The importance of being early

The alarm clock warbled and I stealthily left the bedroom, trying to avoid disturbing the other half.

My clothes were laid out in the office, camera packed and ready. I carefully closed the front door, avoided slamming the car door and made good my escape.

I was only dropping down to my usual haunt… Dove Stones. The light had been fantastic yesterday and I didn’t want to miss out. I’d hopefully have the hills to myself for a precious couple of hours before the cry of the curlew was drowned out by quarrelling kids.

Mine was the second car in the car park. I set off quickly up onto the moor, hoping to find something to shoot but happy just to have some time alone.

Early morning is wonderful: my favorite part of the day. An enveloping peace hangs on from the night and, as the natural world awakes, time too is sluggish.

Struggling to find photographic inspiration, I noticed that the reservoirs were glassy still and decided to drop down to the valley floor for a reflection.

Others were now beating a trail around the waters – dog walkers, fell runners, mountain bikers among them. The light was now liquid, filling the viewfinder with colour. I got my shot, savoured the relative calm a little longer, and hurried home for breakfast.