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Brandon Robson
@brandonrobson
Outdoor photographer based in the UK
My passion for photography is somewhat newly founded, it started after picking up a Sony A7 for the first time in 2019 as a way to escape from the stress of the impending final exam season as well as an excuse to spend more time in nature/outdoors, something I often did as a child. I quickly found myself becoming more and more fascinated with photography with an emphasis on outdoor/adventure. Fast forward from then to now, there’s been a lot of trial and error and learning along the way, many successful trips and a few not so successful but all worthwhile.
"Sometimes the experience is more fulfilling than capturing a shot you had in mind."
What drives my passion now is the thrill of development, I am obsessed with the learning process, constantly striving to hit that next level, I wake up every day excited for what the next adventure holds, and what stories I can tell through the lens. Even though I am only at the beginning of my photography journey it has made such a dramatic impact on my life, it’s helped me find a healthy work-life balance; prior to picking up a camera my weekends were often spent with my head buried in books, studying for countless hours, barely making the most of those precious two days of “freedom”. Now, it’s rare to find me at home on a weekend, more often than not I’ll have something planned, whether that be a trip to the coast or to one of the many National Parks we have here in the UK, I always try to get out and make the most of it. Sometimes with shots in mind, other times just to be out in nature.
These trips are usually quite spontaneous. Although we sometimes plan things in advance, especially when travelling further afield but most of the time it’s very last minute… and by last minute I mean a text message into a whatsapp group the night before. Usually it pays off. Shoutout to @map_my_hike, the king of spontaneity! It often happens as well though that I head out by myself and enjoy the solitude of nature; I would describe myself as “happy in my own company.” However, on the flip side I quite enjoy heading out with other creatives, which is where Instagram comes in.
"From the app I have met some amazing people who I consider to be very close friends now."
I haven’t actually been using Instagram for photography for that long, however, in the short time I have, it has been invaluable. I have found not only inspiration but more importantly like-minded individuals and new friendships which have led to numerous trips to places like the Lake District, Peak District and the wilder parts of Scotland such as the Highlands and most recently the Isle of Skye. When I’m out with others I love capturing shots of them, simply enjoying the outdoors.
Instagram definitely is an amazing tool, if you have the right mindset. Not only does it push you to improve and hone your craft to stand out as an individual but it also opens up opportunities. Some of my favourite memories are directly related to the connections I have made via Instagram. It is also a great source of inspiration both in terms of photography locations as in creativity. Although it’s easy to lose yourself on the discover page of Instagram, scrolling through countless breathtaking places that the world has to offer, it’s the surroundings that inspire me most.
"The UK has some fascinating landscapes if you know where to look."
My favourite places are Northumberland and its coastline, the Lake District and most recently Scotland; somewhere I have only just started to visit and it’s quickly becoming one of my most frequent due to its wild atmosphere. Often I’ll decide on a location without doing too much research into it other than it sounding like an interesting place to explore. I try to go forward with an open mind in the hope of capturing the moment and not something pre-planned. This nicely falls in line with the unpredictable weather we get in the UK, often the best-laid plans fall short and you have to adapt to the circumstances.
"It’s rare you can plan in advance because nature is always one step ahead and in our case, it’s usually rain."
"However, you learn how to deal with it and it teaches you to have a positive attitude."
On a recent trip to the Isle of Skye, me and my friend @annamaxlennan enjoyed the Fairy Pools to ourselves as the river that you have to cross was so swollen no one would attempt the crossing. We did anyway and despite the soggy feet we had the biggest smiles and sense of achievement that we made it to the pools, enjoying the fact that we had them to ourselves… Even when the clouds opened up and the driving rain battered us, we continued to laugh, enjoying the moment in nature. It was a great day and it shows that your mindset is very important in life, especially influencing the way you live your life.
"You can make it yourself much easier and fun when having a more positive outlook."
"I owe a lot to photography, but mainly it’s the drive I’ve developed to get outdoors and explore."
I’ve re-kindled a love of adventure and being outside that I lost somewhere in my teenage years. I think as a child you have a natural curiosity to explore and engage in the natural world around you, but as you grow up perhaps society pushes you down a certain path that limits your connection with the outdoors, and unless you have a drive to be outside you get caught up in school, exams and then work; unfortunately these things overtake the importance of spending time outdoors. Personally, I’d describe myself as a work-o-holic, especially when exams are involved. Which, in retrospect probably wasn’t a healthy obsession to have, although it did pay off. Now, through photography I’ve found a balance between the two. Photography in itself is a doorway to adventure, or at least that’s how I view it. It’s the reason I get out and experience what the world has to offer, whether that be local or further afield, there’s always an adventure waiting for me.
"I had a life before, but now I am living."
"I found a sense of calm through hiking and photographing my trips, it puts things into perspective and makes you take a step back and think, don’t take things too seriously."
I think it’s the small changes that make a big difference, you don’t have to climb the highest peaks or trek the harshest trails. Simply taking that step out your front door is a start to rekindle being outdoors again. Actively decide to venture somewhere, even if its local and just let yourself wander, I bet your mind becomes clear and the daily stress of things like deadlines or work becomes significantly lighter. I love exploring places close to home, its surprising what you can find on your doorstep when you take the time to look. I also enjoy the creative challenge of exploring locally. It’s very easy to look on instagram and see these “inspirational” places and want to go there but searching close by can often be equally rewarding. I think once you find that passion for the outdoors, you do feel like a kid again, worry free and excited to explore and discover. I think that’s the important thing;
"You're never too old to have fun. Embrace your creativity and lose yourself to nature, because you'll find yourself in a better place!"
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