Fine Art Landscape Photography of Scotland

Buachaille Etive Mor, River Etive, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor

The most photographed mountain in Scotland, it stands at the top of Glencoe on the edge of Rannoch Moor. This is a fine elemental image - winter on the mountain, rich autumn colours, moving water in the foreground and a sky full of character.

Weather here can be poor and it took many years and several visits before this hugely successful photograph was captured.

Eilean Donan Castle

Set in a magnificent location at the meeting of Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long there are few really good images of this classic Scottish castle - this though is a cracker. I`d been trying for 20 years to capture a good one and the chances this day were not looking good, bleak, bitter with leaden skies.

However high tide with little wind meant good reflections and momentarily enough sun filtered through to brighten the castle and mountains beyond. Seconds later the sun was lost for the day. Front cover of 2009 calendar.

Glencoe

Site of the massacre of 38 of the MacDonald clan in 1692. This easily accessible area (A72) is understandably very popular with walkers and climbers. The old crofters cottage gives an eye-catching focal point to the photograph and emphasises the remoteness and scale of the landscape here.

Glen Torridon, Loch Clair and Liathach

This is an area of wild and unique landscape. A frustrating morning began waiting for a fickle sun to cast enough light to emphasise the strong autumn colours in the foreground, the remnants of the Caledonian pine forest in the centre and Liathach, one of the Torridonian giants, beyond.

I was rewarded after several hours with this lovely, gentle view of the Scottish landscape. Persistence and patience really do pay dividends.

The Sound of Taransay, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

The beaches of northern Harris are superb and early in November, deserted.

Atlantic depressions dominate the weather at this time of year so I was fortunate to enjoy this wonderful day sandwiched between some truly dreadful ones. It resulted in many successful images on empty beaches from dawn till dusk. Later on in the day whilst researching locations, hidden in the dunes of Luskentyre, I was privileged to watch as a sea otter emerged from the sea and played on the empty beach below.

Clearing Skies, Inverness

Looking towards Inverness from the Moray Firth. A great sky and calm waters combine to create this gentle study of light and reflection.

Red Cuillin and Glen Sligachan, Isle of Skye

Sgurr Mhairi and Glamaig to the left, Marsco to the right and the jagged outline of Bla Bheinn of the Black Cuillin in the centre. The area of Glen Sligachan is a photographers delight - rivers, mountain streams, mountains and wilderness a plenty. The Red Cuillin are a more gentle alternative to the almost alpinesque Black Cuillin but still look impressive in this gorgeous evening light taken from an unusual angle.

Glen Shiel and the Saddle

The Saddle, only Scottish Munroe (mountain over 3000 feet ) with an English name. Site of the Battle of Glen Shiel in 1719.

This great winter scene had just enough sunlight to emphasise the true sense of mountain landscape and the River Shiel gives energy to the foreground. Snow fell heavily after taking this shot and signalled an early finish to the day. Note the deer herd on the left bank unaffected by my presence.

Black Cuillin and Loch Scavaig from Elgol, Isle of Skye

When the weather allows this is a great view of the Cuillin Ridge, without doubt Britain's finest ridge line. This presents quite a challenge and should not be taken lightly.

Glen Sligachan and the Black Cuillin, Isle of Skye

A winters view of Sgurr nan Gillean on the left and Am Basteir to the right (the tooth can clearly be seen in the centre). After days of heavy snow I was blessed with a stunning day - great dawn light followed with deep, cold blue skies. After working all morning an exhilarating walk over to Glen Brittle completed a pretty good day.

View towards the Inner Hebrides, Isle of Skye and Raasay

I have been travelling to Scotland for over 20 years, mostly in Autumn and Winter, and have learnt not to expect great weather. This trip though was truly dreadful.

This image was captured between two particularly vicious storms, the 15 minutes of stillness came as a complete surprise but produced this wonderfully atmospheric and reflective shot - the only successful shot of the two week trip! An hour after this image was taken the high winds and lashing rain had returned.

Waterfall near the Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye

On days when good light is fleeting or non existent finding alternatives to open landscapes really pays dividends. Waterfalls are ideal as the contrast levels can be to high in bright light. Here a long lens and a slow shutter speed allow the water to blur, creating a gentle sense of movement throughout the picture.

Winter Birchwood, near Loch Maree and Glen Torridon

This wood forms part of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, now protected, near Loch Maree and Glen Torridon. A dull winters day and Velvia film make a good combination for woodland scenes as the inherent contrast of the film highlights the richness of tones in these birches.

Ben Nevis and the Mamores from Glencoe

Another cold and dark climb up the Devils Staircase to watch sunrise. Sadly not on this morning but there was enough promise in the sky to justify waiting. Lighting and weather conditions, especially in the mountains, can be very mobile.

Experience, a feel for the conditions and an understanding of forecasts help determine your options. If you are not sure - wait, especially when the views are so good, and research new angles, but always be ready for when the light strikes - it may be fleeting. Here enough light falls both on Ben Nevis, on the left and on snow capped peaks further right which contrast rather well against the dark sky, to make a successful image.

Suilven and Canisp, Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, Sutherland

Although not a Munroe, Scottish mountain over 3000 feet, Suilven is one of the most distinctive Scottish mountains as it stands alone in an ancient and remote wilderness. For me this view looking north from Stac Pollaidh is simply the finest the British Isles has to offer.

Many times I have climbed Stac Pollaidh, often in poor weather and usually before sunrise, hoping for good light, knowing great views await me. On this trip I was privileged to watch sunrise two mornings running from high up on Stac Pollaidh and could marvel as this unique landscape emerged from the shadows - awesome. It seems almost untouched by man, it's as if the Ice Age glaciers have just retreated scrapping the land clean and leaving a few mountains  to stand in isolation.

Cul Mor, Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, Sutherland

Taken on the same glorious morning as the shot of Suilven, it again emphasises the remote and unique nature of the landscape here. On both these days I didn`t see another soul on the mountain - wow. Compensation, perhaps, for all those times when the weather really wasn`t that good!

Pebbles, Moray Firth

Another of those textural shots I so enjoy and a great location for those dull days when wider landscapes are not possible. The vibrancy of the cool pebbles contrast brilliantly with the warmth of the sandstone cliff.

Dune Shadows, NE Harris, Outer Hebridesd

Fine texture. delicate colours, simple composition and gentle lighting, a terrific combination that always excites me. This looks impressive as a large canvas print.

All photographs are copyright © Ed Collacott - all rights reserved.
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