In our latest feature of Behind the Grid, we chat to photographer Kelly Holmes, who captures stunning shots all over the North East, from coastal villages to heather-laden moors.

I’ve always had a creative soul and I’ve been an avid fan of photography for as long as I can remember, but I started my photography page in July 2020 due to not being able to go abroad with lockdowns and travel bans. It forced me to explore my local area which is how I found a new appreciation for what’s right on my doorstep. 

My goal with my photography is to spark a real sense of pride for those local to North Yorkshire. And for those from further afield, I want to inspire them to visit one day and experience this beautiful part of the world for themselves. 

I like to take pictures of landscapes, seascapes and quaint, cosy cottages. I hate an early wake up alarm, especially in the summertime when sunrise is around 4:30am, but I love to explore at this time of day when the streets are at their quietest and I feel like I have the whole place to myself. It’s peaceful, calming, and the soft morning light makes for beautifully atmospheric photos.

Photography has brought me some wonderful opportunities over the last couple of years. My images have been featured on magazine covers, in travel guides, and one of my favourite moments was being named runner-up in the Best of England photography competition with a photo I took of Robin Hood’s Bay. People say it’s not the winning that counts, it’s the taking part, but I’m far too competitive to believe this.

My favourite place to shoot is Whitby – particularly from the 199 steps and especially at sunset. I’ve photographed from there too many times to count and yet it’s still a view I never get tired of. It’s one of my favourite locations. 

My favourite photo I’ve ever taken is of Roseberry Topping. I was on my way up to Captain Cook’s Monument, aiming to shoot the sunset from Cockshaw Hill—a viewpoint I’d heard was especially popular. But I took a wrong turn and found myself on a path surrounded by flowers in every colour. The scene was absolutely stunning, and it turned out to be one of those unexpected moments that makes photography so rewarding. Sometimes it’s good to get off the beaten track – and a framed print of that photo now hangs proudly in my home.