So today, although the weather does not look encouraging, I decide to return to the spot where the weather conditions combined for a perfect storm yesterday. Armed with the cover on my camera I set up keeping a lookout for a break in the clouds and rain. I decide to take some wider landscape shots looking across the water to the islands of Pabay, Scalpay, Longay, Raasay and the Crowlin Islands. They are shrouded in mist but peeping out at times. As I look at the skies behind me, there seems a possibility at least that the sun may break out from behind the clouds, so I stand and wait. As the light starts to improve some tourists come over to chat and half an hour later I am still to take my first shot and have missed some opportunities! I work quickly when the light emerges.
I am reminded of the seascapes of Hiroshi Sugimoto as I gaze at a lifeless horizon. While he often frames the horizon across the middle of his images I play around with different proportions of land, sea and sky. I use a long lens because it brings the middle and background closer to give a more intimate shot. It is not a day for “keepers”, but I have tried out some ideas and will be ready when that next shaft of light reveals itself!

The Edge of the Sea 41 – Alison Price, June 2022

The Edge of the Sea 42 – Alison Price, June 2022
