Richard Murgatroyd Photography
As photographer’s subjects go, the Isle of Purbeck and its immediate surroundings are blessed with some absolute beauties – Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle, Swanage Railway, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, all of them internationally recognised visual shorthand for the splendour of the English countryside.
Why do I choose to specialise in photographing Purbeck’s landscape? Well just look at it, we’re so lucky to live in a truly beautiful part of the world. To have so many wonderful sites right on our doorstep is amazing.
I suppose photography found me to some extent. I enjoyed taking pictures and being outdoors so I purchased a decent camera and set about teaching myself how to use it properly; I’m entirely self-taught.
One of the things about taking so many photographs of so many beautiful places is that I have become, let’s say dedicated, to capturing the perfect frame. I’d love to photograph Agglestone Rock in a sea of purple heather blossoms and I have agonised long and hard over getting the sunrise to appear through the arch of Durdle Door at just the right angle.
If there’s a hint of fog or mist in the weather forecast then I know where I’m heading in the morning – Corfe Castle, every time.
I don’t do a lot of post-production work on the computer either, that feels like cheating to me. I like to get my photographs in the camera.
I usually have a pretty good idea of what photos I’m going to take before I go out, but as much as the photo is about knowing how the achieve the effect, it’s also about having the eye for what will make a great shot.
Several of my photos have been featured on BBC and ITV television, and they have also been featured in local magazines and newspapers.