My first real taste of Glen Coe. As with many people I am sure, my first taste of this place is a mix of rain, cold and awe. Its throwing it down. The Lee ND filters used to 'hold back' the powerful light up the valley are constantly being wiped clean to stop the rain drops destroying the image. I've clambered down slippery wet rocks for about 15-20ft against my better judgement and definitely Kathryn's. People think Landscape photography is a gentle, peaceful past time...how little do they know. I put Kathryn through hell some days with the 'risks' I take to be in the right place for the best composition. Ninety nine times out of one hundred I'm carrying heavy gear on my back and getting some good exercise into the process. I am always on the edge...the edge of weather fronts, rivers, crashing waves, cliffs and most importantly light. This image is a case in point. Its important I get foreground detail with the Wide angle lens on or the drama of the view will be lost in the distance. So here I am about 20ft below the road level, tripod set up, trying desperately not to slip and fall in this very cold looking stretch of water. My hands are cold and I'm trying to the set up the camera for the shot. "Are you ok...?" "Yes!" comes the reply. I need to concentrate.
I want to capture the strong light lighting up the head of this magnificent valley.
On this occassion I take a number of images, all the while on the edge of slipping in. This Landscape photography can be quite an adrenalin pump at times!
This was my favourite from the shoot. I think it captures all that I remember of the day.....

Time: 4:51pm

Camera: Nikon D70
Lens: Nikkor 12-24 f4 DX
Exposure: 1/8th Second @ f22
Filters: Lee ND Grads

Ref: SCOT 002

Date: 01/04/05

Location: Glen Coe, Scotland

Photographer: Mark Hughes (wet)