Something to tide you over whilst I recover my crashed hard drive – and the lesson is always back up – I did 
Archive for the ‘culture’ Tag
Eilean Donan Nightscape 4 comments
Portrait Landscape 12 comments
This is from a wee walk on the West Beach the other evening, the longer evenings have been great but I have been unable to grab the opportunities with a multitude of personal inputs. Where I hope to ease in to my new career but the reality wont allow me to go quietly. This typical Moray lots going on – texture and light changes, reflections etc etc – I hope you enjoy. Your continued support is appreciated and highly motivational – Scott
Elgol Moodscape 23 comments
I thought it only right and proper to share the other side of Skye (the we dont often have sunny days here Skye) this image was captured about 10 hours prior to Elgol 50 which allows for some compare and contrast. The shot is slightly further up the beach but in essence it is the same view (just a little tighter) the mountains had been drifting in and out of cloud – but on this occasion i liked the fact that you could see just the hills and cloud obscures the rest of the view. The challenge here was keeping the lens dry…. Enjoy
The Bridge over the Spey (Garmouth) 19 comments
Well I am off on a bit of a photo sojourn – so I thought I better get posting or you will be losing interest in my blog. I am concious that I have been posting mainly landscapes recently so this time I thought – a little quirky architectural mono may be suitably different to keep you amused – anyway – as always you can decide – enjoy
A Brush of Light 44 comments
lots of subtle light varied in the way it is has dappled itself unequally across the sky and wet sand – somewhere in Moray – well you cant have all the details or you will be on my doorstep pinching my great sky’s
Beauly Firth Calm 28 comments
I am afraid I have not been out and about recently as I am extremely busy which disappoints me immensely so rather than dig in to the archives this time I have decided to publish an image which has lain on the cutting room floor so to speak. I promise to catch up with all you wonderful blogs over the coming weeks. Enjoy
Sistine Chapel Interior – Rome 14 comments
I am not of Catholic Faith however as today was the inauguration of Pope Francis I thought I would share a shot I took of the Sistine Chapel in Rome – The Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. The ceiling is that of the large Papal Chapel built within the Vatican between 1477 and 1480. The chapel is the location for Papal Conclaves and many important services. The ceiling’s various painted elements form part of a larger scheme of decoration within the Chapel, which includes the fresco The Last Judgement on the sanctuary wall, also by Michelangelo.Central to the ceiling decoration are nine scenes from the Book of Genesis of which the Creation of Adam is the best known, having an iconic standing equalled only by Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the hands of God and Adam being reproduced in countless imitations. The complex design includes several sets of individual figures, both clothed and nude, which allowed Michelangelo to fully demonstrate his skill in creating a variety of poses for the human figure, and have provided an enormously influential pattern book of models for other artists ever since.
Light’s On Nobody Home 18 comments
Well my local icon wasn’t satisfied by playing second fiddle and basking in the shadow of some moody light. Red as my iconic friend is known wanted to be centre stage this time. I have several ideas in the pipeline which may become known as the Phonebox series or Red Moods – I can hear the gasps of anticipation.
Santa Chiara 24 comments
![Well for those who have just started following my Photoblog you may not have connected with my captivation with Italy - her majesty determined that I have to spend 4 months in Naples - what was I to do. I travelled far and wide loved Italy in every way - I was brought up in the bosom of the Church of Scotland - but the Italian churches were the most amazing spaces. This is the Majolica CloisterFamous is the cloister of the Clarisses, transformed in 1742 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro with the unique addition of majolica tiles in Rococò style.[5] The brash color floral decoration makes this cloister, with octagonal columns in pergola-like structure, likely unique and would seem to clash with the introspective world of cloistered nuns. The cloister arcades are also decorated by frescoes, now much degraded.](http://skm1963.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/santa-chiara-balanced.jpg?w=1000&h=743)
Well for those who have just started following my Photoblog you may not have connected with my captivation with Italy. Her Majesty determined that I should to spend 4 months in Napoli – what was I to do. Naturally, I travelled far and wide – I loved Italy in every way. In Scotland I was brought up in the bosom of the Church of Scotland – but the Italian churches were the most amazing spaces. This is the Majolica Cloister known as the ‘Cloister of the Clarisses, transformed in 1742 by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro with the unique addition of majolica tiles in Rococò style. The brash colour floral decoration define this cloister, with octagonal columns in pergola-like structure, likely unique and would seem to clash with the introspective world of cloistered nuns. The cloister arcades are also decorated by frescoes, now much degraded. Here you find it abandoned at the height of the sun only a Scotsman would venture out in such heat.
Fading Away 13 comments
Well I was hoping to challenge you a little here – this is taking my minimal theme to the extreme – have I gone to far
Crash landed a Hunters Moon 18 comments
Well I though I would demonstrate the diversity of textures in the Scottish landscape – even on a dricht day contrasts can be found – less than 300 meters from my misty Loch Duich was this stark contrast – by avoiding the mist and dricht using along lens to isolate the reflection – I ended up with this. I was drawn to the circular shape and the title fell from that – admittedly the colour is a little flat but then that is how it was – notice also the tide draining out of this sea loch placing the seaweed just below the surface in nice lines
Saccharin – Eilean Donan 34 comments
![A castle had stood on this spot since the 13th Century destroyed by the Royal Navy in 1719. Following the failure of the Jacobite rising of 1715, the Jacobites, supporters of the exiled James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", sought new support from Spain. An advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived.At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May, HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough, and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. When the Spanish soldiers in the castle fired at the boat, it was recalled and all three ships opened fire on the castle for an hour or more.[35] The next day the bombardment continued while a landing party was prepared. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, the ships' boats went ashore and captured the castle against little resistance. According to Worcester's log, in the castle they found "an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a serjeant, one Scotch rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot."[36] The naval force spent the next two days demolishing the castle, which took 27 barrels of gunpowder.[37] The Spanish prisoners were put on board Flamborough and taken to Edinburgh.[38] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. (Wikepedia)](http://skm1963.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/ed_edited-1.jpg?w=1000&h=607)
A castle had stood on this spot since the 13th Century. Following the failure of the Jacobite rising of 1715, the Jacobites, supporters of the exiled James Stuart, the “Old Pretender”, sought new support from Spain. An advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived.
At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May, HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough, and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. When the Spanish soldiers in the castle fired at the boat, it was recalled and all three ships opened fire on the castle for an hour or more. The next day the bombardment continued while a landing party was prepared. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, the ships’ boats went ashore and captured the castle against little resistance. According to Worcester’s log, in the castle they found “an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a sergeant one Scotch rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot.”[36] The naval force spent the next two days demolishing the castle, which took 27 barrels of gunpowder.[37] The Spanish prisoners were put on board Flamborough and taken to Edinburgh.[38] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. (Wikipedia) . What you see here is the reconstructed Castle between 1919 & 1932 – It has starred in many movies but it was the film Highlander in 1986 which brought it first to my attention. It is an impressive sight by any standard but is surrounded by development which pretty much limits the images you can get. Still I got to practice my night photography again. Enjoy
Kinloss Abbey 17 comments
Had this hanging around for a while but wasn’t to sure anyway as I have to go and bury my head in my first assignment for my just commenced Photography Higher Professional Diploma – I will leave you to decide if I got it level in the end 
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A Haunted Carbisdale Castle Hides amongst the Trees 21 comments
I hope your eyes are wandering across the vista seeking the haunted Castle which I am referring to. I stayed here when I was 15 on a tour of the Highlands which was run by my school. This and a subsequent trip to Minnesota have in many shaped the creative side of me. I have ghost story to tell with this picture – but you wouldn’t believe me and it would take to long. So please just enjoy this and if you get the chance to go and stay (it is Scottish Youth Hostel Association venue) don’t think twice.
Glasgow Sampler 27 comments
Trapped Animal
Green Descent
Old within New
Photographer Captured
I am the eye in the Sky
Shipbuilding Past
Queen St
Waverley
Self
Walking Away
Straight Ahead
Runes
Finneston
Wing and aPrayer
Florence?
Still Game
Docks
Necropolis
Armadilio
Bridge over Coloured Water
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
Sail with me – Clachnaharry Sea Lock 18 comments
Some changes then – I have altered the name of the blog – have no fears your subscriptions etc are all intact – in changing the name I am aiming to build my Google SEO. I thought this particular photograph suitable for this change as it is the sea lock which is located at the junction where the Moray Firth and Beauly Firth merge and you can enter the Great Glen onwards ultimately to Loch Ness (home of Nessie). In summary the lock is at a crossroads just like myself. One journey ends and another begin’s …
Forget small glasses – Whisky in large Barrels 20 comments
right that’s me sorted for the bells – lang may yer lum reek – see you in 2013
Merry Christmas from Elgin Cathedral the ‘Lantern of the North ‘ 35 comments
The Lantern of the North resplendent in it’s winter coat
@skm1963 my recent Instagram’s 19 comments
I use Instagram for some fun and this week with emerging policy amendments – the ‘IG’ community spoke with a firm voice and apparently we were listened to – we shall see
Feed the Gulls 15 comments
As we approach Christmas I will be like most of you distracted by family and busy in other areas of my life. So I thought a little humour and then a few of my early back catalog shots to make ease the workload over the holiday period.
Marbled Rust 16 comments
You will have gathered I am messing around with subtle hues and textures currently. This is a retake of an long lens landscape in Glencoe (linked below). On this occasion as well as the contrast with the dead ferns (rusty colour) I have captured the reflection in the Lochan too – not a brilliant image but interesting
Please link back to my most successful image ever Glencoe Glory to see where within that image this one derived from – enjoy!
Bàgh Shanabhait – Wet n Wild 20 comments
Sandwood Bay (Scottish Gaelic: Bàgh Shanabhait) is a natural bay in Sutherland, on the far north-west coast of mainland Scotland. It is best known for its mile-long beach and Am Buachaille, a sea stack, and lies about 5 miles south of Cape Wrath. Behind the bay’s large dunes, stretches Sandwood Loch – a freshwater loch full of brown and sea trout.
Though remote, and with no road access, the bay is easily reached by a 4-mile long, yet well-trodden and fairly flat, path leading from the gravel car park at the hamlet of Blairmore. Sandwood Bay is part of the Sandwood Estate which is run by the John Muir Trust. The beach is considered to be one of the cleanest and most unspoilt beaches in the whole of mainland Britain.
Taking in the view – Oldshoremore 17 comments
Well as you tolerated my Glaswegian Social Commentary, I thought I may continue to indulge some people photography – here are three ladies soaking up the view in beautiful light at Oldshoremore, Sutherland. The view which they are not sharing with you is wild and magnificent. First and foremost I loved the light, but I clocked the other person dissapearing (hands on hips) in to the distance and the wonderful white house isolated by the dark sky. I immediately thought they had been socially excluded from the bench threw a temper tantrum and walked off in a huff.
Glasgow a Social Commentary 5 comments
Loch Beinn A’ Mheadhoin Dam 12 comments
The Scottish Hydro-Electric Power generates clean energy but the cost is a multitude of man-made structures which have to fit in to the natural scenery. This dam is at the head of the beautiful Glen Affric and provides flow regulation and some storage for Fasnakyle power station. The water level in the loch is closely controlled to ensure that the level remains virtually constant, ensuring that the scenic beauty of the upper Glen Affric is affected as little as possible.
Ballandalloch Gatehouse 11 comments
Yes this is just the gatehouse – several miles down the road from the Castle – it is located in the heart of Speyside, near to the famed local whisky distilleries of Cragganmore, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich. Surrounded by majestic hills, and with the tumbling waters of the Rivers Spey and Avon flowing through the grounds, the setting is truly magnificent.
The Trilogy Silhouette 14 comments
This is the story of the simple silhouette – the sunset was demonstrating potential, so I hung around in anticipation and hope – the scene which was unfolding was nice but unspectacular. The large ball of fire was becoming filtered behind a wall of cloud – just so-so nothing more. I noticed how defined the black lighthouse was against the sky and spotted the seagulls floating on high – but in the distance the noise of the “Big Yellow Taxi” our Search and Rescue Helicopter (Sea-King) and bingo I saw the final image. I adjusted to a faster shutter speed and waited for the helicopter to swing in to profile. Press and the image was captured thus creating the Trilogy Silhouette – an interesting image enjoy 
Play Misty for Me (#2) 35 comments
At this time of year the days are very short here in Moray and a little darkness can fill your mood – this dusk image seemed to capture that feeling – a lone tree peaking through twilight mist – spooky in a sensual way…….
Arable Seasons 23 comments
I wanted to brighten things up – I know you will be used to seeing reflections in my work – on this occasion however I have used farmland in varied state of being farmed. I like the collection of soft browns and autumn colours all being amplified by the depth of the reflection – but natural enough to display a range of surface textures – enjoy
My most successful Instagram’s and why are you not following me :D 32 comments
These are small snapshots of my most successful Instagram Images – I thought it might be interesting to share, couple of points to note – it is mainly my landscape work but not exclusively which is popular, wildlife on the whole struggles and people crash n burn – moody coastal scenes work every time but then I understand that. Anyway if you want to follow me on Instagram or Twitter just search @skm1963 – I find it fun and relaxing
Island Life 14 comments
Not as dramatic as some of my recent images but I like it’s subtle and varied light sources, the two bursts of light on the island and the hint of some special light in the distance. My next post connect’s the two images and demonstrates how radically different images can be achieved by using a variety of locations and lenses.
Closer to my Heart 21 comments
okay – normal service has been resumed – have a wonderful weekend
Dynamic Descent – Some Time to Reflect 14 comments
Thought I would challenge my ‘norm’ and offer a shape and texture sequence – what do you see
Bridging the Ness 10 comments
Q – So what do you post after your most successful Photoblog image – bar none!
A – Something completely different – a Church and a Bridge gotta be safe really
Glencoe Glory 48 comments
Possibly one of the most specular sight’s I have ever witnessed, the rainbow was almost missed because of the quality of the existing light and reflections.
I think I would have to place this in my top three personal favourites………….
