My Approach

I don’t think that I have a particular photographic style to my photography, whether nightscape work or regular landscape work. I certainly don’t take images in a conscious way where I’m looking to have consistency or repeatability. However when I review my work as a portfolio I can see that it predominantly features wide-angle shots, taken at focal lengths between 14mm and 50mm. I like to capture broad scenes with strong foreground elements for depth and interest, and I tend to include the sky in at least one-third of the frame.

Characteristics of my approach:

  • Wide-Angle Focal Lengths: I generally favour lenses with focal lengths between 14mm and 50mm for a wide field of view, ideal for landscapes and nightscape work. Currently, I rely on carrying three prime lenses with me, which covers my usual needs and keeps my kit lightweight. I currently favour Sony’s 24mm f/1.4 GM lens. I find 24mm to be a sweet spot and not too difficult to work with. This particular lens is excellent for astrophotography due to its brightness and image quality, and I especially like the way you can frame the milky way nicely i.e. fill a decent portion of the frame. I also find it acceptable for taking panos/mosaics at night as it doesn’t have as much distortion as, say, a 14mm or 20mm lens.

  • Foreground Elements: I use prominent foreground features like rocks, flowers, or water to guide the viewer's eye through the image, and enhance an image’s depth. I like to use compositional tricks such as leading lines quite extensively. I find that this three-dimensional kind of effect works best with wider focal lengths.

  • Low Light Landscape Photography Conditions: I typically shoot landscapes during golden or blue hours for the soft, atmospheric light and softer shadows. During the remainder of the day, I rest, walk with Jasper and Mitchell, or explore and plan for upcoming shoots.

  • Astrophotography: My favourite type of landscape photography, astrophotography brings a unique and mysterious quality to images thanks to details in the night sky. Since results are hard to predict, it keeps things interesting and requires technical skill in both shooting and editing. Ultimately, nothing compares to being alone under the stars—especially when the aurora makes an appearance.

Favourite Locations to Shoot (so far!):

  • The Trossachs: Located about 45 minutes from my home, this area offers numerous scenic lochs and extensive woodlands, contributing to its appealing atmosphere. However, due to its proximity to Scotland's Central Belt, light pollution can restrict certain astrophotography vantage points.

  • Perthshire: At the heart of Scotland and fairly accessible to many. Home to numerous lochs, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and magnificent woodland.

  • Harris and Lewis: These islands in the Outer Hebrides are particularly enjoyable during the off-season, offering tranquility and access to expansive, picturesque beaches. Harris is especially suited for sandy beach seascape photography and features impressive dunes, while Lewis presents greater variety with rugged coastlines, exceptional beaches, and notable historic and cultural sites. Both islands are ideal for dark sky observation.

  • Isle of Skye: Renowned for its iconic landscapes, the Isle of Skye offers striking mountains and waterfalls, which are primary attractions for landscape photography.

  • Assynt, Torridon, and Sutherland: The north-west Highlands and adjacent coastline provide diverse opportunities for landscape photography expeditions. This region is also distinguished by excellent dark skies when weather conditions permit.

  • Aberdeenshire and Moray: These areas are readily accessible and feature remarkable coastlines, a number of lighthouses, quality beaches, and distinctive coastal rock formations.

  • Northumberland: The Northumberland coast stands out for its combination of castles, extensive beaches, and numerous rocky coves, making it a highly attractive location for photographers.