Rob Bates photography

Rob Bates photography Award winning Landscape photographer and drone pilot

03/08/2026

SUNSET OVER THE MINE

I kept well back from Magpie Mine and filmed this using the 3x telephoto camera on my DJI Mavic 3 Pro with a CPL filter. Shooting from a distance completely changes the look of the landscape, pulling the old mine and the rolling Derbyshire hills together into one frame.

It's one of those places I never seem to get tired of visiting. Every season, every sunset and every bit of light gives it a different personality. Some evenings you come home with nothing... and then there's evenings like this.

This is exactly why I always tell people to ignore the forecast sometimes. The best light often arrives when you least expect it.

Would you visit Magpie Mine for sunrise or sunset? And if you've got another Peak District location you'd like to see from the air, let me know below. 👇

📍 Magpie Mine, Peak District National Park
🚁 DJI Mavic 3 Pro | 3x Telephoto | CPL Filter

Golden hour at Magpie Mine I was a fair distance away for this shot, using the 3x telephoto camera on my DJI Mavic 3 Pro...
02/08/2026

Golden hour at Magpie Mine

I was a fair distance away for this shot, using the 3x telephoto camera on my DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Rather than flying right over the mine, I wanted to compress the scene and pull the rolling Derbyshire hills in behind it. I love how the old buildings seem to stand out against the warm sunset.

It's amazing how much difference changing focal length makes. Sometimes the best composition isn't the closest one—it's stepping back, waiting for the light, and letting the landscape do the work.

I spent a while watching the light change before everything lined up just right. Those few minutes before the sun disappears are nearly always worth the wait.

What's your favourite time to visit the Peak District: sunrise or sunset?

19/07/2026

Quick stop at Magpie enroute to some epic tree p**n to test the big bird out. So nice to be flying again, kissed that cattle grid at end🤣

07/06/2026

Not just the Northern Lights... this is STEVE. 💜✨

A rare atmospheric phenomenon known as Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE) stretching across the night sky above Thornwick Bay.

Often mistaken for the Aurora Borealis, STEVE appears as a glowing ribbon of purple and white light and is one of the most fascinating sights you can witness in the night sky.

This was one of those unforgettable nights where everything came together perfectly — dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear skies, and a display that few people ever get to see with their own eyes.

Have you ever seen STEVE before?

📍 Thornwick Bay, Yorkshire Coast
📸 Rob Bates Photography

05/06/2026

🌌 A different view of the night sky...

As darkness falls, the stars slowly emerge above the Arcminute Microkelvin Interferometer, one of the UK's most fascinating radio telescopes.

I've always been fascinated by the night sky, and standing beneath these incredible instruments is a reminder of just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

What's your favourite thing to photograph after dark?

📍 Arcminute Microkelvin Interferometer, Cambridgeshire

The Lady of the North
01/06/2026

The Lady of the North

NEW Peak District poster designs just dropped 🌄I can’t decide which Stanage Edge version I prefer…1️⃣ The Millstonesor2️...
24/05/2026

NEW Peak District poster designs just dropped 🌄

I can’t decide which Stanage Edge version I prefer…

1️⃣ The Millstones
or
2️⃣ The Edge itself 👀

Which one would you actually put on your wall?

Also… what Peak District location should I turn into a vintage travel poster next?

Some ideas already suggested:
• Ladybower Reservoir
• Dovedale
• Kinder Scout
• Monsal Head
• Bamford Edge

Drop your favourite Peak District spot below 👇

If I create it, I might even feature your suggestion next 🧡

(And yes… the full collection now has a Buy Any 3, Save 20% offer live on Etsy)

The Peak District but as vintage travel posters 🎨🌄I’ve started turning my landscape photography into retro-style wall ar...
22/05/2026

The Peak District but as vintage travel posters 🎨🌄
I’ve started turning my landscape photography into retro-style wall art and now I need honest opinions…
Which one would you pick for your home?
1️⃣ The Salt Cellar
2️⃣ Winnats Pass
3️⃣ Magpie Mine
4️⃣ Mam Tor
5️⃣ Padley Gorge
6️⃣ Solomons Temple
7️⃣ Roach End Barn
Comment your favourite below 👇
(And yes… I may turn even more Peak District locations into posters 👀) See less

I’ve been experimenting with turning some of my Peak District photographs into vintage-style travel posters 👀This is one...
22/05/2026

I’ve been experimenting with turning some of my Peak District photographs into vintage-style travel posters 👀

This is one of my favourite shots of The Salt Cellar at sunset vs a retro poster version inspired by old railway/travel adverts.

So now I’m curious…

Which would you rather have on your wall?

📷 The original photograph
🎨 The vintage poster

And be honest — is this something you’d actually hang in your home? I’m thinking of adding these to the shop if people are into them.

Would love to know what you think 🙌

WINNATS PASS
10/05/2026

WINNATS PASS

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