Why I take photographs

Photography for me isn't about capturing 'honeypot' locations. It's not about capturing the scene as it is in front of me in a 'what you see is what you get' way and it's certainly not for gaining likes on social media.

It has become much more than that but it's not something that was clear in my mind until a couple of years ago. As I have learned more about the art of photography and travelled Scotland I have also learnt what makes me tick, I have learnt what helps me relax and refresh from the chaos, stresses and strains of daily life and I have learnt that it is necessary to do so in order for me to maintain my physical and mental health.

For me getting out into the landscape and nature is one of the most relaxing things to do. I try to create images that convey that feeling/ emotional response. The process of taking in the scene around me, then taking out my camera, setting it up, visualizing the scene and capturing that emotion and I guess the feelings I have at that time.

Woodland light

First light burning through the early morning mist at the Woodland park, Alva

As an incredibly quiet and introverted person, photography is simply a release, a refresh and a way of expressing myself. I don't see it as 'creative' or 'talented' or any such description but simply as a way of expressing my feelings and emotions. I like to believe there is a little bit of me within every image that I take. I hope people (even if it's just a few) get some joy and maybe a few moments of escapism by viewing my images. I like to leave something to the imagination by showing less and having more minimalist compositions in the hope that it takes the viewer off exploring and imagining what lies beyond. I firmly believe I photograph how I see, not what I see.

It may well sound like a bit of a cliché these days as there are a good number of photographers have openly written about how photography has helped them with various mental health issues. It was actually having read an article by Paul Sanders in the RPS magazine that inspired me to write this blog yet for me it's something that I have learned to understand over the years of solitude when out making images. 

Atlantic Impressions

A breaking wave off the West coast of Harris.

Taken utilising a slower shutter speed and panning of the camera in a method called intentional camera movement.

 I really struggle with confidence and particularly chatting to, and holding conversations, with other people. I'd quite happily sit in silence and listen to others or simply observe rather than be noticed or involved. Some situations become so stressful for me that I almost feel paralysed with the anxiety that I can't function properly despite knowing that I'm perfectly capable of achieving whatever the task may be.

Getting out with my camera is my antidote and release, most specifically to a quiet, remote location at my favourite time of day which is sunrise.

The creel

An old creel washed up on Traigh Iar, Harris

 Landscape photography alleviates all of that anxiety for me and the longer I spend on my own within the landscape the more anxiety free and connected to the landscape I feel.

 It is therefore completely irrelevant to me who sees it or what anyone thinks of it as it's ultimately me taking pictures for me. I've been lucky enough to sell a few images now and then and have a very small following of fans of my work which I really appreciate. I have also noticed over the years that many of my images, and indeed my personal favourites, have water in them. They give me a sense of calm.

My goal is to run workshops based on the whole connection with the landscape and expression of oneself through photography. The whole 'this is how it's done and if you don't do it this way then it's no good' is not what I subscribe to. I'm not sure I'll ever get to where I'd like to be but I enjoy the solitude and the process of finding new images. I enjoy searching a coastline for something that few others ever see or notice and making that scene my own. 

Seilebost blues

My favourite moments.

Alone, during the blue hour on a beautiful beach with a blank canvas that will ultimately be changed with the next tide providing yet more opportunity to explore. A scene, that within minutes had vanished beneath the incoming tide never to be witnessed again.

 The only time I can feel relaxed and anxiety free is when I'm alone by the coast immersed in creating images. That is the point when I feel most calm, most connected and I hope that it comes across in my images and photographic style.

Despite all of my anxieties I have managed to achieve my Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society and I'm aiming for my Fellowship at some point in the not too distant future. I have been lucky enough to have won some awards and I have contributed to 5 exhibitions yet I still don't believe any of my photography is at the level I want it to be at.

It is just as in life, ever evolving and changing.