Discover our Area Through The Local Lens: Tim Scanlan

Through the Local Lens' is a series celebrating the stunning Forest of Dean and Wye Valley through the eyes of passionate photographers who know this landscape intimately.

Each feature reveals what captures their imagination and draws them back time and again to this remarkable corner of Britain. From hidden gems that locals treasure to the seasonal transformations that make every visit unique, we explore how these artists see and experience the region's beauty.

Through their lenses and stories, discover what makes the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley so special, and perhaps find inspiration for your own photographic journey.

This one focuses on the talented Tim Scanlan and his experience of the area.

What draws you to photography in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley?

There’s a diversity of landscapes that draw a photographer in at all times of year. Extensive woodland, river valleys, industrial heritage, and stunning churches all add up to a fabulous location for a landscape photographer.

Can you share a location that locals might overlook but visitors would love to discover?

Mallards Pike is fantastic place to visit, with plenty of parking and refreshments from the cafe. I prefer to park near Speech House Hotel and walk there through the forest via the Spruce Ride trail.

What's your favourite season or time of day to capture this region, and why?

This is a tough choice! I love Spring in the Forest of Dean especially at bluebell time. My favourite season though is Autumn when the forest colours are simply breathtaking, especially in the golden hour shortly after sunrise. We really are spoilt for choice with the range of tree species, with the oaks and birches displaying first, followed by the beech trees as we approach Winter.

Tell us about one of your photos from this collection - what's the story behind it?

River Wye at Tintern. I’d been out all night photographing a number of locations in the Wye Valley and finished the night off at Tintern Abbey. It had been a freezing cold Winter night, but I’d been rewarded by mist forming in the valley behind the abbey as dawn approached. 

I knew conditions would be perfect for some images after sunrise so I made my way to the old wireworks tramway bridge in Tintern village. After photographing the abbey I turned round to face north and captured the image shown in the collection. A perfect to end to a long night.

What would you want visitors to feel when they see our area through your lens?

I hope that through my images visitors are able appreciate what a special place we live and work in. Unspoilt areas such the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are becoming a scarce resource in the UK, so they must be cherished and protected. I hope to show the beauty of the region and how it changes with the seasons so that people learn to love and value the area.

What's changed in the region since you started photographing here?

I first started visiting the area over 10 years ago so I’ve seen a few changes in that time. There are more visitor-based activities nowadays than when I first came here. Now there are opportunities to go on river trips, hire bikes, glamping etc. One of the biggest changes I’ve seen though is the number and diversity of high quality places to eat and drink. Virtually every taste is catered for and definitely deserve a visit.

There’s also been an increase in the forest’s wildlife, particularly the deer and wild boar. It’s always a special moment when you encounter them and I still haven’t decided who looks most surprised!

Finally, the other change I’ve seen is that the area is much busier post-Covid. In common with many areas in the UK people value being outdoors more nowadays and they can certainly get there fix here! It’s great to see families spending time in the forest.

Any photography tips for visitors wanting to capture their own memories here?

Everyone can be a photographer these days with the advancement of smart phones and the quality they are able to deliver is astounding. The one tip I would give to improve visitors’ images is to photograph at beginning and end of day when the light is softer and more golden. You’re also more likely to have a location to yourself as well!

What local business, attraction, or community spot deserves more attention?

The Wye Valley Walk. It’s 136 miles in total but can be broken down into very manageable chunks. I highly recommend The Wye Valley National Landscape sections between Symonds Yat and Chepstow. You’ll walk though gorges, stunning woodland, visit ancient religious sites and experience some fabulous viewpoints.  Not to be missed in my opinion.

After a long career in telecommunications I was offered a very inviting severance package in 2016 and took early retirement. My major aim was to begin spending more time photographing the hills and coast as by this time I had re-located to South Wales and had the fabulous Brecon Beacons and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast on my doorstep. My favourite photography genre is woodland and I spend a lot of time in the fabulous Forest of Dean just across the border from me. 

I turned professional shortly after retiring, following a nudge from a potential client who had seen my work on social media. I created my website during Covid lockdown and have spent the last few years building a client base in America, Australia and Europe. I’m lucky to have many returning clients who purchase my prints and am so grateful for their support.  You can view my work at:

https://www.timscanlanphotography.com/

and on Instagram here:

https://www.instagram.com/tim.scanlan.photography/

I hope you enjoy viewing my work as much as I enjoy creating it.