Landscapes

So the Scottish weather improved and lockdown restrictions eased, this is the best outcome for landscape photographers.

I love a good landscape picture as do most of us. A good image can make you feel a certain way, you can imagine being there in person and it can inspire you to go visit the location. Landscapes are pictures that you can hang on your wall and they look pretty within the home, even if they were captured by a complete stranger. Now imagine being the photographer of that beautiful picture??

All that said, I have decided to give it a go. This genre is far from what I capture, but I’m excited to explore it a little more and see how I get on. I mean it looks easy enough, right?? Lol. I know it’s not easy and I learned this through studying the genre briefly in college. There are many aspects to consider before even venturing out for example; the location, framing, point of interest, accessibility, angle, weather, sky, time of day, tide times if at sea and even where the sun is and how it effects anything within the frame. That’s not everything but a start, the biggest downfall for me is patience 🙈 I am not the most patient person and landscape photography requires patience.

I captured my first landscape in 2018. I had stumbled across a lovely picture of the cloch lighthouse, Gourock, Scotland and decided to go take a similar pic. I grabbed my camera bag one evening, a friend and a tripod and headed out to capture this image. On arriving the tide was out, the sun was directed towards the white lighthouse and the rain was close by (not ideal). I wanted a slow shutter speed shot and In order to achieve this, a filter was needed to restrict the amount of light entering the camera. Unfortunately at the time, none of the filters in my bag where good enough for this, and I was unable to get the shutter speed I would have liked. I didn’t fully explore angles or viewpoints and snapped a few shots regardless. 🙈 let’s just say… I was extremely unprepared and uneducated and it shows, as you can see for yourself…

I wasn’t impressed by this and decided landscapes weren’t for me lol. Regardless of how I felt or my poor attempt I still had a brief to fulfil, so I turned to research and lots of it. Research is dreaded within the college course as its intense, tedious and hardcore throughout but I soon learned that it was necessary. I came across some beautiful places, but it’s impossible to find a lovely location in Scotland that hasn’t already been captured 100 times over. Eager to complete my course and push myself, I visited a few more beauty spots, and even managed a sunrise at 5am…

The lone tree, Milarrochy Bay, Loch Lomond

To date I am in the process of planning my next landscape and I have chosen my location, went and seen exactly what I want. I’m just waiting for that perfect day, you’ll need to keep an eye out for that ☺️

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1st May 2021 0

Back to school

With the schools returning after five months off and some schools unable to accommodate a school photographer, gave me an opportunity to capture a few school images.

Now… under normal circumstances school shoots are pretty straight forward, mums want nice tidy images shot within the studio. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Well… I don’t have the use of a studio and unable to enter anyone’s home under government guidelines meant it had to be carried out, outdoors.

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely had my doubts regarding all the things that could go wrong using studio equipment outside, but it was worth a try. I also had to work in a safe way for both myself and the client, keeping a 2 metre social distance, wearing a mask where necessary and cleaning hands and equipment before and after the shoot. I’ve included some behind the scene pictures of the setup that show how I achieved my final images, and the final results. This shoot was for the McCluskey girls, Caoimhe and Madelyn.

I was happy with the result and the girls mum was over the moon. Always nice when everything works out ☺️ “happy client, happy photographer”. I was asked to do another two school shoots because that one went so well and both clients were soo happy that they will be coming back for more. First set of images are of Brother and Sister Erin and Shay.

And lastly we have Sisters Mia and Kara.

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27th Sep 2020 3

A Difficult Decision…

After many weeks of meltdowns and stress I have decided to end my journey in education! This was not an easy decision and has weighed heavy on my shoulders, taking into consideration all aspects of both my personal and educational life I have made the right choice. I am a little apprehensive as to what the future holds as I go it alone and I hope you will all join me along the way!

Where it all began…

My educational journey began in August 2017 as I was enrolled in the NQ photography course taught in new college Lanarkshire’s Coatbridge campus. I walked through the doors with not much more than a few snapshots that could have been taken with an iPhone! The class consisted of people of all ages, ability and experience. I learned soo much within a short period of time and enjoyed every brief!

I woke up every morning and looked forward to attending class and excited about what was next! I used to use my days off going out to practise the skills learned each week! I went from taking snap shots to being able to set up lights and capture still life shots that at the time I thought were no bad lol, here is one of my first still life images taken for a “drinks” brief.

I completed the NQ course in June 2018 with everything passed and a certificate upon completion! This allowed me to progress onto the HNC level photography course taught within the Motherwell campus! This course was a big jump from NQ and along with a class full of new faces came a heavier work load! Within the first semester I noticed an improvement on my work and I have attached an image used for my “glass” brief…

The first semester flew in and the second semester along with Outside education commitments Caused a great amount of stress and I pushed myself to complete successfully! Was given an A for my graded unit which I was delighted with, received my higher national certificate and was offered a place on the HND course. When I started My photography journey, HND wasn’t something I planned on doing but I said if i was offered a place I would be silly to turn it down! Unfortunately it didn’t work out! I’ve had a great educational journey and ready for the next journey…

“When one door closes, another one opens.”
Alexander Graham Bell

Please feel free to have a look at my portfolio and if you do drop by then mind hit ‘LIKE’.

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10th Oct 2019 0