RF: My work is leaning much more
towards the abstract – if you see any
of my more representational work that
will be much older. Of course, I still take
reference shots, but I really don’t like
them. I fi nd them quite boring and they
don’t satisfy or fulfi l me in any way.NS: What is it that attracts you
to abstract photography?
RF: For me it is very unplanned.
I never really know where I’m going,
other than the fact that it will either
be quite local in Yorkshire, or maybe
the Hebrides or somewhere like that.
I don’t really worry about the light and
prefer to just go and respond to what’s
there. I’m very in tune with the natural
world, which stems from the way
I was brought up and being a vet by
academic training. I’m linked with the
seasons and can connect quickly with
where I am. I just like experimenting,
mixing up colours and textures. It’s
very spontaneous.NS: You have a quite small
geographical working radius...
RF: I need to connect with somewhere,
and I think that your photography
will improve if you keep going back
to explore the same place. I’m right
on the coast and I have woodlands
nearby, so I rarely need to go anywhere
else. My photography isn’t about
grabbing recognisable iconic views.
It’s more intimate than that – it’s about
capturing the spirit of a place.NS: Do abstracts contain
extra narrative?
RF: I’m trying to convey more than
just a record of what’s in front of me.
I can get quite frustrated by the fact
that photography is just visual.
I suppose I’m also trying to include
the sounds and the fragrances through
the techniques I’m using. I’m trying to
add some extra depth, so I’m not really
interested in front-to-back pin-sharp
imagery. For me, if there is movement
and there’s something that’s soft or out
of focus in the frame, then it’s easier to
imagine or dream about the subject or
the location.February 2018 Outdoor Photography 41Ruth’s critical moments To see more of Ruth’s work visit ruthfairbrotherphotography.co.uk
2007 Started
digital photography
journey with a simple
compact camera.2010 Began a fi ve-
year collaboration with
landscape photographer
Peter Leeming.2012 Co-host ed
‘Hebridean’, a joint
photography exhibition
in North Yorkshire.2013 Joined Landscapes by
Women, a group set up to
promote the work of female
landscape photographers.2017 Continued to explore
personal creative project s,
including handmade
books of prints.To p
Birch Screen. Danby Park, Danby,
North Yorkshire.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 40-150mm
lens at 40mm, ISO 200, 1/640sec at f/5
Above
As Grasses Gently Sway. RHS Garden
Harlow Carr, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 12-50mm lens
at 44mm, ISO 200, 1/2500sec at f/62008 Att ended
fi rst of several
workshops with
Steve Gosling.Ruth’s top tips
One thing I never go on a shoot without is... an open
mind. I don’t need lots of gear or a plan. I just need to
be unclutt ered.
My one piece of advice would be to... remember to
engage all of your senses, and not just the visual. This
will deepen the experience and enhance your creativity.
Something I try to avoid is... people.40-41 In the spotlight_227_SW.indd 41 18/12/2017 15:13