Self taught photographer Dave Zdanowicz captures Yorkshire in its best light
by Northern Life
Dave Zdanowicz is making a name for himself in the world of photography, even though he only took it up two years ago. Dave, 30, from Low Moor, Bradford, explains: “A good friend of mine was selling a camera and he was offering it at a good price. It was just too good to turn down, so I bought it and it all started from there.”
Dave is self-taught as a photographer and has just picked up tips and techniques as he went along.
Dave says: “I just went out and practised in different locations. I really only have two rules – shoot an hour before sunrise and an hour before sunset. That’s when the light’s best. You get the most colour in the sky and the most dramatic lighting.”
Redbrook Reservoir (Huddersfield) Another shot using a long exposure. I love the jetty at Redbrook. It’s a location I always think could belong somewhere like Iceland. The sky was amazing this particular morning.
Dave’s dad Paul, who also lives in Bradford, has been a keen photographer for many years, making the change from old-style film cameras to digital, but Dave didn’t share his enthusiasm until he acquired his bargain digital camera. Now the pair go out together on regular photo expeditions.
Dave prefers landscapes, often with dramatic lighting and weird cloud formations, and more often than not he finds all the inspiration he needs around his native Yorkshire, although he has made the odd foray in Lancashire and up to Tyneside.
I really only have two rules – shoot an hour before sunrise and an hour before sunset
He says: “There are the usual places like Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey, but I always look for any landscape that’s interesting.”
He has had just one public exhibition – at a coffee shop in Huddersfield – and his work has gained most exposure on the internet, on television and in magazines.
One of his winter landscapes won him the ‘Reader’s Choice’ title on BBC’s Countryfile magazine. Dave now hopes to branch out into portrait photography and commissioned work.
“Eventually I’d love to turn professional,” he says. Here we publish a selection of Dave’s work, with his own explanations of what appealed to him, and you can see more of his work on Facebook and on flickr.
Read about Dave latest book Yorkshire in Photographs.
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- Family Baboon (Yorkshire Wildlife Park) This is without doubt what I feel is my best photo. I took it at Yorkshire Wildlife Park and for me it just sums up perfectly everything about family.
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- Barden Moor Summer This photo was one of those special summer sunrises. The sky was really colourful and the backdrop of the moors really added to the shot. I got my dad to stand with him arms out. The picture really shows what a special place Yorkshire is to live and visit.
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- The Cloud Eagle (Almscliff Crag) This was taken at the very top of Almscliff Crag. The views up there are absolutely breath taking. It wasn’t until I got home that I realised the clouds had taken the shape of an eagle. Talk about luck!
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- Whitby Sea Walkers I took this looking out to sea and I love the fact the tide is out and people are walking on the shallow water. It really reminds me of my childhood and my visits to the seaside.
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- Bolton Abbey A shot I tried with an ND filter. It was shot over four minutes, which really brought out the colours of the sunrise and turned the water to silk. Bolton Abbey is one of my favourite places to visit and I spot something new every time I go.
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- The Horse of Haworth I was busy snapping the sunset when this big fella popped in front of my lens! I think he was after some grub. Another lucky shot that was just the right place at the right time!
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- seat with a view over looking Haworth
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- Redbrook Reservoir (Huddersfield) Another shot using a long exposure. I love the jetty at Redbrook. It’s a location I always think could belong somewhere like Iceland. The sky was amazing this particular morning.
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- Malham mist
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- Gibson Mill (Hardcastle Crags) Another location I’d urge every photographer to shoot and every person to visit. The reflections on the water always have the wow Factor.
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- Jug Dam, Bradford
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- Harold Park (Bradford) This is my local park in Bradford and I’m lucky enough to live across the road. I love the formation of the trees and how the pond looks like an infinity pool.
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- Barden Moor winter
