A well-known view, complete with leading-lines fence and everything…
Tag Archives: landscape
Inverawe Impressions (10/10)
For the final instalment in this series of images from Inverawe, three of the most characteristic subjects: sweeping lines of larch branches; a closeup of a particularly characterful oak leaf; and the road leading ever on and beyond.
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Inverawe Impressions (8/10)
Where we walked.
The old fellow was the first dog with whom I’d found an understanding. I remember it well – sitting in the back garden in the middle of one’s labours, he came around, sat beside me and basically said “look, it’s TLC behind the flappers, OK?”, and that was the moment of breakthrough. When he departed, I took the photo of Ben Cruachan beyond the trees in his honour; every time I’ve passed that spot since, I remember the ol’ dog – with much fondness.
Inverawe Impressions (7/10)
The series of photos from the Inverawe estate continues with a study of ways to enjoy the landscape. Ben Cruachan (aka the hollow mountain, because it was hollowed-out for the hydro-electric scheme) stands 1126m (3694ft) high. There’s fishing in the lily-pond.
Inverawe Impressions (5/10)
The study of shapes and lines of trees in Inverawe continues. This time, we span all the ages from a young wayside beech sapling to my favourite goat willow (Salix caprea), the Old Friend in an increasing state of collapse (but none the less loved for that!).
Inverawe Impressions (2/10)
Part 2 of an ongoing series of posts about the Inverawe estate in Argyll.
This time, we concentrate on mankind’s intrusion into nature. For the most part, the laird leaves the woodlands alone, untouched; however, the Forestry Commission clear-felled the slopes of Ben Cruachan, initially leaving the mountainside bare but there are now young trees beginning to grow in the barren patches. The unfortunate consequence has been damage to some of the water-courses, resulting in culverts that used to flow with beautiful clear peaty water now stagnant and clogged-up with algae.
That Tree: Millarrochy Oak
“Make Photo Here” – another total photographic cliché, but I figured it had to be done. The Milarrochy Oak on the shores of Loch Lomond.
What the photos don’t show you is that the tree is barely three yards from the edge of the carpark and, with a pleasant sunset behind it, there were four other photographers lined-up along the strip of beach.
It has the advantage of just being in the Highlands: the caravan-site at Milarrochy Bay is definitely north of the Highland Boundary Fault, on psammite and semi-pelite; while the oak tree itself is in a local igneous intrusion surrounded by sandstone conglomerate.
Obligatory Zig-Zag
I remember when I first saw a contact of mine on Flickr produce a photo of this scene, quite a few years ago now – and it’s become quite the cliché since.
So, take your pick: wide-angle 16:9 or 5:4 aspect ratio similar to large-format? Black and white or colour (not so often used in longer exposures)?
Me, I liked the light – cool shades of dusk on one side of the concrete break-water, remains of a sunny afternoon on the other.
Up Kinnoull Hill: classic landscape
It has to be done – the view from Kinnoull Hill, past the folly looking along the River Tay wending its way through the Carse of Gowrie.
I made this photo partly because some scenes have to be done, and partly to test a new Carl Zeiss 50mm Tessar f/2.8 lens acquired for surprisingly-cheap on eBay. The wide-angle field of view comes from this being a panorama of 11 frames stitched together; at over 56 megapixels, there’s enough detail to easily resolve roof-tiles in the houses at the foot of the hill, or road-signs across the A90.
Winter on the South Inch
It’s my favourite time of the year. Admittedly the snow, slush and ice on the pavements makes strolling a little difficult, but that’s OK – white stuff in strange light is just wonderful.
Around Mull
A small selection of photos from a weekend trip to Mull last September – a couple of views around Lochdon, Duart Castle from the ferry and Lismore Lighthouse basking in the sunlight on the way back.
Around Kilchurn Castle
It seems a while ago now, but last September I spent a weekend trundling around Argyll. The light on the Saturday morning was absolutely beautiful – so I spent a happy couple of hours standing on the shores of Loch Awe admiring the sunlight and mist on Ben Cruachan and Kilchurn Castle, as one does.
Bright Light / City
A fairly obvious shot from a viewing location on the south side of the Tay, the road bridge disappearing in a stream of lights flowing to Dundee in the fog. At night. As a long exposure, because it’s what one does, right?
Mist over Strathearn
One of my favourite views – from above Monzie, looking along Strathearn to Glen Turret.
There’s a Highland Boundary Fault in there somewhere, too.
Stillness: the Pass of Brander
The reflections of Creag an Aonaich in Loch Awe on a calm day take some beating.
Only question is: with or without the boat?