Richard Saker
Richard Saker is a news and portrait photographer who lives in York. His images have appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world, while the National Portrait Gallery in London has also exhibited his photographs.
What’s your first memory of Yorkshire? It was when I met my wife Caroline 21 years ago that I first ventured up to Yorkshire. She was born in York and it seemed that we were constantly heading up there to visit her family and friends and I instantly fell in love with the city, the history there and slower pace of life. It was the buzz of the city and the warmth of the people that initially struck me.
What is your favourite part of the county and why? To be honest, I am still exploring the county, but probably the coastal towns – they never disappoint. The drive across the North York Moors is spectacular in itself and at the end lies in wait the open expanses of beaches at Whitby, Sandsend and Robin Hood’s Bay.
What would be your perfect weekend in Yorkshire? It can often be very simple. An early Saturday morning game of tennis with friends followed by either a walk along the River Ouse or family bike ride on one of the many bike trails near our home. On Sunday afternoons I always cobble together ingredients to whip up a Sunday roast with Yorkshire puddings compulsory.
Do you have a favourite walk or view? I love walking along the city walls of York. It is a very special place to me – you can feel the history of the city literally with every footstep you take. I find walking the walls to be quite a cathartic experience at those times and walking them has always served as a reminder that I am very lucky to be living in such a beautiful city.
Have you got a hidden gem? It is not so hidden, but I recently went to Richmond on a photographic assignment and stumbled across the River Swale waterfalls – an incredible series of dramatic waterfalls. I was totally staggered by the beauty of the place. Before we moved up to Yorkshire, people kept on referring to “God’s Own Country” and it is when you encounter places like this that you realise what they mean.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity? Everywhere
I have travelled to within the county I have noticed a warmth, friendliness and humour which is unrivalled. People are just so kind and it feels like they will do anything to help you. Where we live (around the Bishopthorpe Road area) I feel there is a real community spirit and I think that people have a real pride and love for their city and county.
Has living in Yorkshire influenced your work in any way? Yes, working for newspapers there has been no shortage of news this year. The general election and the floods were swiftly followed by coronavirus which meant having to adapt and direct my lens away from set-up portraits to focusing on real, life-changing, events. Searching for images rather than a more set-up approach has been enlightening and challenging. One thing I have particularly learnt of late is that images can often spring up when you least expect them, so it is always better to have a camera with you and not need it, than not have a camera and need it.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub? Il Paradiso del Cibo, an unassuming Sardinian restaurant in Walmgate, York. Small, welcoming and cosy, it serves most the incredible tomato bread, laced so heavily with garlic to deter any passing vampire. For pubs, it’s a toss up between the Phoenix Inn and the Blue Bell, both of which both lie within York’s city walls. The Blue Bell just shades it as it’s so unique, being the smallest pub in York. To find a spare seat in there is a feat in itself… with great ales on tap and a roaring fire, there’s no better place to be holed up.