Society of Scottish Landscape Photographers
Scotland's Beauty
Welcome to the next in the Society's Exhibition series "Scotland's Beauty" focussing on the more traditional landscape beauty of our beloved country. For this exhibition we have gathered 20 of the finest landscape photographers in Scotland to showcase both their work and the landscape they love. The venue for this event is Skypark in Glasgow and we are very happy to have an exhibition in Glasgow for the first time and to have it for 2 months. All the images shown are for sale and members can be contacted on the information they have given in the book. For this exhibition we are very proud again to be sponsored by both Zeiss and Kase, two of the biggest names in the photography world and this is an indicator to the quality shown in this book. We hope to see you in Glasgow but if not and you have any questions please feel free to email me davie@soslp.com and for more information on the Society itself please go to www.soslp.com Davie Hudson (Chairperson)
Neil McDade The photographer Neil McDade is a 43 year old photographer from Bathgate, West Lothian. He runs a brand named Spectacular Scotland which can be viewed on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The main focus of his photography is capturing images of our spectacular landscapes, historical buildings and Scottish Castles. He started in photography around 2013 when he bought his first travel camera which gave him the grounding for the skills he has learned up until now. Over the years this photographer has recognised that not only an eye for detail is essential but the quality of the glass in the lenses and camera are just as important. Nowadays Neil uses a Nikon D850 with a selection of premium lenses by Nikon and Tamron. As Neil works full time as a senior nurse for the NHS, he is unable to dedicate his time fully to the art of photography. However when he can he usually focuses his time photographing the majestic highlands and Islands of Scotland as he finds these areas to be the most picturesque parts of the country. Mountains, glens, lochs, castles and waterfalls are of huge interest to Neil and are the many focus of his works.In the future this photographer would love to progress onto new ideas such as film and potentially start photography workshops as he feels his knowledge of photography and locations would stand him in good stead. If you would like a print of this image or have any questions about my work, please do not hesitate to contact me at blueknight2003@hotmail.com
Lone Autumnal Tree at Glen Coe Lone Autumnal Tree standing strong against the elements on the banks of the River Etive at Glen Coe. The famous Buachaille Etive Mor and a developing rainbow seen in the backdrop. Size of framed print - 24” x 19.75” Image taken with the Nikon D850, Nikon 16-35mm at F11 and a 1 sec exposure, ISO-100 Paper Type and Mount - Fujifine Art Photo Rag 300gsm with a satin black spectrum frame with white mount. £195
Ruth Grindrod Ruth is a landscape photographer living in Norfolk in the UK. Her work is shot digitally using a Nikon 810 with various lenses and a Fuji xt3, again with various lenses. She began taking photos using a Nikon FE2 and using film, processing and printing her black and white images herself. In those early years, she concentrated on photographing the areas she lived in such as London and East Anglia but found that her work commitments over took all and her photography dwindled. Over the last 5-6 years, Ruth has made photography central to her life. She digitally processes now and prints her own images for her exhibitions and for sales. Although living in East Anglia, Ruth spends a considerable time in Scotland which she considers to be one of the most amazing landscapes in Europe. She particularly favours sea and coastal landscapes which she shoots in all seasons and weathers.
Ruth’s style can be described as inclusive; in other words, she is not a fan of producing images that all have a similar style, preferring instead to experience the landscape as she takes it and process it according to the emotional response it elicits. Ruth likes to exhibit her work as framed prints as she believes that the final print is the ultimate testimony to the quality of the photograph. Ruth does of course also demonstrate the range of her work via her website www.ruthgrindrodlandscapephotography.com. Ruth’s work has been awarded in competitions such as Landscape Photographer of the Year, Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year, Scottish Nature Photography Awards, International Color Awards and Black and White Spider
On The Rocks - Harris This shot, taken on the rocks near Seilibost on the Isle of Harris, was taken in late October at dusk. I chose a long exposure to emphasise a sense of stillness and to complement the tonal ranges of the pool, the sea and the sky Taken on Nikon 810 with Nikkor 24-70mm lens f 13 exposure 30 secs iso100 plus 1.8 firecrest ND filter Printed on Permajet FB Matt 280g Arqadia Minuet board mount withTru Vue Ultra vue glass Price ÂŁ130 Print size 330mm by 483mm Framed size 670mm x 540mm
Alistair Dick Alistair is a relative latecomer to ‘serious’ photography, having reactivated his interest at the point where digital photography began to make inroads into the public arena. Having had a latent interest since he first bought a film camera back in the late ‘70s’, the interest lay mainly dormant until digital cameras started to become commonplace and the digital darkroom allowed the photographer to take more control of the interpretation and output of the image that was in the photographers mind. Since the tools became available, it’s been a long and never-ending learning curve as he strives to get the best out of the frames available after the capture process.
As for the capture process itself, Alistair is not a mountaineer or overnight wild camper - he won’t be found on top of a Torridon mountain at dawn or in the middle of a blizzard! His photography is definitely a social activity with the very occasional early morning start thrown in - much more a night bird than a morning lark, and doesn’t mind admitting it! He shoots for his own pleasure, sometimes with a definite target in mind, sometimes just squeezing in a few opportunities while on holiday breaks around the country and abroad. Describing himself as a bit of a photographic magpie, he likes to try different styles, crops and processes, trying to maximise the pleasure from whatever scene presents itself. Over the years he has been able to collect a decent equipment set centred around Canon cameras and lenses, so really there are no technical excuses, just occasional lapses of ability. The most difficult skill in photography - for Alistair, it’s composition - “Every time I shoot, I always think the composition could be improved” - that will be a challenge forever, and the one that makes him go back and try again. There are many and varied opinions on the benefits or otherwise of social media, but there is no doubt in Alistair’s mind that being exposed to the beauty and skill of other photographers work on social media was definitely a factor in striving to improve his skills, and is delighted to be part of the group. “Thanks to all for sharing your output, without which, I wouldn’t be here.”
Killiecrankie Tree Abstract Snow laden trees on a hillside in Killiecrankie during the winter of 2017/18 ,26” x 26” Framed Printed on Epson Fine Art Cotton 215gsm Canon 5Diii, Canon EF70-200mm ISO50 F4.0 1/160s Price £160
Andy MacDougall It took decades for Andy MacDougall to find his chosen creative expression. With a love of learning above all else, forays into painting, drawing, marker pen rendering, wood sculpture and film photography were both diverse and enjoyable but didn’t provide the instantaneous feedback that allowed him constant self-challenge and progression. Eventually he found other outlets in the visual arts which brought greater satisfaction, dabbling latterly in wheel thrown stoneware pottery, but consumed by his main passion, an urge to be outdoors and immersed in digital photography. Andy settled on the genre of Landscape (including Seascapes and Urbanscapes) in the early 2000’s. His appreciation of the artistry and adaptability required in landscape photography has grown steadily and, while retaining a literal style that eschews heavy post production processing, his current direction of travel is towards simple colour palettes and graphical scenes.
He enjoys the entire process, before and after the press of the shutter, of immersive photography – gathering knowledge of Scotland’s geography as he travels and explores every area within the country, driving, camping, hiking, researching the history of locations and writing creatively (although often irreverently) online about each photograph that holds his attention. Printing and framing an image is the culmination of a long series of steps and with so much investment in each photograph, Andy treats this final part of the process with reverence, only issuing a maximum of 50 physical, signed and numbered prints of any of his images. Andy has been regularly shortlisted and awarded in national photographic competitions, something that he does not take overly seriously but is still proud of as he continues to jostle creatively and good naturedly with the landscape photography community, helping him drive his personal standards progressively higher. Andy posts his latest images regularly on Facebook and Instagram as “PhotoForMyWall”. Having attracted three quarters of a million visits, Andy’s website www.PhotoForMyWall.com, remains a popular route to staying in touch with his work.
Escaping South Geese taking off above the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh, as the first snow of the winter approaches. Walking near the Pentland Hills, I saw the first flurries of snowfall of the year. Luck was with me as migrating geese took off and formed their squadron, framing the peaks across Threipmuir Reservoir. Limited edition print on matt textured Hahnemuhle William Turner 190gsm paper and framed at 26” x 26” in a classic satin black mount £185
Alastair Mann Alastair Mann is a landscape photographer based in Fife, Scotland. Alastair’s passion for landscape and seascape photography takes him across all parts of Scotland and every week he can be found out and about with his camera in hand. He mainly captures images of Scotland and his native Ireland, but as a younger man, spent 14 years in the military where he was fortunate to be able to photograph parts of the world not always accessible to the general public. Alastair has received a number of awards over the years and his work has been published in magazines, including the front cover of HMS Queen Elizabeth Commissioning Book. In 2015 Alastair was awarded a Silver Medal in the Scottish Photographic Federation Digital Championship and in 2018 he was shortlisted as a finalist in The Scots Magazine Photographer of the Year. If you would like to find out more about Alastair and his photography follow his You Tube channel AlastairMannPhotography or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ alastairmannphotography
Crows Nest Frame size 43.5cm x 53.5cm £150
John McSporran John McSporran is a photographer living in Erskine and The Trossachs areas of Scotland. His work has been extensively used and published on-line, in various magazines and by various companies for promotional material or calendars. He supports local business in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. His photography is primarily landscapes. He has a love of the mountains and scenery of Scotland and combines photography with mountain climbing and wild camping. He reached the finals of Mountain Photo of the Year in 2017 and got 2nd place (Runner Up) in 2018. “I normally climb (or descend) mountains in the dark, before dawn or after sunset, to catch those special moments as the sun rises and sets – the ‘golden hours’ of landscape photography. I do it in all weathers and at all times of the year. I have been up top in knee deep snow when the temperatures are 'a wee bit chilly’ (minus 20) requiring the use of crampons and ice axe: or been caught in storms on mountain tops in 60mph winds when the tent has collapsed about me. At other times I can be found beside the lochs of Scotland to capture the morning mists or dawn reflections. I’ve seen things most people have never seen. A perfect fog bow lit by the mid-winter dawn on top of Ben A’an in the Trossachs after a night climb, the Aurora Borealis dancing across the sky while wild camping on top of Stac Pollaidh and The Fiddler in Coigach in the North West Highlands, watched seas of mist flow round Suilven while camping on the summit, emerged out of a temperature inversion to see Buachaille Etive Mor wreathed in flames by the morning sunlight in Glen Coe. All those moments would be lost in time, like tears in the rain, if I was not there to photograph them.” You can view John’s photographs on his website www.johnmcsporran.com
The Easain Mountains, The Mamores, taken from Stob Mhic Mhartuin, Glen Coe
Euan Ross Euan is an amateur Scottish landscape photographer based in Glasgow in the West of Scotland. His interest in photography stems from his love of travel but it is only in recent years that it has developed into a true passion. Euan’s main interest is in the landscape with a particular focus on the coast but he shoots for himself first and foremost and photographs scenes that appeal to him.
It’s a continuous journey as he strives to improve his work wherever possible, even by just the smallest of margins. In recent years he has exhibited work at open exhibitions including the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts. You can view more of Euan’s work on his website, www.circa35mm.com, and you can find him on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .
Sea Slabs #1 It was a particularly high tide which revealed a number of interesting compositions as the waves ebbed and flowed to accompany the soft tones in the sky as the sun set. Edition - 1 of 15 £250 Frame Size - 24” x 20” Image Size - 17.5” x 14”
Neil Pitchford Neil Pitchford is a Gold Standard award winning semi-professional photographer living in North East Glasgow. His photographic journey started back in the early 1970's at Secondary school where he was fortunate enough to learn and use film cameras, especially the USSR Zenith cameras. He has worked as a domestic gas engineer for over 40 years but he continued to dabble in photography with the early digital cameras, though he found the image quality not to his liking and consequently he didn't persevere with it. Originating in the East Midlands / South Yorkshire areas, it wasn't until Neil moved to Scotland around 2011 that photography started to interest him again. He brought his first entry level DSLR, a Nikon D3100 around 2011 as wildlife photography was taking his interest, especially the availability in Scotland for subjects to do such photography. He joined the Guild of Photographers in mid 2016 with a view to learning and improving his photography through their presitigious Image of the Month competitions and their photographic training days. Around that same time, his photographic interests had expanded and he had started taking images in both Landscape and Macro genres. For Neil, these were a natural progression, especially as a modern day Druid, the landscape is part of his spiritual experience. To date (July 2019), Neil has achieved over 84 awards across Landscape, wildlife and macro genres, achieving Gold, Silver and Bronze standards across these genres. His website is www.awenphotos.uk Awen being the Druid concept loosely translated as "Flowing Inspiration".
This Gold standard award winning image, taken of Ben Lomond in early March 2019, was taken from Crow Road in the Campsies. Neil was taking images with a "new to him" Nikon D810 full frame camera and he had connected an old Tokina ATX 300mm F4 prime lens. The lens is about 20 years old and it's rear focusing elements are completely missing. This means it has very limited use. Neil had almost got rid of the lens several times over the years but it never really happened. Consequently he wasn't expecting anything of quality from either the camera or lens. As it turned out, that combination created this image, which was classed as a Gold Standard image by The Guild of Photographers in June 2019. Image Size 20" x 12" with a Frame Size of 25" x 17" ÂŁ160
David Queenan David Queenan is a freelance graphic designer and photographer based in central Scotland. He was first introduced to film photography while studying for a degree in Graphic Design at Dundee College of Art and credits the use of Photoshop in his career as a graphic artist for developing an interest in digital photography. He now mainly shoots Scottish landscapes and has been commended in both the Scottish and UK Landscape Photographer of the Year competitions as well as winning the Scottish Nature Photography Awards in 2015.
Email: daqueenan@me.com Website: www.dqphotography.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DavidQueenanPhotography Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidqueenan/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidqueenan
Sunflower Sunrise Sale Price: £180, Size: 24” x 24”, Printed on Fuji Professional Lustre photographic paper with a white 2” mount in black satin frame. A field of sunflowers in West Lothian taken at sunrise. I used a narrow aperture of f/22 to create the ‘sunstar’ effect, where the sunlight was breaking through the branches of the tree. Camera: Fujifilm X-E2 Lens: Fujinon XF50-140mm Exposure: 1/40th sec at f/22, ISO 200 3 Legged Thing Tripod
Graham MacKay Graham is an aspiring landscape photographer based in Glasgow. Having grown up beside the beach on the North Sea coast, it is perhaps not surprising that he developed a love for the outdoors. Although always a Highlander at heart, schooling and studies took him south to Glasgow, finally settling as a Consultant at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The combination of science and craft which led him to a career in Surgery are the same aspects which attracted him to the art of photography. While often drawn back to the Highlands, and in particular the west coast, Graham does occasionally venture further afield. His aim in photographing the places that he visits is to try to capture some of the atmosphere and character of the landscape. Graham has had portfolios of his work 'Highly Commended' in national photography awards including the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards. He has also had images published in national magazines and exhibited work in galleries around Scotland.
To follow Grahams work please go to www.grahammackayphotography.com and @macsurg on twitter
Cul Mor Sunset Size: 21” x 26” Description: A spring sunset captured from the summit of Cul Mor looking north towards Suilven, Canisp and Quinag. The shapes of the eroded sandstone are repeated in the lenticular cloud formations, which are relatively rare in Inverpolly. Sony A7Riii Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Printed on Fotospeed Platinum Cotton 305 paper with 2” white acid free mount and high quality black exhibition frame. £180
Paul Millar Paul is a Multi Award winning semi-professional photographer from the Glasgow area. His view on photography comes from an admiration of those who can put pencil to paper and paint to canvas, allowing him to use his photography to fulfil a creative obsession and desire.
A question put to Paul, some seven years ago, would perhaps change his life for ever. That question being, you have a DSLR camera, what do you use it for? He hopes from his exhibition image, the answer to that question has been fulfilled, as he travels Scotland capturing the light from the darkness. Paul now brands himself under the banner Paul Millar Photography, offering bespoke fine art framed prints to the highest of standards. Additionally, Paul also offers 1 to 1, land, sea and cityscape workshops tailor made to his clients needs. He also became a Brand Ambassador for Formatt Hitech Filters earlier this year and is very proud of this achievement. Please feel free to contact Paul at paulmillarlandscape@gmail.com or follow him on Facebook: Paul Millar Photography or Instagram: paulmillarphotography
Locan of Ice Paul Millar Photography presents the image Lochan of ice, framed in a Black 26x26 inch square with double mount, white with black inlay, glazed with nonreflective glass. The image beautifully printed on Baryta White fine art paper, using black inks only to bring the stunning winter view over Lochan na h-Achlaise to life. ÂŁ165
www.seankerrphotography.com Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
White Islands "It's an extremely rare occurrence for snow to lie on the islands of Northton Salt Marsh on the Isle of Harris. To time it at sunrise and low tide was a coming together of rare factors to create a very special scene. Only 20 minutes later, the ice and snow had started to disappear and the islands were submerged a few hours later. 'The Beast From the East', a cold weather storm from Siberia was to be thanked for this! I loved the combination of the ice and flowing water, the blue tones created by the combination of the stormy skies and dawn light contrasting with the brilliance of the snow. If you look closely, there is also a snowfall over the summit of Ceapabhal, the hill in the backdrop. I was delighted to win the Landscape category in the 2018 Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year awards with this image."
Chris Hoskins Chris Hoskins is a semi-professional photographer based in West Lothian. Motivated by a love of Scotland and adventure, he loves discovering new places to capture and explore. Chris has travelled worldwide in his search for new locations and spends many hours scouring maps for places to visit. He seeks to inspire others to responsibily visit the amazing wealth of natural beauty in Scotland, leaving no trace and picking up what litter is lying around. His aim is to capture the landscape as naturally as possible so that others who are less able to explore can view the scene as authentically as possible.
"This image of Portmore Loch in the Borders is the result of exploring maps for new locations. A Loch, with a jetty, what photographer could resist visiting this for sunrise? Portmore Loch is a beautiful little fishing loch not far from Peebles, perfectly placed for capturing an autumn sunrise. 17mm, 3.2 seconds, f/13 with a 0.9 Graduated filter and a 0.9 ND filter." 26" x 26" Frane Size ÂŁ210
John Thow John Thow is an amateur photographer whose passion lies in capturing the rugged and beautiful landscapes around his native Scotland. John was born in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, but could never be called a 'city' boy. By the age of 16 he was navigating Scotland's 3000 feet mountains, otherwise known as The Munros, inspired by the peace and tranquillity surrounding him. John joined HM Forces in 1983, serving in the Parachute Regiment and latterly as a member of the Red Devils Free Fall Display Team until 1998. During his time as a Paratrooper John was trained in the technical aspects of photography and lenses, ranging from 50mm to 2000mm, for use in special operations with his unit. John started to take landscape photography seriously as a hobby in 2012 and since then has been ' chasing the light' all around Scotland, happiest camping out in remote locations or on a mountain summit to catch a stunning sunrise or sunset. John has recently started to add moody monochromes to his catalogue, enjoying the simplicity yet complexity that can be achieved from black and whites.
“Everyone can enjoy the beauty around them. Just stop for a moment, look outwards and breathe it in� www.johnthowphotography.com
Firecracker Castle Stalker, on Loch Laich, north east of Port Appin, Argyll. Taken at sunset on a glorious summer evening in September.
Allan Donald Allan is an amateur landscape photographer from Dumbarton, who's passion is for the mountains and wild places of Highland Scotland. He is happiest when wandering in these high places with his camera or camping on a remote summit and watching the light bring a landscape to life. Allan took up photography seriously five years ago after many years of hill walking and mountaineering as a means of documenting his trips.However, photography soon became a major part of his life. On the hills in all seasons, it is winter which stirs his passion most, both in terms of mountaineering and photography. Allan aims to recreate his images as true to their natural state using minimal editing and letting the light work its magic. His love for the mountain landscape enables him to create images which few get to witness first hand, therefore through his photography he brings the wild places of Scotland closer to home. Overall winner of this years Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year, the image on display being one of his trio of winning images.
Follow Allan on :Facebook www.facebook.com/mountainandfloodphotography Instagram www.instagram.com/allanjdonald
Shining Peak The perfectly formed peak of Sgorr a'Choise making an appearance from low cloud, highlighted by brief sunlight. The ominous bulk of Beinn a'Bheithir remaining in the cloud behind. Taken from Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glen Coe. Nikon D7100, f5 / ISO100 / 1/400sec / 65mm focal length Size - Frame 24 x 16" Print 20 x 12" Black satin frame / white mount / Epson Fine Art Cotton 215gsm Price -ÂŁ180
Scott Campbell Scott is a physiotherapist and self taught photographer from Glasgow. Scott enjoys nothing more than being outside in the Scottish mountains. The last two years have been dedicated to capturing the drama created by the ever changing Scottish weather. Scott is a big believer in printed images and is constantly looking to expand his photography book collection. Inspired by his dad, Scott first started photography in 2012 when he bought is first DSLR camera. He began to photograph friends doing extreme sports and producing images for local club competitions. A change in career seen the camera slowly begin to gather dust. However in 2017, Scott picked up the camera again and now dedicates his time solely to landscape photography.
Over the last two years, Scott has travelled all round Scotland to some remote locations with a backpack, tent and camera. During this time he has witnessed some spectacular sights, battled the elements, been eaten alive by midges but has remained focussed on capturing those brief special moments that occur each day.
To contact Scott please email: scott_campbell92@hotmail.co.uk or follow him on Instagram @scottcampbell92
Storm Brian Looms This image is one that I had envisaged for a long time. A lot of what I do involves waiting for conditions to be just right. As Storm Brian hit the West Coast of Scotland I new the conditions could be right. I made my way to this lone tree. The tractor lines in field lead nicely towards the tree and large storm clouds provide a menacing backdrop. The sun was just beginning to set behind me which provided a nice balance to the scene. Size is 26 x 19 ", fine art paper, white mount and classic black frame. Price ÂŁ180
Ian Barnes Ian is an amateur landscape and outdoor photographer based in London. Living in a city has driven him to explore and embrace the nature in all its glory. A few years ago he watched a documentary called ‘Chasing Ice’. A film about nature photographer James Balog and his Extreme Ice Survey highlighted the effects of climate change and hugely influenced the development of Ian’s photography. Whilst he has a love for mountains and winter landscapes he also endeavours to hone his skills in other areas such as woodland & wildlife photography.
A proud member of the Society of Scottish Landscape Photographers, he was shortlisted for the 2017 & 2018 ‘Scottish Landscape Photographer of The Year’ competition which he recognises as a huge achievement and strengthens his drive for creativity. Ian has been commissioned to carry out commercial photography for GO Campers in Iceland as well as a number of private clients. His work has been published in Amateur Photographer and Outdoor Photography magazines. Ian also prints and mounts his own work and is currently working on the skills required to produce his own picture frames. There are many processes in photography and he believes a photograph is not complete until it has been printed, framed and hung on a wall for all to enjoy. For more of Ian’s work please visit www.ianbarnesphotography.co.uk or follow him on Facebook & Instagram.
Evergreen , Plodda Falls near Glen Affric in the Highlands of Scotland The warm glow from the sun created this vibrant autumnal scene with lush greens and golden browns. Image printed on Hahnemühle German Etching Paper which guarantees archival quality and treated with Hahnemühle protective spray. Double mount using high quality acid free board and a Black Frame Nikon D810 Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 ¼ sec at f8.0 ISO 100 Frame Size: 67cm x 52cm Black Frame
Price £185
For more of Craig’s work please go to his website www.craigscottphotographer.com or you can follow him on Facebook or Instagram @craigscottphotographer
Rattray Head Sunrise Rattray Head Lighthouse during a cold winter sunrise. This was a planned trip to visit the lighthouse with an incoming and just before high tide. This is printed on Fuji Photo Rag 300gsm fine art paper, set within a 2 inch white mount in a quality 24” x 20” black satin frame. £225 inc postage