Winter Photography
I’m getting all set for a trip up north. I’ll be hitting the Scottish Highlands from mid December till just after Christmas. It’s long overdue as I’ve not had much time over the past few years to photograph my own country and I have to say that I cannot wait!
So what I would like to ask you all is this: Do you ever plan trips to a place you love? If so, do you find that your mind ‘dreams’ up images of what you wish to photograph when you get there? Do you essentially day-dream about the experiences of being out there, roaming the landscape with your camera?
I know that my mind is currently filled with aspirations and dreams about my forthcoming trip. But it’s not just the images that I am seeking. It is the feeling of just heading out there with a loose plan, knowing that surprises will come my way and images will be born that I had never anticipated.
Then again, there is the sense of freedom I am looking forward to also. The right to wander the landscape during the small hours of the mornin once I’ve dragged myself out of my sub zero tent no doubt. I guess it all ads up to be part of one big adventure.
My rough plan is as follows:
Half a week on the Isle of Eigg
Then into Torridon, exploring Applecross beach with it’s fine views over to the isle of Skye
Then up towards Ullapool and Inverpolly which has some of the most distinctive mountains in Scotland
Up towards Oldshoremore beach reaching Cape Wrath, one of the most bleakest and barren parts of the British Isles
Over towards the Kyle of Tongue with expansive beaches and mountains
hitting my Dad’s house sometime on or before Christmas for some warm food and a bath no doubt.
So where are you heading to next?
It is the feeling of just heading out there with a loose plan, knowing that surprises will come my way and images will be born that I had never anticipated
Being in those types of environments is a wonderful pleasure.. to feel the icy wind on your face, to get wet socks from the waves topping your wellies (or is that just me) and the invigorating feeling of solitude and peace that comes from being in such locations…..if I’m honest I’m jealous of your locations, I’d love to get out there in such locations but time and budget doesn’t allow (oh yes wife and kids too)
But anyway you didn’t need to know that!
I also find that having some kind of vision distorts your enjoyment of the place…I so often go out wanting to achieve the type of shot that I’ve visualised but when I come back and I’ve fallen sideways it can leave you with misplaced expectations. Anyway you might want to have a look at some of my thoughts on this (that is if you have time) http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoimage/3076135873/
Anyway great to stumble across you, have I already said that (sorry)
Jason
Comment by jason theaker — 9 December, 2008 @ 4:46 pm