Black and White Photography:
Black and White photography is a powerful art form that transforms the way we perceive the world, emphasising elements like light, shadow, texture, and composition over colour. It’s a medium that has captivated artists and viewers for generations, offering a unique way to express emotions and create timeless images. I wouldn’t consider myself a skilled monochrome photographer by any means; these are simply a selection of photographs I’ve captured over the years that I’m fond of, and thought I would share.
Minginish Peninsula and Loch Bracadale | Isle of Skye
From the iconic Dun Beag Broch on the Isle of Skye, you are greeted with breathtaking views of the Minginish Peninsula, which showcases its dramatic coastline and rugged landscapes. On clear days, the distant Cuillin mountains stand majestically in the background, creating a stunning panorama. This remarkable vista captures the essence of the west coast of Skye, overlooking Loch Bracadale and inviting all to revel in its natural beauty. This photograph was taken from the Dun Beag Broch car park.
Bla Bheinn and Loch Slapin, from Torrin | Isle of Skye
While not part of the main Cuillin Ridge, Blà Bheinn stands as a stunning highlight of the Greater Cullin Traverse: hailed as the most challenging ridge traverse in the British Isles. The journey across Blà Bheinn’s main ridge and the rock tower Clach Glas offers a classic alpine experience. The breathtaking beauty of Blà Bheinn is fully revealed to anyone making the journey alongside Loch Slaplin from Torrin to the Strathaird peninsula on the B8083 to Elgol. See Wild Nights in Skye for more information on this photograph.
The old pronunciation and spelling of the mountain was Blaavin; however, the Norse word Bláfjall, meaning “Blue Mountain,” is thought to be the original name. “Bheinn” is believed to be a Gaelic adaptation of “fjall.”
Rothiemurchus Forest | Cairngorms National Park
A breathtaking forest adorned with magnificent native pinewoods, rugged mountain landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife stands as a site of international significance. This forest is a sanctuary for vibrant red squirrels and serves as one of the last refuges for the capercaillie and the elusive Scottish wildcat. Nestled within this enchanting landscape lies the captivating Loch-an-Eilean Castle. The Rothiemurchus Estate, stretching from the River Spey at Aviemore to the majestic Cairngorm summit plateau, boasts one of Scotland’s largest remnants of Caledonian forest, the ancient Scots pine that once blanketed the land. Thus, this Black and White photograph captures the timeless beauty of the ancient Scots pine in all its glory.
Talisker Bay | Isle of Skye
Talisker Bay is a stunning beach of stones and sand, best experienced at low tide and accessed by a scenic footpath. The beach is adorned with both black and white sand, often mingling to form captivating patterns. On the northern side, towering cliffs and a magnificent waterfall create a dramatic backdrop, while a striking sea stack impressively frames the southern side. It was a rather dreich day when I visited; however, I was happy enough to get this photograph.
If we were in Talisker on the shore
where the great white mouth
opens between two hard jaws,
Rubha nan Clach and the Bioda Ruadh,
I would stand beside the sea
renewing love in my spirit
while the ocean was filling
Talisker bay forever:
I would stand there
on the bareness of the shore
until Prishal bowed his stallion head.
“Shores” Sorley MacLean (1911 – 1996)
The Ancient Oaks of Lochwood | Annandale, Dumfries and Galloway
The ancient oak trees of Lochwood stand as timeless guardians of history, their gnarled branches whispering tales of the past and their roots deeply intertwined with the earth, embodying resilience. These majestic remnants of a medieval forest remind us of the beauty of nature’s endurance. As we walk among them, we are invited to reflect on the passage of time and the interconnections of life. Each oak, some over 400 years old, symbolises strength and the potential for renewal.
Just like these trees, we too can weather storms and stand tall, rooted in our values and purpose. Let the serene presence of Lochwood inspire you to embrace your journey with patience and grace, knowing that, like the oaks, we grow stronger through the trials we face.
Black and White Photography info: infrared HDR taken with a converted Nikon D70S in 2011.
St. Lawrence’s Church | Crosby Ravensworth:
St. Lawrence’s Church stands proudly in the village of Crosby Ravensworth, Cumbria, England, as a beacon of faith and community. An active Anglican parish church, it harbors history in its very stones, with the oldest part, dating back to around 1190–1200, located at the crossing. The final paragraph of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë springs to mind with this photograph, as Mr Lockwood reflects on the peaceful surroundings of a churchyard:
“I lingered round them, under that benign sky; watched the moths fluttering among the heath, and hare-bells; listened to the soft wind breathing through the grass; and wondered how any one could ever imagine unquiet slumbers for the sleepers in that quiet earth.”
Black and White Photography info: infrared HDR taken with a converted Nikon D70s in 2014.
Ullswater:
Ullswater, with its breathtaking beauty, serves as a reminder of nature’s tranquillity and resilience. Standing by the shores of this majestic glacial lake, you can’t help but feel inspired by its serene waters and the surrounding landscapes, which have been shaped over millennia. The tranquillity of a winter evening at Ullswater, particularly on that memorable December night in 2021, encapsulates a moment where time seems to stand still, inviting us to reflect on the peaceful and awe-inspiring wonders of our natural world. Let such landscapes remind us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the simple yet profound beauty that surrounds us, inspiring us to find wonder in every aspect of life.
The Helvellyn range:
The Helvellyn range is a prominent feature of the Eastern Fells in the English Lake District, with “fell” being the local term for “hill.” The range is named after Helvellyn, its highest summit. The Helvellyn range is a ridge that stretches approximately 10 km, consistently remaining above 600 m. It runs north-south, with Patterdale on the east and the Thirlmere valley to the west. The village of Threlkeld lies north of the ridge, below Clough Head, the northernmost point. The slopes above Thirlmere are generally grassy and steep, while the Patterdale side has rockier features due to cirque glaciation. This Black and White Photograph was taken in May 2021 from Beacon Edge in Penrith, an excellent viewpoint.
Ardvreck Castle:
Ardvreck Castle is a ruined 15th-century castle located on a rocky promontory in Loch Assynt, Sutherland, Scotland. It was built by the MacLeods of Assynt, replacing the earlier Assynt Castle. The ruins of Ardvreck Castle continue to stand as a testament to this turbulent period in Scottish history, offering a glimpse into the power struggles and betrayals that shaped the nation. For more on Ardvreck Castle, see this post.
Black and White Photography info: infrared HDR taken with a converted Nikon D70s in 2011.
Castell Dinas Brân:
Castell Dinas Brân is a medieval castle located on a prominent hilltop above Llangollen in Denbighshire, Wales. The stone castle was likely constructed in the 1260s by Gruffydd Maelor II, a prince of Powys Fadog, on the site of earlier structures, including an Iron Age hillfort. The name “Dinas Brân” has been debated since the 17th century, with various translations such as “crow’s fortress” or “fortress of Brân,” referring either to an individual named Brân or a nearby stream. An English name, “Crow Castle,” has been in use since at least the 18th century
Black and White Photography info: infrared HDR taken with a converted Nikon D70s in 2013.
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Fragmented Memory 🙂
