Eilean Donan - Scotland - Europe Trip Part 2

[Alpha_7]

WARNING - I got carried away and very long winded, even though I tried not to be, the story isn't necessary for to view the shots, but it does set the scene.

Well some people have been pestering me for some more of my trips and sadly after this it's probably all down hill as so far this is my favourite set (along with Mont Saint Michel posted last week).

As a little back story, we were told if we visited Scotland the one place we had to see was Eilean Donan Castle. Having seen some photos on the net I agreed it looked like a must see experience and then you consult the map and find its not near anything else we wanted to visit, arh well it's on our list anyway. Anyway we drove up from Edinburgh in thick cloud and rain, weather we were already accustom too (only 2 days of no rain in 5 weeks???) We drove past some of the most lovely country side I've ever seen the country side is just amazing and we even saw patches of snow still on top some of the taller peaks (this in in UK summer mind you). Even with the bad weather we made good time up to Glenmoriston where our charming bed and breakfast was I highly recommend staying there if you make a similar trip. Check out there site here
After a short chat and refreshments (at roughly 4pm) we made our way towards Eilean Donan Castle again along a winding road with just breathtaking views, a little more relaxed this time stopping for photos every so often before we reached our final destination. Well when we first arrived it was both spectacular and a little disappointing all rolled into one, the tide was out and instead of nice reflections there was rocks and seaweed, it was also fairly well populated by tourists, the weather wasn't kind and neither was the lighting either but I was adamant I wouldn't leave until I got the shots I wanted. (I realise I'm being very long winded so I'll try to be briefer).

Over the next few hours I took photos from a number of angles and vantage points, the castle was closed but we walked around the small island it sprung up from. Kate well and truly bored, and starving suggested we head for to the local pub, which served some of the best grub we had in the UK (the steak and ale pie was fantastic). Having killed an hour or two, we headed back out to immediately notice the clouds had lifted a little and the tide was rushing in, excellent things where all coming together. After taking a few more shots, the light still wasn't right so I got Katie to drive up a steep track to try to get an angle looking down which I'd seen in a magazine, 40 minutes later we still hadn't found it so we returned to the car park. Katie bless her who had to do all the driving on our trips had a migraine coming on, so being the darling husband I am, I left her sleeping on the back seat of the car while I went and took more photos for the next few hours, only return when my battery was flat and card full, for a quick change over. Time had got away from me, and it was already 11pm and Kate insisted we had to leave in the next 30 minutes. Well I knew I had a few decent shots (I'd taken 100's) but I still didn't have the one, so I got her to drive around to a different angle. Finally I saw it, the air was clear, the sunset set and the reflections glassy I frantically set up the tripod fearful I'd lose the moment, I fire of the shots really enjoying the moment then it struck me, the 18-200VR had served me well but this wasn't the best lens for the job. I ran back to the car and Katie and I rummaged through my bag for my 50 1.4, lens hood off, UV filter off, a quick lens change and then back to the tripod. ARGH, the 50 was too tight and I was missing the reflections. Looking around a change was coming down the loch, the mist rolling down the mountains and a breeze in the distance. I grabbed my tripod and camera and bolted along the shore, stopped framed the shot, still too tight, and ran around 100 metres to natural point in the shoreline, perfect. With Kate visible impatient and my time up I fired off just a few shots bracketing my exposure, and knowing I'd nailed the shot I'd set out to achieve. I then packed up quickly as it started to rain (again) and we started the 50 minute drive back, and the while I'm chimping in the front seat, and Katie is struggling to drive in rain, fog and dodging the Red Deer (I stopped chimping to admire them) on the side of the road.
(Wow, I'm not good at being short and concise am I, sorry).

Anyways, short #1 is the short, in my opinion the best I've seen of my 20+ thousand I took, I really hope the lead up was worth it.

#2 and #3 were taken from similar angles but at significantly different times just showing the difference the light and timing can make on a shot. I like both for different reasons but there you go. My pick of the bunch from one of the most magical places I've been too.


#1

#2

#3

[Glen]

Awesome Craig, that first is tremendous. I really like these. You might find you want to tweak the horizon but I love them. After the story I feel I should congragulate Katie as well, seems she has put as much into these images as you

[big pix]

Just stunning Craig........ you buy your wife some flowers and say thankyou.......

[radar]

Great story Craig and amazing photo that you got. Gold stars to Katie as well, Craig, I'm surprised you still have your head

It is truly an awesome shot.

Cheers,

André

[Alpha_7]

Your right, it would be remiss of me if I didn't give Katie a big thank you. She drove me all over the country, put up with my navigation, and patiently sat around while I took photos in all sorts of weather and conditions. There were times when she got to do stuff that interested her, (like shopping) but overal it was a very photography oriented trip.

[dviv]

That first shot is wonderful! - Worth all the angst!

Sounds like you had a great trip

[macka]

#1 is spectacular, Craig. Well done!!!

I'd just crop that tiny bit of orange off the RHS and give it a bit of a straighten; but it's a brilliant shot - I love it. Be proud!

[michael_]

great shots, i remember going there when i was travelling Europe, pitty i wasnt in to photography then as i didnt even take a shot of it

[antman]

Magic !!

[dawesy]

Every time I look at #1 it still feels fresh. It's a timeless, fantastic image.

I'd suggest everyone go and buy it!

[sirhc55]

Craig - although #1 is a beautiful shot my choice would be #2. This shot is just stunning, taking in more of the rugged scenery and showing the true loneliness of this wonderful place.

#1 a tourist shot - #2 a stunning professional photographers shot

[Reschsmooth]

Craig - simply amazing. All three are fantastic and I like No 1 for the colours, reflection etc, but I prefer no 2 as it places the castle in context of its surrounds.

Cheers

[wendellt]

craig amazing

you have really improved, the ambience in the shots are fantastic

[Bluebell]

Truly breathtaking photos, and thanks for the great story; I feel as though I experienced the holiday without the jetlag.

[Geoff]

Craig - your right - these shots were worth it...and you're still married!!

You should be really proud of this set. My favourite is no.2 as well, with the first image coming in close behind. Good work buddy - would love to see some more from your trip too.

[Old Bob]

Lovely photos Craig. We were there about two years ago, beautiful day, but I did get a few shots of that castle, but alas, only a point and shoot.
Our tour director told us, this castle was used in one of the Highlander movies. A most beautiful part of the world.

Bob

[BT*ist]

Great shots, great story. #2 though is my pick - it's more muted, but the castle is illuminated gently, the clouds are soft.... looks like a magical place.

[daniel_r]

You've got some fantastic images both in this thread and in your other trip threads.

Excellent stuff

[stubbsy]

Fantastic work Craig. #1 is the standout for me closely followed by #2. #3 is a bit dull compared to the others (although in isolation it's a shot I'd be more than happy to have taken).

As for the story - thanks for sharing it - the images are made richer by the knowledge of their genesis. And I reckon for a man who took that many images on his trip, you've been amazingly concise in your commentary here

Finally thanks on my behalf to Katie for allowing you to capture these images which are now before us.

[Alpha_7]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback I'm chuffed that others like the shot too, I thought it could of just been me caught up with the moment. A few people commented on a few niggles, the light on the RHS or the apparent tilt, so here is a straighten (slightly) cropped version that may just improve the shot a little more.

[Manta]

It's a truly awe-inspiring part of the world there Craig. I was there in 2001 (not yet into dslr photography) and my Celtic heritage kept yelling from within "You're home". The Highlands definitely have an eerie magic that seeps from the glens, the lochs and the mountains. The history is amazing too.

You've captured the essence so well in this series. Great work.

[Oscar]

Just great Craig.

Well worth the effort you went to. And wonderful of Katie to put up with the effort involved.

Well done indeed!

Cheers, Mick

[iposiniditos]

Amazing photos Craig.
#2 is my fav

[Nikon boy]

Craig, fantastic pics we are planning a trip to U.K. next year and you have greatly inspired me to visit this location

Post more !!!

[Greg B]

Fantastic work Craig and a great story. The first shot is truly superb (wish it had been posted a week ago! )

[Katie G]

Thanks for all your suggestions that i might need some flowers or chocolates - i also like jewellery for next time

i agree with most of you that these photos are beautiful and need to add that if they hadnt come out so good Craig's D200 may have ended up in the Loch!

im wondering if it possible to go on a holiday without a camera? has anyone ever experienced this?

Katie

[Geoff]

im wondering if it possible to go on a holiday without a camera? has anyone ever experienced this?

Katie

Go on holiday what???

[Raskill]

im wondering if it possible to go on a holiday without a camera? has anyone ever experienced this?

Katie

EH?

Are you kidding?

Surely you jest?

Such a silly thing to ask!



I'm sure my wife wishes it was.....

[Greg B]

im wondering if it possible to go on a holiday without a camera? has anyone ever experienced this?

Katie

Hmm, I am tempted to lock this thread.

One word Katie..

No.

[devilla101]

Jaw droppingly gorgeous! Although the 1st is really top notch. I love the second one. It has a surreal look to it.

Do I really need to say good work Craig?

[glennles]

I've already heaped praise on you about these pics in person but I'll put it up here too.

I find myself looking at the castle and then just staring off in the distance wishing I was there.

You've inspired me to try and take some decent pics while I'm away but probably not 20k worth

[Man Tripod]

love this set alpha. The mood set up by the weather in 2 and 3 really matches the castle.

First two could probably be rotated slightly to straightened up the horizon but i'm sure you'll do that when you get a bit more time.

Top effort.

[Bindii]

Oooooh... I trawled through most of your holiday shots and tried not to go green with envy when I saw so many of the places that I visited myself but didnt manage to capture half as well as you.... well at least in pixels anyways...

I so knew that if I kept on looking the straw that would break the camels back would rear its ugly head... arrggggghhhh... I missed out on seeing this as the scotland part of my itinerary was cancelled (I went over for work) so I never got to see all that gorgeous scenery you described..btw... I lurved your story... anyways... its been said but I'm gonna say it again cause I mean it...

awesome pics... *turning greener now*... well done...

and buy the lady some flowers.. she deserves them!

[Onyx]

Craig, these shots are fantastic. Congrats on POTW. It reminded me of a similar castle in the midst of 'paradise' motivational type poster I saw at the Univ of Wollongong. The clouds separating and the water reflections and everything coming together so perfectly. Your story made it all the more 'real' too. You know you have a wonderfully supportive wife who puts up with so much from you...

You've created this fantasy image in my mind now, I'm not sure I'd want to go visit, as I'm sure real life would be disappointing compared to these breathtaking images.