Glamaig: Isle of Skye
Landscape Photography on the cheap: Glamaig, the northernmost gem of the Red Hills on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, stands proudly east of Sligachan. As one of only two Corbetts on Skye, it captivates with its perfect conical shape of scree. This majestic hill is connected to the rest of the Red Hills through the enchanting Bealach na Sgàirde, a pathway that invites adventure and exploration.This shot of Glamiag was taken with a Canon EOS 500D and a cheap £79 Tamron 18-200 lens. With some post-processing, the drama of the morning is beautifully portrayed; and landscape photography on the cheap is what this post is all about.
The Strange Story of Lee Filters:
On a crisp April dawn, I was photographing Sgùrr nan Gillean and Glamaig on the Isle of Skye. I had parked up late in the evening and camped overnight, waking up to glorious light and snow-capped mountains. My daughter, having awoken from her sweet slumbers, decided to join me.
Another photographer came over for a chat—a pleasant enough guy whom my daughter assumed was called “Lee Filters”; after all, his name was clearly printed on one of his pouches. 🙂
He was a keen photographer and had made the trip up from the far south of England. You could tell he was a bit of a gear geek, and he informed me what the pros were using these days. Based on the disparaging look he gave the “rubbish” I had slung around my neck and his body language, I could tell that his assessment by default excluded me from the “pro group”. It seemed to be inferred that my photography lacked competence and value because I didn’t possess professional equipment.
I wasn’t offended; it likely didn’t help that my tripod was held together with gaffer tape, which may have directed him to that conclusion. Nevertheless, I found it curious how assumptions can be made about someone’s abilities based on the equipment they’re using. After a brief chat, “Lee Filters” suddenly about turned — and, without a word, shot off across the moors to chase the light and find a composition.
Posh Man’s Hobby:
I remember that, as a “working-class man”, photography was a posh man’s hobby. If you didn’t have a degree in the subject, you were pretty much irrelevant. The top jockeys of the time often talked about it in such technical terms that it made you feel like you needed to be an Einstein to understand how to use a camera. Those days, however, are gone, and photographers are two to a penny. Nevertheless, it seems photography is still prone to snobbery.
The reality is that the best camera is the one you have at the right moment. No one should be discouraged from landscape photography just because they can’t afford a “decent” camera and lens. Practically everyone carries a mobile phone, and technology is advancing at such a rapid pace that at some point in the future, that may be all you need. If you have an interest in photography, this is definitely a viable route into the world of landscape photography. Not convinced…check these out:
https://www.instagram.com/haydentomlinson/
Cheap Camera and Lens:
I appear to have gained a reputation for being “frugal,” or perhaps even “tight.” I have, however, spent £800 on a lens in the past, so I understand there is a significant difference in quality. That said, I have also derived a lot of pleasure from shooting with a £79 second-hand lens on a basic Canon Rebel. All the images on this page are from that cheap set up.
Print Quality:
Back in the day, when shooting on film, if we got an image printed, we would step back and admire it. Now, with digital photography, we tend to zoom in on the pixels to evaluate the quality of the image. Nevertheless, most photographers aren’t going to produce massive prints where things like pixels and gear quality matter. It would be a shame if people were turned off from getting into landscape photography just because they think it’s too expensive.
Rare Mammatus clouds taken from Scales Fell. The best camera this day was the one in my hand; a basic Canon Rebel and second-hand £79 lens. The weather was hideous, and only a madman would have been out. Thank God for my insanity 🙂
With the abundance of camera and lens reviews available on YouTube, along with influencers showcasing the latest equipment, it’s easy to think that landscape photography requires a significant financial investment. The truth is, however, that you can create stunning images even with an inexpensive camera body and lens. You can also achieve a level of technical proficiency comparable to that of a “pro”. Ultimately, the key to capturing beautiful images is to get outside and find the right light. Remember, the best camera for you is the one you have in your hand.
Elgol Chasing the Light:
As for “Lee Filters”, the last we saw of him was when he approached Elgol, as though driving in the formular one to catch the light. Unfortunately for him, he was too late; the heavens had opened up, and a hoolie ensued. Nevertheless, the entertainment value he provided while struggling to put on his waterproofs and get his equipment out of the car was class.
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Fragmented Memory 🙂
