Assignment one is based around a Welsh concept ‘Y Filltir Sgwar’ meaning ‘The Square Mile’. The idea is that we explore our surroundings, we can either go back to somewhere we know or explore somewhere new, for this assignment we need to submit six – twelve photos. As this is the first assignment it is used as a base to allow my tutor to get to know me and to see what level my photography is at.
As soon as I read the assignment brief I knew where I would like to go and take my photos. I have lived in Cornwall since I was two, I moved away to travel with my husband in the British Army for seven years but last year we decided to move back home to settle down. When I think about my childhood there are two places that spring to mind and that is Luxulyan Valley & Prideaux.
Luxulyan Valley is a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place where you can go for lovely long relaxing walks however, it has become apparent that Luxulyan Valley is becoming more known in Cornwall and therefore, is attracting a lot of tourists. Thus, resulting in the breakdown of paths, rubbish being left behind and man made features being put in place to keep visitors happy! I want to try and capture a series of photos that show you why Luxulyan Valley means so much to me and the history that lies within it.
Prideaux is where my father worked for over 40 years training national hunt racehorses for the late Mr. C.G. Roach, here there is a half a mile long all weather gallop track, an indoor barn with stables, a magnificent grand house and spectacular gardens – not forgetting the massive pond that homes some rather large koi! I spent a lot of time at Prideaux as a child, my school holidays especially as my parents both had to continue to work. I also got to go away to the races at the weekends, that was always great fun! Sadly, since the passing of Mr. Roach the horses have been sold and these facilities are no longer used. I knew for this assignment I would need to revisit Prideaux – something I have been putting off. I am yet to see it empty, I last visited in 2016 when the horses were still there so I know this is going to be an emotional visit.
I am excited to get going with this assignment. My next step Is to explore and delve into some research to give me some more thought towards my photographs.
Heather Wade OCA Blog 