Wet Wet Wet - February 2026

Henley Brewery in Henley-on-Thames

"I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes"; no it's not 'love' that's been all around me this February - it's water. According to the Royal Meteorological Society; winter rainfall up to 26th February 2026 has been 9% above the long-term average across the UK! It's no wonder that this month has been a tricky one for photography - I've hardly been out with the camera at all, not wanting to risk damage to the lens or the body. Fortunately, a walk in the Chilterns near Henley-on-Thames last weekend saved the day and has given me some great content for this month's blog.

The best camera?

It's true that the best camera is the one you have with you, and with the heavy rain fall at the start of this month - that was my iPhone, not wanting to risk aforementioned damage to my equipment. I had planned for my early February photography outing to be in Watership Down, near Newbury. The week leading up to the walk was wet and then on the day itself; more rain! So the trusty iPhone was used to capture what was a very misty and wet landscape!

Reflections

One of the 'up sides' of rain is rivers, streams and lakes are full - making for some opportunities to capture reflections and get a different perspective on the landscape. When the sun does peak out between the clouds and give us a hopeful sign of the spring to come; it adds some light and colour that makes everything feel a little bit better! A break in the weather for Valentine's day allowed an opportunity to get a short trip to Snelsmore Common, again near Newbury as well as some local village wandering at home.

Henley-on-Thames

As I mentioned, the month was saved (from a photography perspective) last weekend with a walk in the Chilterns near Henley-on-Thames. The walk started near Hambleden Weir which provided a dramatic scene for photography with all the rushing water; as well as some calmer experimentation with wildlife photography with all the nesting birds. A lovely circular walk along the River Thames Path and into Henley itself, before looping up into the hills and woodlands on the Chilterns Way; provided what was finally an opportunity to get the camera out and make up for an otherwise 'damp squib' of a month!

Planning and Pondering

So what does a landscape photographer do when it's too wet to get out with the camera? Well, for me it's the ideal opportunity to plan for future trips and outings. This month I've spent most of my evenings planning and researching. Much of my this planning and research has been focussed on my month-long vacation in Scotland later in May with Mrs B and our dog. I'm really looking forward to returning to one of my favourite parts of the UK with landscape photography specifically on my radar! I've pinned over 200 locations so far; although I know I won't get to visit and photograph them all - so a future trip will most certainly be needed!

A screen shot of my very busy Google Maps list for Scotland!

Alongside this, I've also started to work on researching for my Coastline Photography Project; this is a 10-year project that I am exciting to be starting as I hit my 40th Birthday in March. So far, my research has focussed on understanding the geographic structure of the UK's coast. I'll write a bit more about this project in future blogs.

For now, I hope you've enjoyed reading this month's blog!

Kenny