10 perfect moments

Outstanding walks live long in your memory. Great photos of them can magnify their power to move far beyond. We asked CW’s photographer of 20 years for his pick of his pics – and how we can capture such radiant moments.

One theme of lockdown has been remembering great walks – dusting off memories; looking at photos we don’t normally have time to think about in the onward rush; savouring those moments afresh. Country Walking photographer Tom Bailey has been capturing incredible images for the magazine for over 20 years and from thousands of photos he’s picked his favourite ten, shown here in no particular order: “It’s a great life being a photographer for CW. It’s not all about waiting hours in the right spot to capture a fleeting bit of sunlight though. I actually have to do a walk, at the planned time, just like every walker, which means it’s a rare prize when great light and scenery coincide perfectly. Add to that my own, sometimes offbeat tastes, and you might start to understand my selection of favourite photos. They each bring back a great moment. Here’s to the next 20 years for all of us, and the memories those walks will bring.”

Beach sunrise 1

It’s as if nature is blowing up. The figure (who happens to be me) stands firm while air, water and light rage about him. This image represents what it feels like to be alive, and more importantly to be alive to the world. Give me a sunrise over the comparative emptiness of a sunset any day. You can’t find a better place to feel like this than the Outer Hebrides, here on the Isle of Berneray.

TOP TIP Own, carry and use a tripod, particularly when shooting in low light conditions. It allows you to shoot with a longer shutter speed.