Skye

Elgol1Back now from an excellent trip to Skye and proving that with patience, sensitivity and consideration all round it is possible to combine a family holiday with a photographic visit. There do have to be many compromises of course and in truth perhaps neither fulfils its true potential but in the same was a really good day's climbing ends in the pub, then a really good session taking photographs ends with being able to share the them with family. The day itself is the better for the social aspect. I failed miserably to get up before the family and return for breakfast triumphantly, the week and my energy just weren't like that . I did manage an evening in Elgol while the family rested after the drive up. The rest was achieved by combining visiting interesting places and what seemed (to me at least...) very efficient picture taking.

The weather was kind with only one day fully saturated and during the rest we managed to visit Elgol (twice), Neist Point, The Old man of Storr, The Quirang, Kilt Rock and Sligachan. On the journeys to and from we also took in The Buachaille twice and Eliean Donan.  A few photos were made from lay-bys and more than a few were made more hurriedly than they should have been but the week was a great success.

Elgol2From Monday to Friday, less one washout, I managed at least 6 'keepers' which even allowing for the natural attributes of Skye is a good return. If the rest of the family can bear it, I'd repeat this style of holiday again.

Tiree #4

A second image from Salum. This time with a much simpler composition. Fewer clouds and trying to eliminate as much as possible expect the three bits of land above the sea. The right hand is sadly attached, I think the whole image would have worked better if it had been three separate distinct islands, but you have what you have.

Heading North

The bags are packed and we're heading north tomorrow morning. The destination is the Hebridean Island of Tiree via an afternoon in Glencoe /on Rannoch Moor. It's ten years since I've been to Glencoe and despite an exceptionally poor weather forecast, I'm looking forward to being there. The following week will be spent on Tiree. I am determined to look at both places with fresh eyes. Despite an annual visit to Tiree, my photography making has shifted dramatically this year and I'm hoping for a new lease of life on the island. Just about everything has changed since I was last there. New equipment, new inspirations and nearly all my best work has occurred in the last 12 months. My goals, against which I will be judged on return are simplicity in composition, new variants on old locations and new viewpoints found. I'm going to be thinking in colour and black and white and will be looking for opportunities for long exposures. On any domestic trip, a balance has to be struck between photography and more 'normal' human shared enjoyment. It is 15 months since I was last there ( the annual Whit trip being lost due to emergency eye surgery) and the pressure is on to produce.

Eastern shores

Just back from a brief visit to North Berwick. I'd gone to visit some local beaches and with a picture of the tidal pool in mind. In my defence the tide was against me and the image I made was ok'ish. However I was brought up very short when I happened to look in the window of the art shop on the high street. I was stopped in my tracks by one of the most remarkable pictures I have ever seen. They are the ones that fall some way between inspiring and making me want to throw it all out and take up stamp collecting. The photograph was by Colin I Homes. I just stood and stared and wished it had been mine. On searching for his work I came across his website  and discovered a huge body of marvellous images. I also discovered that he runs courses and am currently investigating.