Sixteen Minutes On The Shore Of Loch Scavaig — Julian Calverley

Feb 11

Feb 11 Sixteen Minutes On The Shore Of Loch Scavaig

Personal Work, ALPA Cameras, North Northwest Book, Scotland, Landscape Photography

It is often said, particularly in recent times, that spending time in the landscape is a meditative experience. I completely agree with that.

I find landscape photography a much needed opportunity to slow down. To escape the pressures of modern day living, to try to be fully present and to simply take in my surroundings.

Setting up the camera and waiting, occasionally for hours.. taking in the landscape around me and enjoying the lack of man made noise, is a truly valuable experience.

““It is often said, particularly in recent times, that spending time in the landscape is a meditative experience. I completely agree with that...”
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The three photographs below make up the first double page spread in my book, North Northwest. Essentially they are a visual introduction to the book and a clue as to what lies within.

Taken one March morning back in 2011, shortly after sunrise on the shore of Loch Scavaig, close to the village of Elgol, they are separated by just sixteen minutes.

I’ve spent many hours sat on the rocks at this beautiful spot, absorbing the iconic view. At times not even removing the camera from my backpack.. I’ve just sat, or laid there, still and quiet.

If I do manage to make a photograph that I’m happy with, a photograph that translates visually to me how it felt to be there, at that moment.. then that is simply a bonus.

Importantly, by trying to remove any pressure and preconceived ideas of what it is I came for, I am generally far happier with the resulting work. A key part of the process is to also keep my equipment choice as simple and minimal as possible.