Post 1 of 3 Was able to combine a trip to Glencoe for a half day photography course before heading to Stonehaven for Hogmanay celebrations Heading North on the old A74 in the Borders Cold temps kept mist in the vally Wind farm (not sure which, there are loads now Maybe too similar to other Wind farm pic but I quite like this one too The following are taken in Glencoe - the previous week had been high pressure , blue sky with snow and frost, I get there and its fog bound Working here on spending time to compose image , don't rush it but take your time and be certain its in focus, nothing clipped etc. before you leave This was an exercise in adjusting shutter length to capture a range of 'softness' with the water. It's not difficult to do but does allow you to plan for future images of the similar subject Moving down the Glen classic shot, but the weather still so bad no view of the mountain behind it - was looking at leading lines here and how we read images left to right. I've put this in but there is a huge problem with the image, rain on lens as an example of checking and re-checking everything. We then head for the famous 'Black Rock Cottage' and what should have been the classic 'down the Glen' shot, but weather still poor The half day course was £110 split with my cousin and I think it was good value, yes the weather was frustrating, esp the rain but we both learnt lots After lunch at the Glencoe Ski station cafe (a really good spot if on the bike and an option to the Green Welly) the weather had really lifted and we went back out with cameras Glen Etive (where Bond was filmed in Skyfall) parked up with the DB5 Last pic from photo school day was back at Black Rock cottage, and although light fading by switching to monochrome I am happy enough with this image to replace an Ikea print at home with it
Post 2 of 3 Stonehaven Harbour These two pics are a good example of being patient, I wanted an image with lights in the harbour, but enough daylight to still have some detail. First one too bright, second one pretty happy with it Castle above Stonehaven I then headed south and spotted fresh snow and sunshine in the Cairngorms - I could have gone south via Bremar but did not think to do so till after, so at Blairgowrie headed north and got the following images
Post 3 of 3 10 second exposure Heading home via the Buttertubs in the Borders, just above Moffat Very lucky to catch all the Geese (Will add images, have over 20 so with 10 images per post limit need 3 posts to keep them all together)
I've not photoshopped them , just a little cropping so know more can be done with them. Things I learnt: Canon 400D while 10 years old can take great pictures Canon 400D with no live view is a real pain My tripod is not robust enough so a replacement is on the cards Cable release is a godsend / essential It takes a LONG time to compose / setup / check your shot - far longer than you expect Final thing which frustrates a little is the quality of image from my Sony Z1 is pretty amazing - so I think those 10 / 12 years from when the 400D was first introduced to now have seen some significant advances, so I will be looking to get a new camera in 2015. The 400D is worth £100, no more so will prob. keep as a backup. Many options including the Sony Alpha range which get great reviews. New camera needs to have / I want: Live view, fold out screen, HD movie mode Any suggestions / ideas welcome
The castle in Stonehaven is called Dunnotar castle. Me & Gilesy are only 15 miles further up the road from there.
Love the photos,especially Dunnottar Castle and the harbour at Stonehaven as I grew up there,always raises a smile when I see them
