‘I want to create the pictures that my eyes see, not what the camera sees’

Shropshire is a beautiful county.

So you might think a job taking photographs of it would be a breeze. But early starts, arduous walks, long editing sessions and hours of waiting are all part of the gig … along with the occasional inexplicable experience.

John Hayward is the creator of those wonderful images you see on social media (Instagram and Facebook) under the banner Shropshire and Beyond.

‘When you’re just sitting looking at the landscape, the time flies by’

John and I met up for a chat about his work on Lyth Hill, one drizzly breakfast-time. We talked about John’s favourite places to shoot, his photographic techniques, the lengths he goes to for the perfect image … and an inexplicable sighting at a nature reserve!

Along with some of my observations on recent events, it’s all in this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast.

Cryptozoology klaxon!

Have you ever seen something unusual in the area of the Hollies nature reserve near Snailbeach? A huge black cow? Or … a bear?!

What do you make of the experience recounted by John Hayward? Let me know in the comments!

Pig Trough?

It’s a footpath in Shrewsbury, but can you answer John’s question about the origin of its name?

‘They’re noisy … but so are toddlers’

There’s a lot that I’m not feeling at all good about today. You may be in a similar frame of mind. Just remember: Most people are mostly good, most of the time. Those of us who are not motivated by hatred and prejudice outnumber those who are.

Now it’s time for us to step up. Things are close to getting out of hand. But what can we do?

What can we do? Something

In this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast, I refer to this article by John Pavlovitz, written in response to people who tell him they’re frustrated, overwhelmed and don’t know what to do.

Does that sound familiar to you?

John says the one thing you can do right now to oppose fascism is: Something.

What’s your something going to be? Maybe Hello You is my something. I think it could be. What will yours be?

I hope you enjoy this episode of Hello You

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How are you feeling?

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Thank you for being there

Please, take care of yourself.

Take care of the people around you, especially if they’re unsettled by what’s happened over the last few weeks and particularly this weekend.

And I hope they’re taking care of you, too.

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