Most of my blogs are follow-ups on commercial or editorial commissions that I undertake as part of my job as a photography magazine editor or other freelance endeavors.

However, from time to time, I love to get out with the camera for a much better reason… simply because I love photography. With two kids (and an energetic dog), I don’t take these personal away days very often, but recently I was lucky enough to take in a whirlwind tour of my hometown.

Although I live in Cambridgeshire, I grew up in south Northumberland, an area of the UK that is teaming with photo opportunities. In the space of a few hours, I’d shoot under the imposing Angel Of The North, framed up the North’s newest landmark, Northumberlandia, and ended the photo tour at an old haunt, St Mary’s Lighthouse. The light didn’t let my down and I was blessed with a stunning sunset.

Matty Graham

If you ever get the chance, and have never been to this area, I’d encourage you to give it a try. If you have a whole day to spare, there are loads more locations to visit – all within a 20-minute drive, and if you venture further, there’s even more to line up in front of your lens.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the photos and normal service will be resumed with more editorial follow-ups soon.