Right Time, Right Place

Jason Lee Hudson, originally from Nelson and now living in Burnley, has been passionate about photography for decades. What began as a way to help his children with school projects has since evolved into a love for capturing the unique, nostalgic, and stunning scenes of the North of England.

When did your photography journey begin?

It all started when my kids were younger. My girlfriend worked weekends, so I would take the kids out, often jumping on a bus or train to explore. I’d pick places related to what they were learning in school. If they were studying Ancient Egypt, I’d take them to a museum with Egyptian artefacts and take photos. I started with a simple pocket film camera, and later, someone gave me an SLR, which opened up a whole new world. The ability to change lenses and experiment was a game-changer. My kids are grown up now, so I’ve been doing this for a long time!

What do you enjoy photographing the most?

Lately, I’ve really enjoyed capturing steam trains. I’m lucky to live near places like the East Lancashire Railway, where heritage steam trains often run. There’s something nostalgic about it. As a child, my parents and grandparents used to take me on trips to ride steam trains, and I did the same with my own children.

It wasn’t just luck, but a mix of timing, effort, and knowing where to position myself.

What makes a perfect photograph?

For me, a perfect photograph is one where you’ve put thought into it. Sometimes, I’ll see a picture on Instagram, and it will inspire me to go to the same spot. But I try to make it my own—taking my time and adding my unique perspective. It’s about taking a moment, putting a spin on it, and not just recreating what someone else has done.

What’s your favourite photo you’ve taken?

One that stands out is a steam train photo I took that was selected for the Northern Life 2025 calendar. I was at Appleby train station, waiting for my train after visiting the Horse Fair. A guard mentioned that the LNER Sir Nigel Gresley steam train would be passing through in 45 minutes. My train was about to arrive, so I had a choice: I could leave or stay and wait. I decided to wait. The train wasn’t stopping, but the guard gave me advice on where to stand for the best shot. I had 45 minutes on the platform to figure it out, and it paid off. It wasn’t just luck, but a mix of timing, effort, and knowing where to position myself.

What’s the best place in the North to photograph?

We’re lucky here in the North to have such beautiful countryside. I don’t drive, but everything is still accessible, and sometimes I think we take it for granted. But when you stop and really take it in, there’s so much beauty to appreciate. I like Hebden Bridge in particular. Manchester is also fantastic for street art and architectural photography. People often forget to look up, but if you do, you’ll discover incredible details in the stonework and buildings. Even in Burnley, I think we sometimes overlook what’s right in front of us.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Anyone can take a photo they’ll love. You don’t need an expensive camera—today’s smartphones are excellent for photography. I often use my phone instead of my camera, especially when I’m out and about. One thing I’ve noticed is that people tend to take photos from too far away with their phones. Try taking close-up shots of something that interests you—whether it’s a pet or a flower. Take a few photos from different angles; you’ll be surprised by how changing your perspective can make a huge difference. And, of course, photography should be fun. Share your photos on social media or with friends and family. It’s a great way to start, and you’ll get feedback that can help you improve.

Is there a particular type of photography you’re interested in exploring in the future?

I recently bought a Canon R7, a camera designed for wildlife photography. I’d love to focus more on bird photography, so I’m excited to push myself in that direction.

Growing up, my relatives always had a photo of the Queen in their living rooms, so it felt special to capture that moment.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through your photography journey?

The most important lesson is to persevere. Don’t settle for one photo; take multiple shots. When I was photographing the steam train at Appleby, I didn’t just take one picture—I took about 20. One of them will capture exactly what you’re looking for. And remember, photography should always be fun. It’s about enjoying the process.

Any memorable moments as a photographer?

A memorable moment for me was when the Queen visited Burnley on her Diamond Jubilee Tour in 2012 along with Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh. I managed to get a photo of her. Growing up, my relatives always had a photo of the Queen in their living rooms, so it felt special to capture that moment. It wasn’t the perfect shot, and there were distractions in the background, but for me, it was a meaningful photo.

To see more of Jason Lee Hudson’s photos, follow him on Instagram. And don’t forget to share your own shots with us at northernlifemagazine.co.uk/contribute.

NorthernLife June/July/Aug 25