Peak District–based photographer Andy Gray shares how a lifelong artistic instinct, shaped by early landscape painting and a later career in manufacturing and engineering, ultimately led him back to creative expression through photography. Beginning his photographic path in 2004, Andy’s practice remained slow and reflective for many years, guided more by observation and study than by constant shooting. A formative trip to Lapland to witness the northern lights reignited his momentum, but it wasn’t until leaving manufacturing after 2018 that photography became a central focus of his life.

During the 2020–21 lockdown period, Andy turned his attention to the woodland surrounding his home, creating an evolving body of work built through repeated visits across changing seasons. This deep familiarity with place led to his breakthrough image Winter Pathway, which won a major prize at the 2021 Landscape Photographer of the Year competition and toured nationally throughout the UK.

Andy speaks about capturing atmosphere over spectacle, the importance of patience, and how working close to home reshaped his creative vision. For him, photography is about transporting viewers into the emotional presence of a place through light, weather, and quiet moments.

I hope you enjoy the show!

You can find Andy's work here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andygrayphotographer

Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast

Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography

Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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