I arrived on the shores of Loch Scavaig, located on the south coast of Isle of Skye, late in the afternoon. The sky was dark, and a light rain created an atmosphere ideal for photographing a dramatic Scottish landscape. I started hiking towards the water's edge with my camera gear safely stored in my backpack. The rocks were slippery, so I had to be extra careful not to slip and fall. Even in sunny, dry conditions, I never walk with my camera attached to my tripod.
When I arrived at my destination, I unpacked my camera and started exploring the area for interesting compositions. I find walking around and taking a few handheld test shots more productive before mounting my camera on a tripod. Once I decided on a location, I set up my tripod and adjusted my camera settings. I selected a one-second exposure to achieve the water motion of the waves in the foreground.
Timing is everything in landscape photography, and I find that having patience is key to getting the dramatic shots I am looking for. Once I found my spot, I waited and waited and waited as I watched the scene before me changing. Sometimes it takes only a subtle change in light to make a big difference in the impact of a photo. Then, as the sun started to break through the heavy cloud cover, the rain began to pick up – just my luck. I used a microfiber cloth to remove the raindrops from my lens and kept shooting until the remaining light disappeared.
Stormy conditions may be difficult to work in but often produce amazing results.
Upload YOUR Picture • WIN $200 Cash
Did you know that now we offer a VIP membership? Create your Personal Portfolio Page and let us share your published pictures with over 300,000 members and followers.
Benefits of VIP membership:
• Your Personal Portfolio Page – click here to see a sample
• We promote all your pictures to over 300,000 followers via our social media pages
• Download all new issues of the magazine
• Download all back issues
• Download premium eBooks worth £19.45.
• Your uploaded pictures/posts stay attached to your page for as long as you are a VIP member, which could be forever
• Fast Support – we aim to reply within 12 hours
• Submission Priority – your submission goes to the front of the queue
Dimitri Vasileiou • Editor