.jpg)
Shooting in the Yorkshire countryside is second nature for photographer Michael Turek. He has been visiting these rippling hills and valleys since he was a child, and decades after the family picnics and skipping stone games that define his earliest memories, he finds himself returning here again and again for inspiration. With the intention of sharing not only his favourite locations, but also his top landscape photography tips, he set out on a road trip of this bucolic place behind the wheel of the Peugeot e-2008.
With a sleek design and bold colour schemes (such as the Vertigo Blue that Turek chose for this adventure), the Peugeot e-2008 is reminiscent of a bright dragonfly – and moves with similar agility. Its steering wheel is smaller than usual, which makes manoeuvring much simpler, and navigating the undulating curves of narrow Yorkshire roads is a pleasure thanks to the incredibly responsive electrified powertrain. Comfort is a priority, too, with massaging, heated and adjustable seats. The chic interior design is completed by the iCockpit – an innovative digital display providing both navigation and entertainment, allowing passengers to switch between a carefully crafted playlist and driving directions without a second thought.
The road trip took Turek through scenic landmarks such as Malham Cove, pretty country pubs, and historic spa towns including Knaresborough and Harrogate. The latter is where Turek was able to take some of his most impressive photos of the vehicle. It’s easy to make a car as eye-catching as the Peugeot e-2008 stand out, especially in the jewel-like Vertigo Blue – the juxtaposition between its dynamic style and Yorkshire’s earthy tones makes for arresting photos.
One of Turek’s most unusual tips? “Always check your mirrors!” While clearly a necessity when at the wheel (or when signalling an upcoming turn signposted by the iCockpit), it’s just as important as a passenger to keep an eagle eye out for an interesting photo opportunity. “Particularly across roundabouts, unusual compositions often reveal themselves,” he says. It also grants the perfect opportunity to capture the sleek, smart interiors of the Peugeot e-2008.
When shooting a landmark countless others have already captured, creativity and a little effort is required if you want to get a truly unique photo – a challenge faced by Turek in Knaresborough. A 10-minute drive from Harrogate, this spa and market town thoroughly encapsulates the charm of the Yorkshire Dales. One of its most striking sites is the imposing 19th-century viaduct. Here, Tureq has used clever framing to capture not only the iconic high arches, but also the boats bobbing gently in the foreground. The wavering reflections cast on the River Nidd add yet another element to the image: using mirrors and water whenever they are available can help budding photographers ideate fresh new compositions.
Turek shoots primarily on film, but his tips apply to any photographic medium. He does, however, believe that one piece of kit is non-negotiable. “I used a tripod for almost every single one of these images. Yes, it’s a pain to carry around, but it’s worth it.” And seeing how beautifully he has captured the Yorkshire landscape, it’s hard to disagree.
Michael Turek is a British-American photographer based in New York. His work includes documentary assignments for outlets such as The New York Times. His first photographic monograph, Siberia, was published in 2020, while his book Contrail is included in the MoMA Archives and Library.
For more photography tips, visit @peugeotuk
Photographer Michael Turek. Stylist Kit Swann. Art Director Jeffrey Lee. Senior Designer Philip Jackson. Senior Project Manager Aimée Ker. Senior Producer Michelle Hung. Writer Cassie Doney.