Welcome back to the 2026 Photo Challenge! After diving into the tiny details of macro photography at Shipley Park last week, it was time to step back and look at the bigger picture. This week’s intended theme was Rain, but as any photographer in England knows, the weather rarely follows the script.
The Location: Milldale, Peak District
For this week’s session, I headed to one of my favorite spots: Milldale in the Peak District. It’s a stunning area in Derbyshire, known for its steep hills, winding rivers, and (usually) unpredictable weather.
However, I arrived to find a “problem”—the sun was shining! It was a beautiful, clear day, which made shooting for a “Rain” challenge impossible. But in photography, you have to be flexible. So, I pivoted to a fundamental pillar of composition: The Rule of Thirds.
The Challenge: A Beautiful Failure
I’ll admit it—I failed the challenge this week. I was all prepared to get wet and test my gear in the rain, but instead, I found myself hiking under blue skies. Since I couldn’t find a single raindrop, I decided to focus on how we “recipe” our photos using composition rules.
Mastering the Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is often the first “recipe” we learn. By imagining a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines, we try to place our subjects at the intersection points to create more balance and interest.
During my hour-and-a-half hike, I spent a lot of time thinking about this rule. Is it a strict requirement, or just a starting point? I believe it’s a strong guide, but the real magic happens when you use it as a foundation to explore your own creativity.
Navigating Wind, Mud, and “Windows XP”
The hike wasn’t without its obstacles. The wind was so powerful it almost blew the audio right out of my microphone, and the recent heavy rains meant the river was massive and the trails were incredibly muddy.
Despite the mud (and the need for sturdy wellies!), I managed to capture some shots I’m really proud of:
- The Lonely Tree: A single subject standing on a cliffside, perfectly placed using the grid.
- The Farmhouse: A classic stone building tucked into the Derbyshire hills.
- The “Bliss” Landscape: I found a view of rolling green hills that looked exactly like the iconic Windows XP wallpaper!
Breaking the Gear Myth
I used my 17-40mm f/4 and my 70-200mm f/4 lens for most of these shots, but as I discussed on the trail, you don’t need professional gear to do this. Whether you have a high-end DSLR or just the phone in your pocket, the principles of composition remain the same. The best camera is the one you have with you when you’re out enjoying nature.
Reflections
Even though I didn’t get my rain shots, this week reminded me why I love this challenge. It forces you to get out, move your body, and look at the world differently. Milldale provided the perfect backdrop to practice the “recipe” of the Rule of Thirds while enjoying the rare Derbyshire sunshine.
What do you think? Do you find yourself sticking strictly to the Rule of Thirds, or do you prefer to break the rules and center your subjects? Let me know in the comments!
Next week’s theme is: Mobile Photography (Time to see what those phone cameras can really do!)
Until next week, stay safe and keep shooting!
— Alex
