A special weekend in the Lake District.

This past weekend, my wife and I spent my first wedding photography / editing free weekend of the year up in the Lake District for what was a truly special reason for our family.

Back on new years eve last year, I got a surprise email from my Uncle telling me that he was going to receive an MBE in the new years honours list! Now, my Uncle is a remarkably talented craftsman.. he makes some of the most beautiful acoustic musical instruments in the world (when artists such as Ritchie Blackmore, Mick Jagger and Pete Townsend play them, you know they are good) and to hear that his work was to be recognised in such a manner was amazing and so well deserved.

Anyway, he has now received his MBE but we (his family and friends) had not had a chance to celebrate with him. So, this weekend we travelled up to the lakes for a surprise party in celebration of his award. Loads of people were present, including many of the artists that use Fylde Guitars. To say my Uncle was surprised and overwhelmed would be an understatement. It was a lovely evening... not only for my Uncle and his family, but also because we were able to see so many of the unbelievable artists that play his guitars get up and play in such a special atmosphere. Artists such as Gordon Giltrap, Eric Bibb, Peter Howarth (The Hollies) played, as did many up an coming musicians such as John Smith (who was insanely good) and Megan Henwood. In a world full of X Factor nonsense, it was wonderful to see true talent perform in such a special setting. To learn a little more about Fylde and my Uncle, check out this link.

After what was a late, alcohol fueled evening, my wife and I spent the following day in and around Keswick. We did a little Christmas shopping before going for a walk around Derwentwater. I LOVE the Lake District... every time we visit I am blown away by how much the landscape changes so quickly north of Lancaster. It really is like stepping foot into another world. I am by no means a landscape photographer, and could never do the beauty of the Lakes justice, but just to have the chance to take a few shots in such majestic surroundings makes me happy. Here are a few images from our stroll around Derwentwater. We were treated to some fairly intense light so I decided to use it to my advantage and try and capture some of that drama in my images. I'm really happy with these shots.. hope you like em to!

Dramatic light at Derwentwater.

This lovely fellow was very friendly indeed!

The Lake District. Truly one of the most magical places on earth.