A close off centre crop of a Monkey Puzzle Tree – this is a close up taken with a 50-200 non VR lens. I would love to get hold of a Macro lens – would love to see the close up potential.
Archive for the ‘nature’ Tag
It’s a Puzzle 11 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
Elgol 50 20 comments
Classic Scotland nothing more to say – on sale at Photo4me.com
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
Complex Weather – Loch Morlich 33 comments
Apologies rather busy just now and not getting out and about so have been delving in to the archives and this appeared.I was drawn to the sun attempting to break through the thick cloud over the Cairngorm’s – with limited effect.
a hint of what’s to come 34 comments
It is moments like these that have convinced me to live here on the Moray Coast. That pre dawn moment, the town is still asleep not even the dog walkers are out just an idiot with a tripod – a calm nervous silence is all around.
The Five Sisters of Kintail 32 comments
I apologize for not replying to all of your recent comments but I wanted to share an image before departing for the weekend and I couldn’t do both. I promise to catch up early next week. I wish all the mothers a happy Mothering Sunday so make sure you spoil your Mum for at least one day of the year 
Anyway I don’t post many Black and White landscapes but I thought the contrast in this scene lent itself to some mono treatment. I am rather pleased with it. I edited it in Lightroom 4 which I bought at student rates (I am a student after all) using my PayPal account generated from my photo sales so I actually earned this software which gave me a real thrill. I am hoping the reinvestment will pay for itself. Have a great weekend everyone and happy blogging.
Muted Loch Duich 30 comments
I have been so many locations recently when the sun hasn’t even peaked out from the cloud and I haven’t had the time to hang around for the light to change. This can leave very flat opportunities – until recently the camera would probably have remained in the bag. But as an amateur with limited time out and about I have to deal with what I can get and lets face it this is the Scotland many people are faced with. So your challenge here is to look that bit closer for the light, it is there very subtly – these locations and conditions always generate a calm which relaxes me.
Overwhelmed 23 comments
Not a great deal to say here – simply a powerful light show – amplified by the still reflection upon an ebbing tide.
Covesea Starlight Dance 20 comments
This is a shot I have been after for while now but it had been to windy for lengthy exposures. The other challenge was only a new moon in the sky filtered by clouds meant using a torch to manipulate the settings. Most notable challenge was focus with insufficient light for the autofocus to hang on then it was back to good old fashioned manual focus – equally challenging without cross-hairs – but trial and error prevailed – I like the lick of cloud breaking up the starry backdrop. I learnt a lot and am really starting to enjoy night photography – there are some excellent results to be had.
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
Soflty ~ Softly Loch Duich 26 comments
I have been hankering at taking a minimalist soft focus image – which was inspired by work from a few of my fellow bloggers. I wont name names at this point but those who follow similar artists to myself will have a reasonable idea. Anyway something a little different which evokes the moodiness of Scotland at it’s best. Enjoy
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.
I long for Spring 17 comments
The classic Scottish Golf tease it could be Turnberry to the uninitiated it is in fact a small 9 hole golf course called Covesea after the lighthouse of the same name. In the early Spring (not that long now) the yellow sea of gorse comes alive and we know we are emerging from winters grip.
Converging Texture 20 comments
Well I was planning to post this image some 3 hours ago but I started messing about with the crop and 3 hours later I still wasn’t happy but decided to hit save anyway. It was a lot easier when I posted this on Instagram less to think about. All in all it is about the myriad of colours and light n shade which all converge on the building. Classic harsh winter light
Light Box – a call from the Heavens 52 comments
Using an old Post Office Red Telephone Box to filter the sunlight bursting through the cloud after sunrise – the filter generated some really dramatic light – I particularly like the chair drowned in the light drama
Gentle afterglow 19 comments
Here we are in the depths of winter and I realised I have not generated a good old fashioned sunset since mid November – now there is a reason for that of course (I am working when the light departs) but I was down the beach last weekend when this happened and I thought you may like this little chase of light……
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 …
Currently I am reflecting on 2012 23 comments
Well before I start posting again in earnest – I am having a think on how the last year progressed and how I wish to move forward in the coming year. Those of you who have followed me throughout my on line exploits know my ambition of one day turning pro. I am hopeful the transition to professional photographer will take place in the next 18 months – I intend to conclude my present career over the next 18 months so I can focus fully on the next step. I am starting a 2 year Photography HND to coincide with this transition – subsequently this blog will become a testing ground, where I intend to explore several new aspects of photography which until recently I have only dabbled with. I hope you will follow my ongoing development and enjoy the journey with me. In preparation for my move in to the professional ranks I am re-branding my blog under my own name - keep watching and Happy New Year
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
Industrial Horizon 26 comments
A becalmed view stretching across the Cromarty Firth from the Black Isle to Invergordon. A mere 24 hours on from the Spring Tide storms.
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.
In to the Light (looking forwards never back) 16 comments
Although this time of year has it’s qualities the days are far too short for me. I long for a return to longer days where I can seek out joy and pleasure in the coolness of the tree canopy listening to the birds and the babbling brook – hoping to walk out of the shade – feel the warmth of the sun and be exposed to a magnificent vista………………..
Osprey Height’s – Still Game 14 comments
For the the Scot’s amongst you or indeed those who steep themselves in Scottish Culture. This is the scene for Cult Scottish TV comedy about the lives of two OAP’s Jack and Victor and their views on how it used to be in the old days and how bad it is now. For those whom haven’t seen the program you will just have to enjoy this high-rise reflection and long for summer to return.
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!
Napoli – Thunderstorm 4 comments
Another pretty bland view which to be honest I wouldn’t give a second glance towards unless I was witnessing this incredible surreal lighting situation where the sun is setting behind me generating this intense backlight against a stormy sky and it was being punctuated by lightening bursts being filtered by the cloud – One of the most dramatic light dances I have ever witnessed.
Burghead – Pinky Blue Hue 7 comments
I have posted over 500 images here on WordPress most are dynamic wild Scotland with some fantastic light. This image however is probably at the other end of the spectrum – an underwhelming subtle hue of pink and blue on an abnormally calm summer’s evening. Take time to look at the subtle hue and reflections within this almost Turner like effect.
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.
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.
Watercolour in Light 31 comments
On the whole I am about Landscape photography but I also love shape and texture in cityscapes. Anyway the bottom line is I felt it was about time for an abstract. On this occasion not using architectural texture but light – I hope you find it interesting and perhaps challenge your perception of my work in some small way.
