Talented young photographer Ben Meek is inspired by the landscape around Wellington and West Somerset, which is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty.
“I think it’s the wide variety of different landscapes within a relatively small area of England that make it such a special location for photography,” says the 15-year-old Wellington School pupil.“From Exmoor, the Brendon Hills, the Blackdown Hills and the Quantocks to secretive Jurassic beaches and dramatic coastline, so much of West Somerset is photogenic. Because of the unspoilt nature of this area, wildlife thrives just about everywhere and with fantastic light and ever changing weather, the landscape around Wellington creates endless opportunities for photographers.
”Ben has been taking pictures for three years and his subjects include the Wellington Monument.“With correct weather, the woods surrounding it create a fantastic atmosphere,” he says.“I try to keep my choice of subjects as broad as possible and capture whatever presents itself to me at that specific moment throughout the day.
“An Exmoor pony and her foal are probably the subjects I was most pleased to photograph. After about half an hour of quietly stepping through the bracken, the mare allowed me to advance within a few metres of them, in doing so, allowing me to capture just the photo I’d been hoping to.”
Ben, who has taken photos of school buildings and sporting events for Wellington School’s website, has opted to take photography as an extra GCSE.“That means it’s my responsibility to fit it into my weekly timetable,” he explains.
“The art department offers me a vast amount of freedom, which has really helped me to discover my photography for myself, rather than being forced to follow a set curriculum. This is definitely a benefit with art at Wellington and if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can achieve a great deal.”
