Britain's Favourite View 2007, a photo from Cumbria, England

Photographer's Note

In 2007 there was a television programme inviting viewers to vote for their favourite view in Britain. Wastwater was the view that won the accolade.

We have visited the Lake District on numerous occasions but had never been to Wastwater. We decided to rectify that on our recent two day trip, and see what all the publicity was about.

I have posted the more classic view in the WS, but I was searching for something a bit different. I took this one about half-way along the lake where a little stream flows in. As it was spring, the gorse was in full bloom adding some extra colour. As you see it was rather cloudy, but there is some patchy light filtering through.

ISO200 FL18mm

leonorkuhn, dta, bostankorkulugu, jwmunro, besnard, avene, Bluejeans, UlfE, cbrman, Royaldevon, dareco, Muse, stego, hispic, gunbud, shevchenko, pablominto, ktanska, Sistercosmo, npecanhuk, JCG, Wandering_Dan, Cricri, Angshu, subhendu_bagchi has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

leonorkuhn (16237) 2009-07-07 8:43

Hi Kath,

I agree with the britains, it's a splendid view. Gorgeous panorama, stunning colors very well contrasted. The image in the WS is also beautiful.

Very well done!!!
Leonor

snunney (130967) 2009-07-07 8:44

Hello Kath,
A splendid landscape composition very typical of the Lakes. I like very much the point of view along the small stream that leads us onto the lake via the splash of colour offered by the gorse bush. The overcast sky makes for a very pleasing soft light and colours. Excellent sharpness.

dta (98848) 2009-07-07 8:45

Hello Kath ,
When I see pictures like this , I should enjoy to have a trip in the lake district . What a beauty ! Both are wonderful . I like a lot the WS . This one is a superb composition , too . MAy be that the yellow bush is a little too centered (or a little too important) , but this is really a minor detail .
Colors , light management and sharpness are excellent . The sky is fantastic .
Congratulations and TFS .

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2009-07-07 8:49

looks beautiful okay, but britain's best view?... i dont get it... or may be they saw this shot of yours?!>:P... beautiful one kath...

jurek1951 (42198) 2009-07-07 8:51

Hi Kath,
Wonderful landscape.Nice composition, colours and lighting, well framed.
Georg

alive (1362) 2009-07-07 8:57

Ol� Kath!
A photo with great composition.
Good and beautiful colors.
Good framing.
Parab駭s.
luis(portugal)

besnard (59196) 2009-07-07 9:25

Bonjour Kath
Un bon clich� de ce joli paysage aux couleurs 騁onnantes et agr饌bles.
Merci pour le partage et bonne soir馥.
Nicole

jwmunro (286) 2009-07-07 9:31

Hello Kath -

What to say ... your images on many occasions leave me at a loss for words and this is one of them. I don't know if it is my unabashed Anglophilia (gosh, that sounds like a dirty word), the beauty of English countryside, or the quality of your images, I suspect it is a lot of the later two. Or, maybe it is envy of having so many photogenic places within an hour or two auto drive away. I can just feel the damp, cloudy, and maybe soft breeze blowing that day. The clouds and the spotting of light on the hillside make this image pop. I am sure on a bright sunny day this scene would be just so - so and not worth a second look. The gorse does look a bit chunky like you over processed it, but it is not a distraction at all. (Heck, I don't know why I even mentioned it.) I can see why this place was voted the best in all of Britain. I am sure there were a lot of runners up Wastwaster of equal quality.

Thank you for sharing.

John

In a way this reminds me of being in the San Juan Mountains in the fall with the bright golden colors, the gentle breeze, the September clouds rolling by, and the quite and solitude. (There I go dreaming again.)

[2] +

MarianneS (15338) 2009-07-07 9:52

Hello Kath,
A very nice view, it would be a great poster!
The light is subtile and I like how it contrasts with the threatening sky.
Well done!
Regards,
Marianne

delkoo (68) 2009-07-07 9:53

hi cath
magic light on the yellow bush,

You've caught a great atmosphere here. The sky looks very impressive. I also like this simple composition with fantastic depth of field.

Congratulations!

didier

Bluejeans (64251) 2009-07-07 9:56

Ola Kath ,
Magnifica paisagem linda , com estes tons de verde e amarelo , gostei muito do c騏 nublado com as sombras das nuvens nas montanhas,belo ponto de vis縊 , parab駭s!!
Um abra輟 Gon軋lo

P.s. Thanks for last WS .

avene (12675) 2009-07-07 9:57

hi Kath,
did the vote take place based on your photos? :) I agree with John that bright sunlight might "spoil" the mood of the place, right now the overcast sky has increased the saturation, which I always like :) the stream works really well to lead the eye into the scene, and the gorse is just the right focal point. great shot, my compliments.

best,
Kristine

Bartleby (13552) 2009-07-07 9:59

HI Kath,
Despite the overcast sky, I think the light is wonderful here. The WS is fine too but I have to say I have a slight preference for this one: the curves on the stream leading into the image, the touches of yellow...Excellent job!

Best,
Philippe

ophelcia (0) 2009-07-07 10:04

I do understand why it won the favourite view...
Perfect image, especially the FG,
TFS,
Gosia

maximage (15537) 2009-07-07 10:12

Bonjour Kath,
Excellent travail photographique. Le filtre donne ici toute son efficacit�.
Amiti駸.
max

chawax (20764) 2009-07-07 11:09

Hi Kath,
A place I'd love to visit ! The point of view is very beautiful. The river drives us to the lake and then the mountains. I love the effect of the clouds on the mountains and the excellent depth of field.
Regards,
Olivier

dkeus31 (27739) 2009-07-07 11:21

Hi Kath
yes it looks nice for sure, you have made a good choice including these nice yellow foreground flowers
have a nice evening
didier

UlfE (14641) 2009-07-07 11:40

Hi Kath,

Once again I think that you have mangaged to find a better view than the classic one. The little stream and the the trees are element that make the scene very attractive. I really enjoy it. TFS and have a nice evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

TopGeo (38220) 2009-07-07 12:17

Hi Kath! A quality in colours detail and frame Impressive and important place I praise you!
Georgios

cbrman (21685) 2009-07-07 12:19

Hello Kath,

Encore une vue emplie de beaut� et d'ambiance.
J'aime beaucoup le cours d'eau qui sert ici de fil conducteur dans ta photographie ! Encore une superbe paysage.

A+

Dominique

Royaldevon (85932) 2009-07-07 12:42

Hello Kath,

This, to me, is a much more interesting, intimate view of the lake.
The emergence of the water channel, bottom left, makes a fine lead to the gorse which is a colourful feature to hold the attention, initially.
The low clouds appear to be dusting the tips of the mountains in the b/g and their gaps are illuminated by the striking shafts of sunlight following the highs and lows of the terrain.
Beautifully composed and with great clarity. Who needs the sun and blue sky!!!

See you soon,
Bev :-)

gilou530 (34) 2009-07-07 13:20

salut kath
un contraste et un lumi駻e qui rendent ce paysage encore plus grandiose et beau ou l'arbre jaune occupe bien le cadre, un coin de ton pays qui demande qu'a etre visit�, beau boulot
amiti駸
gilbert

rlrad (1845) 2009-07-07 13:39

Hi Kath,

Both shots are beautiful - I see why it won favourite view. Very nice location and you captured it expertly. I see why the classic view is what it is, that is one wonderful pov.

Great color and sharpness. Isn't it hard to find a day in the UK that isn't cloudy and falls on your holiday? It seems that way for me quite often over here lately - too much rain already!

Have a wonderful day,
Reed

stego (24132) 2009-07-07 14:17

Hi Kath,
It's a really beautiful place, although in a rough, wild way. The WS is more classic, yes, and so it is more immediately attractive, but... I like this one so much also... Not only because of the blossomed bush (is it a broom? It looks too big...), but also because of the less OE on the sky and in the sunned pathches, which, btw, are two of the catchiest things in both photos.
Regards,
Jos�

jmcl (14535) 2009-07-07 15:03

Hi Kath,

Tough choice between the workshop or this one .. I love the tone and contrast in both of them .. I love the reflections in the workshop .. but this one has a great sense of dimension, scale, and vastness .. beautiful place .. wonderfully done. take care, John

dareco (17136) 2009-07-07 21:49

This really is a beautiful view!! and great photo job!! Nice depth and detail. Lovely lighting and tones. TFS

emka (158156) 2009-07-07 23:41

Hi Kath, No wonder it is favorite place. Such programmes and actions are very good for promotion of the interesting places. one is curious is it really worth seing and goes there. And it is splendid view. The landscape here is severe with bare slopes, I like the composition with the yellow bush.

Regards

Malgorzata

Graal (103040) 2009-07-07 23:47

Hi Kath,
yes, view is beautiful. Fine composition and presentation. Pity that weather was not friendly. I like it a lot. Good photojob.
Gr., Aleksander

syrus_persia (2270) 2009-07-08 1:22

Salam Kath
Great shot full of colors and beautiful details.
Nice sharpness and great light.
TFS
regards
cyrus

Muse (35030) 2009-07-08 5:30

Hello Kate,
Very beautiful sight!
Les couleurs et le ciel sont magnifiques ainsi que les contrastes
Un tr鑚 beau paysage et une toute belle photo.
best regards
denise

janneman (4037) 2009-07-08 6:11

This is my favorite above the WS photo!
The grey clouds, the fresh colours of the trees, the beautiful landscape: you depicted the sight very well.

Reason enough I think to vote this the most beautiful view!

Dyerco (10185) 2009-07-08 7:45

Hi Kath
I agree with your choice of POV. The gorse in full bloom gives the appearance of some magical light especially on a cloudy day. I think the clouds make for a more impressive BG as opposed to a blue sky. Very well done. This is going to my favourites.
Cheers
Phil

travelm8 (366) 2009-07-08 7:49

I can see why it's a favourite, I prefer this photo to the workshop one.

Thanks for sharing Kath

cheers

John

darek1978 (13361) 2009-07-08 11:17

Hi Kath,
The mountains are beautifully, partially lighted and the texture can be admired clearly. Your composition has a very good sense of depth and the colours are very fine. A dreamy scenery and wonderful picture.
Best regards,
Darek

cdmonson (5304) 2009-07-08 14:09

Hi Kath:

As soon as I saw the title of this one, I thought "Wastwater!" It's a nice shot, and this is certainly a unique perspective. I do, however, like the workshop better for two reasons: 1) the composition is easier for the eye to follow, and 2) the light is better. But that said, this is a beautiful shot all the same, and it's nice to see something different from this place. Thanks for sharing.

Clark

coco (30439) 2009-07-08 15:00

HI Kath.

How are you?

I like a lot this photo and the light -and how you've managed this light- of the photo. The place looks also very beautiful one.

Well done.

hispic (9658) 2009-07-08 20:05

Hello Kath,
Very refined touch! The trees with golden foliage standing in the desolate place are really impressive. The tone of the sky and the distant mountains is truly superb.
Regards, Hisashi

gunbud (34066) 2009-07-08 20:38

Hi Kath,
The brooding sky lets in some very nice warm light that really makes this scene work.
Love the yellow trees reflecting in the narrow stream that feeds the lake.
This hills show a lovely smooth texture and a lovely collection of unique hues.
Regards, Tom

shevchenko (20560) 2009-07-08 22:17

Hello Kath,
The photo tell us detaily how can it become the most interesting place for voters, this photo not only to show the great landscape, and also completed with dramatic weather, fantastic color and lighting, WS is completely to show the wide landscape too, well done.
Ally

pablominto (53746) 2009-07-08 23:52

Hello Kath,

Be happy for the dull weather!
This scene wouldn't be the same with a shining blue sky, not nearly as interesting...
Wonderful play of light as some rays seep through, great colour palette and the point of view results in attractive lines!

Greetings,
Pablo -

ktanska (44766) 2009-07-09 0:24

Hi Kath,
Great light. Darker clouds in the sky and patchy sunshine on those slopes. Flowering bushes add charm.

Britain has so few lakes that people highly appreciate the Lake District. I don't know if such a vote has been arranged in Finland. But being a rather flat country, Koli hill with height of 347 m would be high on the Finnish list.
Kari

Sistercosmo (242) 2009-07-09 13:36

Hi dear Kath,

wonderful light and what a great pov. A really great photo! Almost too unreal.

Have a great weekend!!

Hugs,
Linda

npecanhuk (79329) 2009-07-09 13:42

Hello Kath!
Your favorite, my favorite!
The view is gorgeous! Your picture is excellent!
Sharpness is very good and totally suitable to this image! Exposure is correct with the best balance between light and shade and superb depth of field! Colors are wonderfully natural! The pov was very well chosen and truly privileged! Composition is awesome!
The inherent beauty of that place was enhanced by the quality of your photograph!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

JCG (35153) 2009-07-09 22:06

Hello Kath,

A classic view in WS but so beautiful and attractive landscape by the colors as in your principal photograph. The cloudy sky brings extraordinary contrasts and always of the splendid colors. Bouquet of gorses (?) foreground decorates your composition nicely. I like much the depth of the image and clearness. Very pleasant walk, thank you Kath.

With all my friendships and a very good day,

Jean-Charles

ruisc_pt (11594) 2009-07-10 9:03

Hi Kath
"patchy light filtering through" it's quite something.
I really like this image.
TFS
R

foozi (7101) 2009-07-10 20:10

Hi Kath,it is undenaible hat the view is breathtaking. such a panoramic view with great lanf, water and sky elements.
You have given the emphasis of dramatic so lovely.
The magnificent landscape is brillintly presented here in colours and composition.
Very lovely indeed.

regards,
Foozi

Buin (42580) 2009-07-11 0:12

Hallo Kath!
A breathtakiing sight indeed! This near to nature landscape simply is great and your skillfully "constructed" photo shows it in an inviting and beautiful way.
Greetings - this time from austria!
Frank

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2009-07-11 10:50

Hi, Kath-

It is indeed a lovely view - splendid, I should say. :-) Your WS is nice, but I much prefer this one - I think it has more character with the bend in the stream and the touch of light on the trees. A subtly compelling shot.

Best,
Dan

danyy (0) 2009-07-12 22:56

Bonjour Kath,
une magnifique photo, elle figure vraiment dans le style des comositions que j'aime, la nature � 100% avec des ciels pas vraiment gentils.
Contrastes violents et efficaces dans les lumi鑽es.
Best regards.
Daniel.

InasiaJones (31566) 2009-07-14 1:08

Hi Kath,

Here I am to the rescue, making sure that this splendid image pass the three digits... :-P)

I don't know if this really the best possible view of Britain, as there is so many, but your personal version is surely one I would vote for... When I began photography not long time ago, I was ultimately aiming to get some blue sky, but while developing my interest for landscapes and learning a thing or two, all I am wishing for from now on is to get a set of dramatic clouds that offers so much more characters to any given scene... Maybe beaches and tropical islands could be the exception, but then again... I just like those tremendous clouds!

Your point of view is awesome, with the river coming in from a corner and running around the wole frame. The trees in the middle are screaming for attention and offer a great contrast to the clouds with their warm colours.

Great, great shot Kath,

Andr�

Cricri (176) 2009-07-14 5:11

Hi Kath
Une image qui m駻ite amplement tout les sourires, c'est un endroit magnifique avec des couleurs incroyable qui ajoute un plus a la beat� du paysage, bien cadrer avec une belle prise de lumi鑽e malgr� le ciel gris
Have a nice day
cricri

Angshu (56760) 2009-07-15 21:02

I had neither seen the classic view of this not-so-common view from Westwater before...but this is awesome! The gorse in full blomm of course takes the cake with strong contrast with its shade of yellow. Perspective created by the stream meandering into the lake is also beautiful & how dark the waters are reflecting the dark clouds in the sky! And of course the patchy light on the slopes are superb. Excellent!
Best regards
Angshu

Waylim (25436) 2009-07-15 23:58

Hi Kath,
Another beautiful landscape shot. Not the ideal light with heavy cloud make it a challenge to get good photo but sometimes it does give the landscape the mysty and melancholy mood, which you did just that. Yet there is still patches for light here and there to brighten up some spots. Dare I say the yellow is too strong and overly saturated :) Anyway, it work rather well here, since the yellow bush is your primary subject and an anchor point of our vision in this composition. A few other bright spot also kind of complementing the rest of the scenery. Thanks Kath.
Way

[2]

speedymanu (3701) 2009-07-17 5:33

hello Kath,

what a spectacular depth in this composition. This landscape has a very unique touch, somehow reminiscent of Iceland or New Zealand. The subdued colors are delicate and eye catching.

Congratulations

Emmanuel

cobbydale (1958) 2009-07-19 5:55

This is a lovely image Kath. Love the way the chinks of sunlight fall on the hills in contrast to the moody sky.
Leon

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2009-07-24 2:30

Hi Kath, what a shot! The reflection of dark clouds in the stream,the green lands and the yellow colours made the eye catching contrast in this photo.Not an easy condition for light management, and you have done it with perfection. Nice high POV. Great shot. Congratulation.
Regards - Subhendu.

hardyuno (4652) 2009-08-02 7:57

I can understand, why it is so popular. It is a geat view! TFS
Hartmut

Bianconeri78 (701) 2009-08-05 16:30

Hi Kath,
This is seriously beautiful. It looks to be have been an overcast day but you captured a fairly nice light on the mountains.
Thanks for sharing,
Jeremy

sacimar (38173) 2010-01-22 12:41

Hi Kath,

you have a wonderful gallery, full of excellent images like this one, I like this place, light and colors are superb, congratulations,

Best regards

Sergio