Kathy Easter explains why having a motorhome gives her more opportunities to get the most from her photography:
"Somewhere during the transition from ‘Happy Snapper’ to photographer comes the realisation that no matter how stunning a landscape, architectural feature, or model is: If the light is not right, the subject matter becomes almost immaterial. The colour, direction, quality and quantity of light determine how successful the image will be.
The second reality is that really interesting light is an elusive commodity, often occurring at inconvenient moments and staying for only a few fleeting moments. The hotspots tend to be between 4am and 8am and from late afternoon until dusk and beyond. The light that occurs during the middle of the day when the photographer has showered and breakfasted and is generally fully awake tends to be harsh, contrasty, blue and cold. In the past, photographers did not have to guard this secret too closely, as we mere mortals were never really in the right place at the right time, to capture the most stunning images. Enter the motorhome. Along with posh lenses, tripods and filters, it is most certainly a very useful photographic tool.
It enables me to travel to a huge variety of photographic opportunities and allows me the comfort, space and time to get the best from any location. I have a photographer friend who roughs it in a one-man tent when he visits the Isle of Skye. Sadly, he returns home exhausted and smelling like the cattle he has been sharing the field with! I will stick to the motorhome. The pleasure of being able to collapse into a comfy bed at any time, and snuggle down amidst lovely home washed linen is immeasurable. As is the flexibility of knowing that there will be no raised eyebrows if I get up at 4am to catch the sunrise. And the ability to return when all the photographic opportunities have exhausted themselves and rustle up a full English breakfast. Mmmmm…
Early starts call for midday naps which do not sit well with B&B accommodation. Forty winks in a motorhome are no problem. The fact that my fridge will be packed with hand picked goodies for a well-earned lunch break is even more appealing. I never have to suffer dreadful, dodgy cups of tea and my carpet slippers are always ready and waiting.
The huge array of cupboards provide ample storage for all my equipment. (Photographers invariably carry too much) Lining the cupboards with cheaply purchased foam can make them extremely equipment friendly. I opted for a good alarm system to deter burglars and take the precaution of insuring my equipment well.
After a gruelling shoot I can stagger back to my motorhome which provides a calm oasis in which to download and play with the spoils of the day. I find the blinds extremely useful for controlling light levels when reviewing images either on the camera or on computer screen; I can convert my dining table from stylish place settings to a digital darkroom in minutes.
When the weather is unkind, I can dry any damp clothes in the lovely warm cupboard above the gas boiler. I make use of the motorhome electrical system for charging camera batteries.
Landscape photographers tend to be solitary individuals. At this time of my life, my family is still of great importance to me and the motorhome enables me to enjoy both my hobby and my family. It is a good place to leave a snoring partner, whilst getting up at a very silly hour, to photograph the sunrise. My daughter now brings along her boyfriend and my son, a keen musician even travels with his beloved electric guitar. My computer doubles up as a sound recording system when James is writing new material.
Travelling in the motorhome is a relaxed and comfortable affair. The high vantage point is great for a nosey photographer. I can usually see over the hedges and feel very bored when I am forced to travel in the car.
As the light fades at the end of the day you can be sure that I will be out somewhere trying to capture that special light, whilst others less fortunate are having to flog home on a busy motorway. I might be tucked up and cosy, sipping hot chocolate and reviewing the day’s catch in my digital darkroom.
A little bird tells me that the great photographers, such as Joe Cornish, make use of a motorhome to ensure that they are in the right place at the right time.
All I can say is - if it is good enough for Joe Cornish, it’s certainly good enough for me! "
With thanks to Kathy Easter for her contribution and photos.
Kathy Easter is a Guest Photographer on Mike McFarlane's Landscape Photography website.
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