Mail: simon@natural-photographer.co.uk

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Industrial Landscapes

Living near near North Yorkshire means I have access to some absolutely stunning areas, providing me with ample opportunities to create what one might consider to be traditional landscape photographs - rolling hills, trees and lots of greenery. However, going north towards Teesside delivers a totally different skyline, being well known for heavy industry, where pylons replace trees and huge cooling towers replace hills - yet in some of these areas, a myriad of bird and animal species thrive. Photographically, this provides some interesting scenery, which I have tried to take advantage of, leading to a subject in its’ own right. For me, the most rewarding images in this subject area are one where industry and nature combine to create a unique photograph.

1. 16 March 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/9.5, exposure compensation +1 stop, ISO 400.

Taken in the RSPB Saltholme nature reserve; this image shows the quite amazing partnership that exists between heavy industry and the natural world.


2. 16 March 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/9.5, exposure compensation +1 stop, ISO 400.

Staying in the RSPB Saltholme nature reserve, where two Canada Geese are dwarfed by two enormous towers.


3. 11 May 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Telyt-R 400mm f/2.8 + 2x Apo-Extender-R (effective focal length 800mm), 1/2000sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200.

A view of a myriad of construction related to the various industries that exist on the east coast, taken from one of the bird hides at Saltholme.

4. 4 August 2000, Leica R6.2, Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8, 1/1000sec @ f/2.8, Fujichrome Sensia ISO 400.


5. 17 July 2002, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/8, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Kodachrome ISO 64.

I believe this is North Gare, an area south of Hartlepool.

6. 17 July 2002, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/9.5, Kodachrome ISO 64.

7. 1 May 2005, Leica R6.2, Apo-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8, 1/2000sec @ f/9.5, Kodachrome ISO 200.

Various birds going about their business in the shadow of imposing industrial constructions behind, including the very recognisable Tees Transporter Bridge.

8. 4 September 2005, Leica R6.2, Apo-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8, 1/2000sec @ f/4, Kodachrome ISO 200.

10. 1 September 2012, Leica R6.2, Apo-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/4, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

11. 1 September 2012, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/5.6, Cokin Grey Graduated filter 120, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

12. 6 October 2012, Leica R6.2, Vario-Elmar-R 105-280mm f/4.2, 1/500sec @ f/4.2, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

13. 20 April 1997, Minolta 9000, Sigma 400mm f/5.6 apo, 1/250sec @ f/5.6, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.

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9. 4 September 2005, Leica R6.2, Apo-Telyt-R 280mm f/2.8, 1/2000sec @ f/5.6, Kodachrome ISO 200.