Norfolk aerial photography: Mike Page releases new book

If you spot a Cessna 150 aircraft in the sky it may well be our Mike taking photographs through an open window while flying with a co-pilot at all heights from sea level to 6000ft depending on the subject.

Norfolk aerial photographer Mike Page. (Image: Mike Page)

Since his first book, published by Halsgrove in 2005, he has gone on to produce 18 other brilliant offerings – many of which are now out of print and collector’s items.

And no wonder, they feature wonderful images from the sky looking down on where we live and the changes that are happening.  We get such a glorious and different view of our county and all that it offers.

The latest book by Mike Page and Pauline Young. (Image: Mike Page)

For his latest book Historic Norfolk From The Air, he has teamed up again with former teacher Pauline Young. With her wise words beside his photographs, this is a book to treasure.

Mike was born in Gorleston in 1940, trained as a woodwork teacher, and then became a Norfolk boatbuilder before he and his wife Gillian started a garage and repair shop at Strumpshaw in 1973. Although he has retired his son and daughter continue to run the business.

His latest book contains eight chapters featuring some wonderful pictures and stories and I thought it would be a good idea to ask Mike to select some of his favourites… and tell us why they are.

Swaffham, Norfolk seen from the air. (Image: Mike Page)

Swaffham: Swaffham remains a picturesque Norfolk town looking very tranquil sitting around the older central area, not taken over by any modern development. The Buttercross stands proud overlooked by the Church.

Norfolk Wherries on Breydon Water in 2019. (Image: Mike Page)

Wherries: Having worked for many years as a boatbuilder after leaving school. I always loved traditionally built wooden boats and Wherries make the perfect picture to include in the first chapter on Norfolk industries.

I was extremely lucky to catch this very rare sight of Maud and Albion sailing together across Breydon Water in perfect symmetry one day in June 2019.

An aerial view of Whitlingham near Norwich. (Image: Mike Page)

Whitlingham: These now very natural looking lakes were once a fully working quarry. During my 60 years of aerial photography I have recorded the change from a sandpit to a beautiful natural looking waterpark that is now enjoyed by thousands of people and lots of wildlife.

Whitlingham Lakes are a real benefit for Norwich and for Norfolk. This image always proves one of my favourites of the city.

Soaring over Norwich, Mike Page captures Mousehold Heath. (Image: Mike Page)

Mousehold: When I fly over the city I always wonder how this huge historic ancient woodland remains untouched by development. Mousehold is enjoyed by so many, the area is a large ‘green lung’ for the City of Norwich and long may it remain so.

The stunning Norfolk coast at Winterton and Horsey. (Image: Mike Page)

Winterton and Horsey: One of my favourites of the Norfolk coast that is for most of the time almost deserted and where one could really enjoy this part of our unspoilt coastline and be at one with nature.

Winterton Ness, although moving northwards now and changing the coastline forever, will always remain a fabulous spot for a bit of relaxation and for providing a great photo.

Historic Norfolk From The Air by Mike Page and Pauline Young is published by Halsgrove at £16.99 and is in the shops now.

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