Do You Sleep With The Window Open or Closed?
There are two kinds of people: those who keep their bedroom windows shut and secure… and those who open them wide, inviting whatever the night brings. As a landscape photographer in the Scottish Highlands, I find myself navigating between these two choices. The allure of fresh Highland air calls to me, but the unpredictable weather can quickly change a peaceful night into an adventure. Join me as I explore the balance between enjoying nature and finding comfort, and uncover the lessons that come with every open window.
Landscape Photographers And Their Struggles With the Weather
Spend more than five minutes with a landscape photographer and you’ll hear it.
The sigh. O The Sigh!!!
The thoughtful squint at the horizon.
The slow shake of the head.
Holding the Scottish Highlands in my Hands…
The Shape of Love in a Wild Landscape… There was a time…When it was just me…and the Highlands. No schedules…No itineraries…No one to answer to. Just the mountains…The glens…The rivers… The beaches…And the wind, the rain…carrying storiesthat have lived here for centuries. I was younger then.Strong.Endless.I could walk for hours…Chasing light…Chasing storms…Chasing the quiet…that only […]
Is My Photography Schedule Too Punishing… or Too Perfect?
As I sit down to write this blog, my suitcase is still half-open in the corner of the room. I only returned last night from three windswept, wonderful weeks running photography workshops in the Outer Hebrides, and by tomorrow morning I’ll be on the road again—off to Glencoe to begin the next adventure. From there, […]
Torridon – When the Mountains Finally Turned White
There’s something about Torridon that never fails to deliver. From gusty winds and driving rain to moments of perfect stillness and a touch of snow, the landscape transforms hour by hour, offering a masterclass in patience and reward. One morning, we witnessed a magical scene at Loch Coulin, where the water mirrored the majestic peaks above, creating a moment of pure, creative tension. As the week unfolded, the unpredictable beauty of the Highlands reminded us why we endure the elements — for those fleeting, unforgettable moments that capture the wild grandeur of this extraordinary landscape.
Moray Coast: Breathtaking Views of Scotland’s Quiet Masterpiece
Exploring the light, locations, and compositions that make the Moray Coast a photographer’s dream. There’s a certain hush to the Moray Coast — a softness that creeps in from the North Sea and settles over fishing villages, harbours, and sandy stretches. Unlike the west coast with its jagged mountains and dramatic light, this coastline whispers. […]
So You Think You Could Run a Photography Workshop? Here’s the Truth Behind the Lens
Expect the Unexpected: Tales from the Frontline of Photography Workshops I thought running a photography workshop would be all sunrises, laughter, and Instagrammable moments. I imagined myself as a wise, camera-wielding guru, effortlessly guiding a small group of eager students to capture the perfect shot. How wrong I was. Reality, it turns out, is far […]
My 3 Favourite Photography Locations on the Orkney Islands:
Light, Landscape, and Wildlife: Orkney – A Photographer’s Paradise Brough of Birsay The Orkney Islands are a photographer’s dream. With dramatic coastlines, sweeping skies, ancient ruins, and abundant wildlife, every corner offers a new subject to capture. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to spend time exploring these islands with my camera in hand, […]
The Ultimate Scottish Photography Experience – Embracing the Highs & the Lows & Why It’s Worth It.
Leading 23 Photography Trips Across the Scottish Highlands and Islands: Over the next nine months, I’ll be leading 23 scheduled photography trips through the Scottish Highlands and Islands — a schedule that excites me as much as it daunts me. Scotland’s wild landscapes have long drawn photographers from across the globe, and guiding others in […]
8 Great Lighthouses to photograph in Scotland: At the Edge of the Sea
Whenever I travel through the Scottish Highlands, I feel a pull toward the coast. There, where rugged headlands meet the restless Atlantic, I find some of my favourite subjects: lighthouses.