A landscape and seascape photographer's paradise
Balnakiel Beach
Whether in blazing sunshine or murky greyness, the character of the land is totally unique and constantly changing – for that window of time in which you can glimpse it, you’ll capture an exclusive snapshot of this ancient area in your mind. Park the car and gaze. This northernmost slab of the Highlands is the stuff of coastal-drive dreams.
Iconic mountains such as Stac Pollaidh and Suilven will provide a stunning backdrop to our pictures. This area is particularly rich for opportunities, with its mountains, lochs, beaches and seascapes.
Beautiful Lochs
Assynt is situated amongst some of the wildest and most remote scenery in the United Kingdom. The area is dominated by spectacular mountain scenery where isolated sandstone mountains rise up from an undulating landscape that is itself formed of Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rock types found on our planet.
We will visit some of the most scenic areas there, including Loch Assynt with its own castle that occupies a promontory on the north shore. Ardvreck castle has been the home of the MacLeod and MacKenzie families and has seen many battles.
Rugged Coastline
We will also visit the west coast of Assynt and some of its beautiful beaches with sparkling blue waters. This is when photographic dreams become reality.
Expect to experience fast moving weather systems, which at times can be challenging and a real test of your technical abilities. The light will change throughout the day and you will learn to get the best out of it – this will help you not only be more productive, it can also foster creativity and make it easier to be more flexible when unexpected conditions happen in the future.
Winter Landscape
Inverpolly and Assynt; these are areas of Scotland that have no equal anywhere else on this planet. Mountains, glens, lochs and stunning locations are all waiting to be discovered. Combined with my in-depth experience of the area and superb low angled winter light, it can only be a recipe for photographic indulgence. Low-light winter days add drama, beauty and tranquillity to this rugged and weathered landscape.
Inverpolly National Nature Reserve
If remoteness, tranquillity, total isolation and awe inspiring scenery is what you are seeking, then this place comes on top of any other in my list of places in Scotland. The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve is a vast area of heather and grass moorland dotted with lochs and rocky peaks in the north-west of Scotland.