Matt’s camera captures stunning images

IPSWICH: It’s a well-known East Anglian scene which is familiar to thousands of people who visit the Suffolk-Essex border.

But one amateur photographer from Ipswich has captured the beauty of the Stour Valley at Flatford at a time when most people would never see it.

Matt Fidler, who is fast making a name for himself as one of the area’s leading amateur photographers, has taken a series of photographs just after sunrise.

“To celebrate summer and the longest day of the year, I decided to make a number of visits to Constable Country, and these are the results,” said Matt.

“I do shift work at BT Adastral Park as a control room operator, which allows me to be out and about taking photos midweek and at times when there are no other visitors.

“The beauty, peace and quiet of the Stour Valley at 5am has to be seen to be really appreciated.

“It is fantastic – the light is different and the rising mist off the river is something else.”

Matt’s first interest in photography was wildlife and he then moved on to sea scenes before pointing his camera to landscapes.

“The Suffolk Wildlife Trust annual photography awards have a landscape section and I have been out and about snapping various scenes with the object of entering the best in the contest.”

This is not the first time Matt has had his work showcased in the Evening Star. In February, we published a photo of Southwold Pier in the snow and the following month it was the sunrise at Pin Mill.

It is easy to imagine John Constable himself walking in the early morning and seeing nature in all its beauty as captured by Matt.

“Most of my shots are taken early in the morning or late in the evening because the light is so much better and clearer,” he said, before adding: “I am very critical of my own work and it is gratifying that so many people appreciate my photographs.”

Matt’s girlfriend Judith is also a keen amateur photographer, concentrating on wildlife and in particular birds.

n Have you taken any amazing pictures? E-mailing us at suffolk picturedesk@archant.co.uk