Ruth Grindrod
Name: Ruth Grindrod
Camera: Nikon D850, Nikon Z7II and Fujifilm X-T30
Favourite type of photography: Landscape and urban
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK
Website: www.ruthgrindrodlandscapephotography.co.uk
Instagram: @ruthgrindrodlandscapes_
How did you get into photography?
My first interest in photography was many years ago when I was in my twenties and living in London. I watched people taking photos and thought, ‘I think I might like that’, so I bought a Nikon FE2 and processed black and white film with of the local area in my tiny flat in Greenwich. Work then took over, but I returned to landscape photography about a decade ago.
Do you have any photographic qualifications or accolades?
Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year 2019 - Overall winner and Sea and Coast winner. Landscape Photographer of the Year 2015 winner and 2021 PX3 Bronze winner. I have man more listed on my website.
What's the first photograph you remember seeing or shooting?
It was a sunset on the Heath at Blackheath in London, shot on Kodachrome. Blackheath was very quiet then and quite rural. I still have the slide.
What do you love about photography?
I love being outside in the landscape, often away from others, enjoying the space and appreciating the landscape I am shooting in. Given the times we live in, I think this is more and more important to experience, it’s both inspirational and calming.
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What do you wish you'd learned about photography earlier?
Using flash creatively.
Where is your favourite place for photography?
I think the answer is always the sea and the coast, in particular, the Scottish coast. Despite living in Norfolk and having to travel hundreds of miles to reach many areas of Scotland, I always find I work best there.
Do you have a favourite photographic technique?
Taking a good landscape photo that evokes an emotional response in people and then being able to print it well. That’s my aim, and to be honest, I think it should be the intention of any serious photographer.
Can you briefly outline your approach to image processing?
If you have taken a good negative (or digital negative ie a raw file), which means understanding ISO, aperture and exposure in relation to light, then less is often more when processing. I use Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw to enhance the image and bring tonal balance. I use curves to complete the image, plus sharpening for the screen and then print accordingly.
What's your favourite lens?
Nikon 24-70 - the F-mount (DSLR) and Z (mirrorless) versions.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
It’s always a tripod for me. I have five - yes, a bit of an obsession, I know, but they range in weight and size.
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Have you found the perfect camera bag yet?
I have a MindShift Backlight 26L, it’s not perfect, but it’s very good.
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Which photographers have influenced or inspired you, and how or why?
Paul Wakefield: a brilliant landscape photographer who doesn’t make a big thing of social media. A refreshing change I feel. Don McCullin: the very best in documentary photography, such work is becoming a dying art. Franka M. Gabler: a wonderful fine art landscape photographer from the USA and on social media.
Please recommend 2 or 3 female photographers to follow on Instagram.
Verity Milligan @veritymilligan, charlotte Gibb @charlottegibb and Frank A Gabler @franka_gabler.
Is there a camera, lens or accessory that you don't have yet but you'd like to buy at some point?
Nope, not really, but in my dreams, a Hasselblad X2D
Is there a genre of photography that you love but that you haven't tried yet?
Yes, social documentary photography that tells a story through the photo essay.
What's your proudest photographic moment?
Becoming the overall winner of Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year in 2019. I also enjoy seeing my work in print and holding exhibitions that are curated well.
If you could have one superpower that could help you with photography, what would it be?
For the bags to carry themselves up and down hills etc!
Your favourite baked goods are?
Cheesecake. Sourdough made well and homemade sausage rolls.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm based in Norfolk, East Anglia in the UK and I’m a landscape photographer with a passion for exploring diverse locations, particularly the coast. Coastal photography holds a special place in my heart, inspiring much of my work.
Over the years, I’ve been honoured with recognition for my photography, including being a winner in Landscape Photographer of the Year and the overall winner of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2019. My work has earned numerous other accolades, which you can explore on the Awards page of my website.
As a Sunwayfoto ambassador, I share my knowledge through regular teaching, both online and in person and I frequently present to camera clubs.
For me, photography is about exploration and connecting deeply with the landscape. It’s a way to capture images that reflect the ever-changing beauty of our surroundings. I find immense peace and inspiration in remote and solitary locations. While millions of images are captured daily, especially on mobile phones, I believe photography remains an art that requires engagement with the environment, a sense of place and a personal connection.
My style is intentionally diverse; no two galleries on my site are the same. For me, producing a high-quality print is the ultimate goal of any photograph. My prints are available for purchase and I’m happy to discuss any enquiries, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
