2020-11-15 · Mike Prince
Mystical - Neill Burnell
I’ve had this book for a few weeks, dipping in on a regular basis for some photographic joy. I think it's a book to savour slowly rather than rushing through. I, like so many others, have visited Wistman’s Wood. It is a truly wonderful place. I went on a sunny clear day (with a 100% forecast of dense fog…). I took a few photos and resolved to return at some point in better conditions to try to create the images I had in my head.
I’m not going to go back and make photographs there now. I may well visit as it is such a beautiful place but any attempt I might make to create images, even in perfect conditions would only be a poor pastiche of what Neil has produced here.
This is the most perfect, breathtakingly beautiful set of images. I don’t think there is a better collection of pictures from a single wood anywhere by anyone.
The collection is filled with magic, mystery and beauty underpinned by the joy of seeing a master craftsman at work.
I defy anyone not to be enchanted by this book. I’d head straight over and buy a copy.