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Travelogues => Travel Diaries => Topic started by: David Paterson on November 05, 2018, 12:31:09

Title: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: David Paterson on November 05, 2018, 12:31:09
Simato (Simone Tomasi) and I had our almost traditional autumn meet, with the intention of spending two days and a night at a very remote climbers' refuge below the Cuillin mountains in western Skye .This refuge is really only accessible by boat, though there is a four to six-hour hiking route across very rough, boggy ground and a wide river to cross. We went by boat.

We had very mixed weather during the all of the 5-day trip but our time at the remote location was mostly good, with dramatic skies, blustery winds and heavy rain-showers. After we were back in civilisation a big storm came in.

The images are in correct chronological order.

1. The Beinn na Caillich range near Broadford, Skye.
2. Fields near 1.
3. The Cuillins, seen from Elgol (the boat harbour).
4. The summit of Sgurr nan Gillean from Elgol (500mm).
5. Elgol harbour (some editing applied to this image).
6. The island of Soay, from the boat.
7. First sight of the refuge.
8. The skipper heads for home.
Title: Re: There and back agaian - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Erik Lund on November 05, 2018, 12:35:00
Thanks for sharing, indeed it looks like you had challenging weather ;) The third image really stands out, thilling light and framing ;)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Birna Rørslett on November 05, 2018, 12:37:03
David, you obvious are intent on luring us back to Scotland again. Resistance is futile. I realise this now :D
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on November 05, 2018, 12:37:28
Fabulous as always, you get the best out of any weather  :)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Hugh_3170 on November 05, 2018, 12:42:48
I agree. 

The third shot for me too.  Nice touch to see the flag on the refuge.

Fabulous as always, you get the best out of any weather  :)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 05, 2018, 12:43:57
The Cullins are fascinating, like feet bathing alpine mountain tops. I wonder how deep these mountains go down into the seabed?

here is a shot I took in 1998 which later won the "blue" challenge in old Nikongear.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: chris dees on November 05, 2018, 14:26:11
Beautiful and dramatic series!
My pick is the second one with the beautiful ligt and the half circle rainbow!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Akira on November 05, 2018, 16:21:45
Dramatic and impressive!

I would say that you were "blessed with" the weather condition.  The rainbow was an added bonus in the true sense of the word.  Glad you enjoyed the outing!

While the rainbow shots are pleasing, the summit of Sgurr stands out to me.  I don't necessarily think that the sharpness is everything in general, but this one seems to be a prominent example of how the sharpness makes a great image.

The lighting of the first one is a treat.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Thomas Stellwag on November 05, 2018, 17:12:48
is this real world?
such impressive pictures  - let´s go there
(and then realize it is better to buy a book from David  :P)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Fons Baerken on November 05, 2018, 17:28:44
> irrefutable infatuation, inspirational imagination does great light<
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: David Paterson on November 05, 2018, 19:11:58
Thank you, everyone who has posted, and forgive me if I don't mention individual names. I'm very pleased that these images of Skye are pleasing to you.

Some of us have discussed Skye in the context of a 2nd Scotland Week and it is certainly true that Skye is a special place, and this time we did not suffer from crowds, tho' this was because we had gone to a place that is difficult to get to. When we were back in  the accessible parts of the island, it was noticeable how busy the restaurants were. And this is November, not May.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Jan Anne on November 06, 2018, 06:02:41
Wow, the light and the scenery is amazing in these images David!!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: simato73 on November 06, 2018, 10:10:35
We have been shooting side by side for several days and it is inevitable that in many cases we have very similar if not nearly identical shots.
I am very sorry to say that almost invariably David's version is better than mine.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Akira on November 06, 2018, 10:13:39
We have been shooting side by side for several days and it is inevitable that in many cases we have very similar if not nearly identical shots.
I am very sorry to say that almost invariably David's version is better than mine.

I don't think so, but even if it is true, your drone shots are way more than just the make ups!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: David Paterson on November 06, 2018, 13:24:30
We have been shooting side by side for several days and it is inevitable that in many cases we have very similar if not nearly identical shots.
I am very sorry to say that almost invariably David's version is better than mine.

Only the first part of that is true. From what I saw before you went home, your images were easily the equals of mine.

In any case, it's not a competition.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: simato73 on November 06, 2018, 13:48:36
Only the first part of that is true. From what I saw before you went home, your images were easily the equals of mine.

In any case, it's not a competition.

Certainly it is not a competition, but I do notice that you can always find interesting pictures, even in conditions that to me look desperate.
As discussed, decades of professional working experience are particularly evident when working conditions are not great.
Sometimes it is just a small change in composition, and judicious post-processing, but it does make a difference.
I was amazed at how relatively little effort you need to put to work on an image.
Overall very worth watching and learning.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 06, 2018, 14:18:55
Dave, these are spectacular!
The colours and the dramatic sensations that you bring in these images is jaw dropping.

Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: David Paterson on November 06, 2018, 16:38:49
Thanks Jan Anne, Akira, Jakov and Simone.

Simone - I do think my years as a commercial photographer taught me some useful things, such as how to make quick but good decisions, and as you say - how to make the best of poor conditions. But learning is a two-way street and I have learned a lot from NG members, including you. I hope I will never be  too old to learn.

Some more Coruisk images -

1. Sunrise over Loch scavaig (a fjord)
2. Loch Coruisk and the Cuilins.
3. Deer below the refuge.
4. Deer, shot thro' the window-glass from inside the refuge.
5. The view to the south-west, just outside the refuge.
6. Loch Scavaig in changeable weather.
7. A Coruisk landscape in autumn colour.
8. Garve-bheinn (Gaelic. "Rough Mountain"), by night.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Erik Lund on November 06, 2018, 18:18:09
Wow, best series of landscape images ever
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 06, 2018, 19:04:00
outstanding work, esp no5 in second set "CuruiskTwo...


PS : very emotional work too
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Akira on November 06, 2018, 20:16:59
You keep me amazed, Dave!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: David Paterson on November 06, 2018, 20:31:30
Thanks to Erik, Frank and Akira

Erik - I think I need you as my agent . . . .  8)   ;D

Frank - my project for the rest of my active life in photography is to remind people that the world is beautiful; that it is worth saving. And I am very emotional about it; about Scotland, too.

Akira - let's be accurate - it's the world, the planet, which is amazing, not me. I just record what is in front of my camera.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: Akira on November 06, 2018, 21:10:56
Akira - let's be accurate - it's the world, the planet, which is amazing, not me. I just record what is in front of my camera.

Dave, I'm pretty sure that the most challenging thing is to be transparent and just record what is in front of the photographer.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: BEZ on November 06, 2018, 21:55:27
Unfortunately I have a bit of a blindspot for landscape photographs, so it takes something remarkable to get me to notice.

"Curuisk night" is one of those special images that stir my emotion. Remarkable, outstanding, and an utterly pleasurable experience viewing the image.

Thank you.

 
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye
Post by: David Paterson on November 06, 2018, 22:17:06
Thank you, Bez and Akira.

Bez - I mostly aim for wherever people keep their emotions so it's nice to know when I hit the target occasionally.    ;D
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: David Paterson on November 06, 2018, 22:54:42
The Road Home.
Thursday and Friday were kind to us and the time spent in Coruisk was fruitful. But a storm of wind and rain came in on Sat. evening and the drive back to Killin was very wet indeed, apart for an hour or so down in Glen Etive . . . .

1. Simone tidies up the refuge.
2. Early morning by the shore.
3. Farewell to the Cuillins
4. The River Coe, Glencoe.
5. Larches in Glen Etive.
6. Nature study in Glen Etive
7, 8 and 9. - an incompetent stag with a harem of only 2 females, posed for at least
    40 minutes while Simone and I took a lifetime's supply of deer photographs.
10. A small waterfall hisses into the River Etive.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: Øivind Tøien on November 06, 2018, 23:22:55

So many spectacular images in this thread, it is hard to keep up. They are all excellent, but I am particularly partial to Coruisk05, Coruisk06, CoruiskTwo05, CoruiskTwo06 and the night shot for being special. The deer images are also beautiful.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: simato73 on November 06, 2018, 23:42:42
The night shot is really good, not only the composition, but also the post-processing.
Very difficult, and very convincing final result. I am having a hard time with my night shots and I doubt I'll get anything like this.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 07, 2018, 11:52:49
What a treat of spectacular images.
The night shot of course stands out!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: golunvolo on November 07, 2018, 14:01:44
Hard to express. I´m enjoying, emotionally reacting, sharing, learning... What a set.


   Impressive. Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: Birna Rørslett on November 07, 2018, 14:27:59
We simply have to get back to Scotland. Resistance is futile.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: Bent Hjarbo on November 07, 2018, 14:37:34
We simply have to get back to Scotland. Resistance is futile.
+1 :)
Is is a joy to look at David’s and Simone’s pictures :)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (3. The Road Home)
Post by: David Paterson on November 07, 2018, 22:53:04
Thank you, Bent, Birna, Paco, Jakov, Simone and Ølvind - your comments really make my day and are greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: David Paterson on November 08, 2018, 21:30:38
Trying to finish all my raw conversions today, I found a few things I would like to show.

1. The River Etive
2. The River Coruisk (left)
3. Rescued!
4. The northern section of the Cuillin Ridge
5. The mating game. Glen Etive.
6. Glen Etive
7. Rainstorm coming down from Garsbheinn.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: simato73 on November 08, 2018, 21:54:22
Nice ones, but not consistently of the high level of the previous series.
Some are cooked a little too aggressively for my taste, but of course that is just a personal thing.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 08, 2018, 22:02:04
the last one of set four is absolutely stunning. it is a graphic representation of the real world obviosly but still a piece of graphic art in its own right. just imagine a moment it was just form an color...
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: David Paterson on November 08, 2018, 23:05:30
Thanks, Frank - too kind as usual.

Simone -
Nice ones, but not consistently of the high level of the previous series.
Some are cooked a little too aggressively for my taste, but of course that is just a personal thing.

Which one(s) do you consider over-done? Just one of these got something extra in post and even then it was only to raise contrast in what was an exceptionally low-contrast raw file.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: simato73 on November 09, 2018, 00:03:43
Thanks, Frank - too kind as usual.

Simone -
Which one(s) do you consider over-done? Just one of these got something extra in post and even then it was only to raise contrast in what was an exceptionally low-contrast raw file.

Rainstorm over Gars-bheinn is the one.
For me the headwall with the waterfall jumps out in an unnatural way relative to the mountain behind.
Part of the problem may be excessive use of the  unsharp mask action, because I do see some halo, but I think you may have also burned that section a bit too much.
In addition the sky of the last picture of Glen Etive seems a bit blown out.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: Birna Rørslett on November 09, 2018, 00:43:34
My opinion is that landscapes have no inherent truth to them, apart from the scenery the photographer visualised in her or his mind and communicated to the audience accordingly.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: David Paterson on November 09, 2018, 01:11:45
My opinion is that landscapes have no inherent truth to them, apart from the scenery the photographer visualised in her or his mind and communicated to the audience accordingly.

That's a very well-expressed concept and is how I like to think I work. In fact, too often I respond emotionally to a scene and shoot without much pre-visualisation, and later have to do a kind of "post-visualisation" on the computer monitor, when looking at the raw file.

Simone - you are right with both those criticisms; the lower right third of "rainstorm" and the sky in "Glen Etive" are both wrong. My excuse is that I was juggling PMs with half-a-dozen NG members, fielding emails and phone-calls from several lodges, and I simply lost concentration. But it's no excuse really; I should have reviewed these images before posting them.  (Later. I've done a slight modification to each of the two images.)
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: pluton on November 09, 2018, 03:28:38
fabulous scenes. 05 and 06 are my favorites.  Geoforms and atmosphere go together.  My only nitpick: I want to see more at the bottom of 05.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: Jakov Minić on November 09, 2018, 10:29:40
The rusty colors are just so pleasant to watch. They present a certain warm atmosphere. Thank you.
Title: Re: There and back again - the Isle of Skye (4. A last few bits and pieces)
Post by: David Paterson on November 09, 2018, 19:59:21
Thank you all very much for your comments - Simone, Keith, Jakov, Birna, Frank, Bent and Paco. There is no higher praise than the opinions of ones peers and colleagues in NG.