A December morning photograph in Horwich

Friends asked me to photograph the lane and houses from which they had recently moved.

Following a long period of persistent rain, the morning looked promising or at the very least dry. Armed with my camera I set about the task. Initially I was looking to create a comforting image that reminded them of the fun they had enjoyed for almost 10-years living at No.7. This I did but the most arresting aspect for me was the darkness of the lane leading to and contrasting, with the row of cottages lit by the weak early morning sun – almost the light at the end of the tunnel.

Black and white seemed the only choice. Taking my inspiration from landscape photographer and former colleague Mike Prince (yeah, way-back) I wanted to create an image that was deeply atmospheric and that left an impression….some way to go but I am pleased with the starting point.

As I live in Horwich the image, as do the friends, has special significance.