Photographer picks best North East and Cumbria picture spots

Where are the region's 'best' photography spots? From stunning sunrises on the east coast to the mountainous vistas of the country's largest national park, Owen Humphreys says north-east England and Cumbria are a photographer's dream. Humphreys is marking his 30th year taking pictures for PA Media, formerly known as the Press Association, and 33 years working in the region after a stint at papers The Chronicle and Journal. "We're very spoilt around here," the award-winning snapper says. Here are some of his favourite spots. City scenes Newcastle is a "beautiful city with some amazing old buildings and historic streets, perfect for architectural and street photography", Humphreys says. "We've also got the quayside, the famous bridges which are great for sunrise or sunset pictures as well as stunning reflections. "And of course we've got [Newcastle United's stadium] St James' Park up on the hill." Coastal delights Meanwhile, the North East coast is "fantastic for sunrises" because it faces east, Humphreys says. Lighthouses dotted along the coast provide steadfast subjects on stormy days. The one at Seaham Harbour, for example, is well-known among photographers because the waves "just absolutely smash across the lighthouse there", he says. "On the east coast, we get really big seas when we have a strong north-easterly wind, causing huge waves to crash over our coastline at high tide." There is a lot of luck involved in weather photography, he warns. "You never really know what you're going to get." Northumberland, the largest protected dark sky area in Europe, is "perfect for astrophotography", Humphreys says. "You can see the Milky Way, Northern Lights and just a sky full of stars on a clear night, and with the right conditions." Bamburgh, Holy Island and Dunstanburgh Castle are among his "favourite spots", he says, as he recalls lying on his back at them, taking in the stars. You need luck and patience to get the shot, he says, but also a lot of planning. This includes making sure you are in a "good location with a point of interest such as a castle or lighthouse", he advises. Mountains and lakes People in the area are "very lucky" to have the Lake District for landscape photography, Humphreys says. "We've got the lakes, all the beautiful mountains," he says. "It really is a photographer's dream out there." His favourite spot is Derwentwater, but lakes like Buttermere and Grasmere offer "amazing mirror reflections" of the mountains on the right days. "You can also get some stunning views overlooking the lakes from Latrigg near Keswick and Catbells," he says, adding: "The list is endless." The people Humphreys says the one of the most important things about the region is the people. "Since I've been up here 33 years, I've absolutely loved the people," he says. "Everyone's a lot easier to work with and take pictures of." Originally from Derby, he does not plan to ever move away. "The region speaks for itself, it's just amazing."