I’m Louise McKenna, a landscape and night-sky photographer based in Dorset, though originally from the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Photography began as a way to record my travels, but over time my curiosity about the night sky and the natural world drew me deeper into astronomy and landscape photography.

Although I work full-time in children’s palliative care, I pursue photography as a part-time passion. Gazing at the stars or taking in a quiet landscape allows me to step away from daily life and feel grounded. It’s a practice that brings, calm, and inspiration, helping me reconnect with both nature the wider universe and gain perspective on my daily life.

My work includes both night-sky and daytime landscapes, depending on conditions. In the UK, clouds often shape the light and mood, and sometimes the weather simply doesn’t allow for astrophotography. I capture rolling hills, rugged countryside, and seascapes whenever I can. With a full-time job, I often head out early in the morning or take opportunities whenever the conditions and my schedule allow.

My approach to astrophotography is flexible: sometimes I use a full kit with tripod and tracker for detailed night-sky shots, other times I travel lighter especially for more remote locations. The aim is always the same—to convey the scene as I experienced it, natural and true.

Encouraged by family, friends, and fellow photographers, I now share my work so others can enjoy the calm and wonder of both dark skies and daytime landscapes. If you’d like to explore my portfolio or purchase a print, I’d love to hear from you.