Neist Point Lighthouse

 

A self-propelling blanket of low pressure sat, hugging the weathered curves of nature. The amalgamation of borders between land and sea briefly parted ways. A clear line of sight gathered momentum, only for a second before it hid away behind the folds of atmosphere. The wind was present on the peak, but it didn’t bother me. Standing steadfast with a tripod splayed at the toe, the vertical composition framed the vanishing lighthouse. I awaited an opportunity to press the shutter as the crisp morning air filled my lungs.

I was in a Scottish landscape famous for its majestic views. Situated on the very northern Isle of Skye, Neist Point, the morning shrouded the majestic grass knolls and rugged coastline. It would be around one hour before I could envision the full aspect of view. During this time, I contemplated the experience I was witnessing and wondered how many others shared the same? The scene was certainly famous amongst locals and other landscape photographers; however, I felt blessed to experience the unique lighting creation I found myself witnessing.

Slowly, the warming morning light started to reveal the basking beauty before me. Rays of gold shone, dissipating the thick fog. Looking to my left, the cold air splayed over the dark edge of distant cliffs mimicking a falling waterfall that disappeared before touching the ocean. A dance was unfolding as nature’s morning show began to develop.

Warm light filled the foreground as a crimson pallet engulfed the growing shadows. The zig-zagging path I once walked began to gleam with glossy overtones as it soaked the morning freshness. Everything seemed to unfold to the sun’s ray as if were clockwork, timed to reveal the stagnate lighthouse which sat precariously against the ocean swell.

My Fujifilm GFX 50R camera, combined with the wider element of the GF32-64mm and ND filter, was brilliant in deciphering the vivid golden-green and the pristine paintwork of the manufactured structure. I couldn’t help but feel small in the giant landscape as I watched the unapproachable seabird dance in the distant breeze.

Taking in a fresh breath of air, I anticipated the image before me. Awaiting the tranquil moment and extending my exposure to half a second – the shutter button moved as the frame began to develop. The resulting photo is reminiscent of the fragile nature of the earth and how it can reveal itself with a sense of awe and wonder. I feel privileged to be often the only one to witness its wondrous beauty. Capturing a landscape is mostly a solitary affair, but somehow when the image is shared, along with a recount of the experience, a bond builds with the viewer and scene. Along with the connection to nature, this sharing of an experience drives me to escape the world and find the next encounter.

Each day is different, and the scenes I stumble upon are like no other in space or time – they are all unique and just as beautiful as the next.

 

• Camera: Fujifilm GFX50R
• Lens: Fujinon GF32-64mm f/4
• 32mm – f/18 – 0.5s – ISO 100
• LEE Landscape Polariser, 0.6 Med Grad

Neist Point, Isle of Skye, Scotland