Battling the Wind and Experimenting with Long Exposure

Today was all about adapting to the conditions. With high winds making normal drone flights difficult, I had to adjust my approach, keeping the drone low and close to the ground while also experimenting with long exposure photography to capture the movement of water in new ways. It turned out to be a great opportunity to try new techniques, using both the drone and my phone to work with the elements rather than against them.

River Wear at Witton Park Viaduct

The River Wear at Witton Park Viaduct flows through a landscape rich in railway and industrial history. The viaduct itself, often referred to as Etherley Viaduct, was built in the early 19th century as part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Designed to carry trains across the Wear Valley, it played a crucial role in transporting coal and goods during the early days of the railway revolution. The viaduct is a reminder of a time when this region was at the heart of Britain’s industrial growth, and although the railway is long gone, the structure remains a striking part of the landscape.

Given the strong winds, I kept the drone low and close to the riverbank, using long exposure photography to capture the movement of the rushing waters. The viaduct in the background added a sense of scale and history to the shots, while the blurred water created a more dynamic effect. The conditions were far from ideal, but it was a great chance to experiment with different settings and techniques.

River Wear at Clemmy Bank Bridge

Clemmy Bank Bridge crosses the River Wear near Witton-le-Wear, offering another picturesque location where water and history come together. The bridge itself is a sturdy stone structure that has stood for many years, providing an important crossing over the river. The surrounding landscape is peaceful, with rolling countryside and tree-lined banks framing the scene.

As with Witton Park Viaduct, the wind made flying a challenge, so I kept the drone low to the water. Using long exposure techniques, I focused on capturing the motion of the flowing river beneath the bridge. The combination of moving water and the stillness of the bridge created an interesting contrast, making for some dramatic images despite the difficult conditions.

Bedburn Beck

Bedburn Beck is a small but scenic watercourse in County Durham, flowing through the wooded landscape of Hamsterley Forest. The beck winds its way through rocky terrain, creating small rapids and waterfalls that make it an excellent location for experimenting with long exposure photography. The area is popular with walkers, and the sound of rushing water adds to the tranquillity of the setting.

Since the wind made drone use impossible here, I relied on my phone to capture long exposure shots of the water. The slow shutter effect created a smooth, flowing appearance, giving the scene a more dramatic and artistic feel. The combination of light, water, and the forest surroundings made for some great images, proving that even a phone camera can produce impressive results when used creatively.

Waskerley Beck Waterfall near Wolsingham

Waskerley Beck is a tributary of the River Wear, flowing through the North Pennines. Near Wolsingham, the beck forms a small but striking waterfall, hidden away from the main paths. The area is rich in natural beauty, with rugged moorland and woodland creating a stunning backdrop for photography.

With the drone grounded due to the wind, I once again used my phone to try long exposure shots of the waterfall. The effect transformed the cascading water into a silky blur, capturing the movement in a way that the human eye doesn’t normally see. The surrounding rocks and vegetation provided strong contrast, making the waterfall stand out even more in the final images.

Wharnley Burn Waterfall

Wharnley Burn Waterfall is another hidden gem in the Weardale area, tucked away in a quiet and less-explored part of the landscape. The waterfall is not as well-known as others in the region, but its secluded location and natural charm make it a fantastic subject for photography. The sound of the water echoing through the valley adds to the sense of being in a remote and untouched place.

Again, using my phone, I experimented with long exposure settings to create a smooth, flowing effect in the water. The surrounding rocks and moss-covered banks helped frame the scene beautifully. Despite the wind making aerial shots impossible, this location proved to be a great place to practise handheld long exposure photography.

Springwell House Near Salters Gate

Springwell House is an abandoned farmhouse near Salters Gate, standing as a reminder of a way of life that has faded from the landscape. Once a working farm, it is now a derelict shell, slowly being reclaimed by nature. The stone walls remain largely intact, but the roof is long gone, leaving the structure open to the elements. Like many abandoned farmhouses in the North Pennines, it tells a story of hardship, change, and eventual abandonment.

Keeping the drone low and close to the building, I captured the farmhouse from different angles, highlighting the contrast between the man-made structure and the natural surroundings. The fading light added an extra sense of atmosphere, making for some compelling images despite the strong winds.

Woodburn Quarry

Woodburn Quarry is a small disused quarry located in a quiet part of the Durham countryside. Quarries like this were once common across the region, providing stone for buildings, roads, and industrial projects. Over time, as demand shifted and larger quarries took over, places like Woodburn were abandoned, leaving behind remnants of their former purpose.

With the wind still an issue, I kept the drone low and close to capture the quarry from a different perspective. The textures of the exposed rock and the scattered remains of past activity added an interesting element to the shots. The muted light helped bring out the details, making this small quarry feel like a much bigger and more dramatic location.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was all about working with the conditions rather than against them. While high winds limited what I could do with the drone, it gave me the chance to experiment with long exposure photography and try out new techniques. Whether capturing the movement of water at Witton Park Viaduct and Clemmy Bank Bridge or finding new perspectives on abandoned sites like Springwell House, every location offered something different.

Sometimes, the best photography comes from adapting to what’s in front of you. Which of today’s shots do you like best—long exposure water captures or the abandoned landscapes? Let me know in the comments.

Credit: DJ Aerial Photography

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