Why does Kinder Scout appeal to Matt Oliver when his usual subject of photography is woodlands? He says that although they are very different environments, they carry a similar sensation. Find out more by tuning in.

In this interview Matt tells us about how he got into photography, the challenges of capturing the Kinder Scout landscape, the companionship his dog Ralph brings to his life, and why he revisits the Kinder plateau. I asked him for a few tips on how to take good landscape photos too. Find out why Matt thinks you can show more by capturing less. 

We recorded this interview below the rocky outcrop of Ringing Roger, sheltered as much as possible from the wind. Listen out for the curlew and grouse in the background.

Matt lives in Sheffield which gives him good access to the Peak District and combines his enjoyment for walking with his love of photography. He’s been a commercial photographer for over 28 years and whenever he can he visits the Derbyshire countryside to experience its beauty and finds it a great balance to his day to day work.

Matt has been runner up in the Professional Photographer magazine Portrait of the year awards, and received highly commended images in both the Pink Lady food photographer of the year and The Best Shots photographic awards. He has also had images commended and printed in the Landscape photographer of the Year awards books and shortlisted for Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2018 & 2019.

Links

Matt’s website: Derbyshire and Peak District landscape and woodland photography

‘Forgotten Souls’ book by Matt Oliver

Matt’s substack: Among Trees

Follow Matt on Instagram

Follow Matt on Bluesky

Matt’s commercial work: website

References

After the rains - Matt’s post about Kinder Scout

‘Forgotten Souls’ book by Matt Oliver

Recording date

This interview was recorded on Kinder Scout, 3rd May 2025.

Host & Production

By Sarah Lister, About The Adventure

Contact the host

You can email [email protected] to send in your comments and suggestions.

Get involved with the conversation

Send in your own Kinder Scout stories on the Wild About Kinder website and contact the show host to send in your comments, questions and suggestions.

Subscribe to the Wild About Kinder newsletter and send in your contributions.

Share your favourite episodes by tagging @about.the.adventure on Instagram and abouttheadventure.com on Bluesky, and use the hashtag #WildAboutKinder. Thank you!