Daily Journal at Loch Cill Chriosd – Day 3 (Week 5)

Wild places fascinate me.  For example, Antarctic Exploration and particularly the voyages of Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.  So much so, that I have travelled to that region twice visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica.  I think the interest is spawned by man’s obsession with conquering the adversity that nature throws at us and our vulnerability against the elements – the dangers it can represent and the unpredictability of the weather and the landscape.

Although, I find calm conditions relaxing and an opportunity to reflect and think, I prefer the wet and wild conditions that the Isle of Skye is famous for.  It is this I captured particularly in my first Work in Progress Portfolio for Positions and Practice.  Moving on, for Surfaces and Strategies I combined images reflecting the sublime aspects of Skye with the impact that tourism has on the Island with a series of dyptychs.  For Sustainable Prospects I need to delve into the nitty gritty of my Research Project and release the ghosts of my early photographic career.

Based on the conditions and the fact there is a group of photographers on the “beach” area I decide to carry on along the road around the loch investigating the reeds a little closer.

However, given the light and the interesting cloud formations I decide to follow an approach I had used successfully before, combining the reeds and the Black and Red Cuillin behind.  I spend a happy hour among the reeds listening to the swish sound they make when buffeted by a strong breeze.  Shafts of light illuminate the mountains behind.

I don’t notice my shoes are slowly sinking into the wet, soft grass on the edge of the loch.

Journal Day 3 Shoot 2 – 24 October 2018

The skies have become overcast as I tread my familiar path towards the loch.  I decide to go further along the road stopping off to investigate viewpoints and features I have not seen before.  I spend my time uncovering burns and tiny waterfalls, recording the vibrant autumn colours and walking close to the reeds.

I feel I have little focus but there must need to be times when I can let my mind wander without a clear path or outcome.  That can often be when surprising opportunities arise.  However, I am not sure on this photo shoot I necessarily achieve very much. . .