as special prizes for under-18s. Learn more at www.hiwwt.org.uk/ winterbournes/tales