Discover our Area Through The Local Lens: Tom Keddie

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 episode focuses on the talented Tom Keddie and his experience of the area.

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

What draws me is the rugged, unspoilt landscape and the sheer diversity of it. Working here day to day, it’s easy to take it for granted, but when you step back you realise just how beautiful it is. Ancient woodland, rolling countryside and the river all sit together naturally. It’s honest, unchanged, and that makes it endlessly rewarding to photograph.

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

For me, it would be Bigsweir Bridge. It’s one of those places people pass over on the way to Tintern without stopping, but it’s a fantastic spot along the River Wye. It’s also within easy reach of Cadora Woods, which is one of the best places for bluebells in spring and also has an incredible display of wild garlic.

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

Early spring and autumn are hard to beat. In spring, the beech trees come into leaf with that electric green, mixed with bluebells beneath ancient oaks. Then into autumn, the colours are just out of this world when leaf peeping really comes into its own. Early morning at sunrise is my favourite time, with naturally diffused light and the chance to have viewpoints and woodland to yourself, just you and nature.

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

This shot was taken down at Bigsweir Bridge early in the morning. Most shots in the valley come down to timing and the right weather conditions, and sometimes it takes several attempts to get what you’re after. Either way, it’s always a joy being out in the peace of the early morning, listening to the dawn chorus and gathering your thoughts to start the day.

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

I’d want visitors to feel the heritage and history of the area first and foremost. The Wye Valley was the gateway to tourism for a reason, as William Gilpin once recognised. Through my lens, I hope people feel a connection to the landscape, its past, and its sense of continuity. It’s not staged, it’s genuine, and that’s what makes it special.

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

Not a great deal has changed, and that’s exactly what makes the area great. It’s honest and true to itself. I’ve lived and breathed this area for 40 years now, and the landscape is still very much what it’s always been. Post Covid tourism is a fantastic opportunity for the Wye Valley, as more people are looking for places with depth, space and history.

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

Slow down and don’t rush it. Early mornings and quieter times of day make a huge difference, and softer light often works far better than clear blue skies. Pay attention to the weather, explore beyond the obvious viewpoints, and most importantly respect the area. It’s a living landscape, not a backdrop.

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

My answer is simply to support local and be adventurous. We’re very lucky in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley that we’re not saturated by massive franchises. One spot in particular is The Pig and Apple, but I will warn you, book well in advance.