Nick Oakley - Surrey Landscapes

NICK OAKLEY

In memory of Geoffrey and the opportunity his unexpected generosity presented, to my Mum and Dad for their lifelong support and commitment, and for Clare, whose spirit and belief has made anything seem possible.

Photography does not separate us from our world but rather draws us more profoundly into the very heart of it

CHARLIE WAITE

To many who know no better, Surrey is perhaps thought of as an over-developed county which, being within the commuter belt and therefore too near the capital, could not be distinctive in any way. However, Nick Oakley, with his skill of observation and devotion to engaging deeply with the landscape through his camera, has ably demonstrated that the county of Surrey offers an extraordinary variety of spectacular landscapes and much, much more. From the intimate and almost secretive setting of Axe Pond at Frensham Common to the deepest landscape from Newlands corner, with seemingly no evidence of human presence, the images in Surrey Landscapes testify to the county being a gem with much to boast.

Nick Oakley has approached his mission to reveal Surreys landscapes of beauty and variety as a detective, uncovering and revealing locations that many would associate with some of the more glamorous counties. Whilst Surrey is denied a coastline, it can justifiably claim to be the most wooded county in the entire United Kingdom and is more than able to offer the visitor much beauty, diversity, fascination and rich historical interest. With his acute attention to unrepeatable magical moments that many would perhaps not notice, Nick has photographically feasted on so much that this remarkable county has to offer. His informative and perfectly composed captions accompanying his images contribute so much to the appreciation of his work.

His photography is a far cry from merely recording an event; it is clearly about communing with the landscape, immersing himself in it and finally delivering his personal human experience to us, the recipient of his craft. Each image brings us to the place where Nick stood, allowing us to drink in all that he did and for that we have to thank him, as this is surely the role of the photographer.

Charlie Waite
Founder of Landscape Photographer of the Year

Surrey is located in the south-east of England and, although it shares its north-eastern boundary with Greater London, much of the county lies within the green belt and almost a quarter is covered by trees. Some of the countys finest and most diverse countryside is found in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the North Downs, with its unmistakable chalk grassland, beech combes and steep escarpment looking south to the Weald; the wooded Greensand Ridge which rises at Leith Hill to southeast Englands highest point; and the sandy open heathland in the west of Surrey.

Part of the joy of being outside in Surrey comes from experiencing the mood of the landscape as it is revealed: every corner not only evolves endlessly, but feels different and tells a new story depending on the time of day, the season, weather, scent, a chance encounter with a passer-by and a myriad other possibilities. Wide vistas provide a sense of space and perspective of your own scale in relation to the land. Farmland offers a more organised view of the world whilst the details, from the tiniest flowers to the movement of livestock and cycle of crops, let you know that time is on the move. The waterways in Surrey are often places of calm, providing separation from everyday life and a haven for reflection. Even trees can convey an impression of time, direction or mood.

I have been guided by these variations to look for compositions that emphasise the character of the location as well as conveying my joy and wonder. I have added the titles and captions to provide a glimpse into my experience whilst making the images or give some other contextual reference that will lead to a greater appreciation of the photographs and the area. Although this book only portrays a fraction of Surreys spirit, it is my hope that Surrey Landscapes will provide inspiration to explore and enjoy this special county.

Nick Oakley, 2021

The two iconic trees set against a wintry green will be instantly recognisable to those who frequent the North Downs at Newlands Corner. With sunrise moments away, the vivid streaks of colour in the sky are echoed in muted tones by the receding wooded hills, bringing subtle harmony to this striking outlook and emphasising the depth of the landscape.

Outlined in colour, the ponds margins curve through the landscape.