“Ever since my first visit to England’s Norfolk Broads, I have long had a fondness for reeds. Their delicacy, height and swirling, circular motion in a prevailing wind appeals hugely to me. It seems all too easy just to gaze on them and drift into quiet contemplation. Every canal-side is fringed with these glorious reeds, and in winter, even without sun, their subdued yellow tones seem to glow. I urge any landscape photographer to seek out reeds along canals and river banks.

I have long known that reflections have often been disparaged by some: they are seen as predictable and too literal; but to my mind, they are miraculous and, when in the company of an immaculate reflection, incorporating that into an image can truly stir the emotions. I had been unsure whether this reflection made sense to me and I struggled to produce an interpretation that I felt was anything other than topsy-turvy. I had wanted less reeds obscuring the mill’s sails along with slightly less ruffled water. However, there was one positive in the graduation of the chalky blue sky. The mild blue contrasted well with the yellow of the reeds, and being complementary colours, they were bound to do so. But still the proposed image was somehow lifeless and sterile.

Then, as if on cue, the smallest gesture materialised in a moment with the arrival of the bicyclist. He slowed just sufficiently to allow me to align myself and depress the shutter. I was thankful that he was dressed in black so that he related to the black hood of the windmill. Now things righted themselves and the photograph suddenly made sense.

Often at first encounter a potential photograph may appear to have no merit whatsoever and the photographer may have little confidence as to a successful image being made. Then, seemingly from nowhere, an event takes place that can transform a potentially mediocre image into something vital and rewarding.”  Charlie Waite