“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”
Quote by Don McCullin
My name is Wendy McDonnell and I'm based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the North of England. I am passionate about searching the landscape for those fleeting moments that only nature can provide and creating an image that captures that for others - as if they had been there themselves. I am never happier than when I’m outside with my camera, whatever the elements throw at me, chasing the light and that elusive perfect image!
I have a background in art and design with a BA Hons degree in Graphic Arts. Being creative is something I've always had in me as far back as I can remember but I didn't seriously pick up a camera until 2013. This coincided with having moved to the rural County of North Yorkshire. Thus started my addiction to being outdoors and photographing all that the landscape has to offer.
About Wendy McDonnell's Photography
I work for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority creating digital content including photographs and video. You can see my work on the National Park social media accounts. I'm very lucky that I can combine my love of photography and nature with my job. I also get out as much as possible to create my own work.
My husband is a light aircraft pilot; my aerial photography is from the flights we have taken together or using the drone. I have a A2 CofC drone pilot licence.
We both featured in the Channel 4 TV programme, Britain's Scenic Railways, which first aired on More4 on 17 November 2021. What a fantastic opportunity and experience that was!
I have written articles for Digital Photographer Magazine and the clothing store, Blacks as well as having my photography on local business websites, The National Farmers Union magazine and smaller publications. All of which is very amazing but ultimately my first love is just being outdoors with my camera and sharing my love of photography!
My professional work and services
I started working for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in 2020. I wanted to work in a job where I felt I was doing something that mattered and I could be closer to nature. As it turns out, working for the National Park and incorporating photography has been the perfect fit. I have managed a number of photography shoots for projects and editorial pieces for the National Park. Some of the work you can see in my gallery under commissions; these include photography for the online shop. art projects, walks with education groups - in short adults, children and even some horses!
From this work I have had some private commissions for specific projects and I am available for event work on request.
I also produce an annual calendar and these are sold via my shop and a few local outlets in the Yorkshire Dales. You can purchase digital downloads from my shop and prints on request.
Please contact me if you would any further information.
Rachel Davis, Sussex, UK
Thank you for the beautiful calendars which arrived today! That photo of Gordale Scar on your calendar is incredible! Some of the photos are so beautiful they brought a lump to my throat and a real pull on my heart!! I'm sure my dad will love his too!
Lucy Wilkins, Yorkshire, UK
Wendy's photo of a bluebell wood is just magical, as soon as I saw it I wanted a copy. I approached Wendy through her website and a print was soon on it's way to me and for a great price too. With friendly communication through out and quick delivery I would recommend her on her artistic skill and customer service!
Julie Hulten. USA
Exquisite photography! Pleased that I will have moments in Yorkshire throughout the coming year. Happily sharing the calendar with friends who were with me on a week-long walk in Yorkshire too many years ago. Thanks Wendy!