Scottish photographer’s incredible images of her home country show just why its landscape has it all
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Bonny Scotland doesn’t get much prettier than this.
Scottish photographer fiona campbell He has spent years focusing his lens on the wild landscapes of his home country, resulting in a fascinating collection of images that take him from the rolling Scottish Highland region to its windswept coastline.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the 42-year-old says: “The beauty of the Scottish landscape is that it has it all, from rugged mountains to endless rivers and lochs, to its stunning coastline and white sandy beaches.” But what makes Scotland so special is that there is a certain mood to this place, and when the conditions are right, the light can be truly spectacular at times.” Campbell, who was born in Inverness and lives in the Highland town of Corpach, admits that she is “drawn to dark and melancholy images” which, to her, reflect classic Scotland.
What parts of this vast and varied country are your favorites to document? campbell admits that Glencoe in the Highlands is a treasured place, saying: “This area has always been a part of my life, even as a little boy visiting Glencoe for picnics and paddling its beautiful lakes and streams, so today it is a place that holds many happy memories for me and where I go to relax.’ He adds that the Isle of Skye is also high on his list of favorite places “because of its grandeur and dramatic scenery.”
Certain challenges arise when photographing the country’s epic terrain: you need to start early to capture landscapes at first light, and Campbell often needs to wear double or even triple layers of clothing to withstand the unforgiving weather conditions Scotland is known for. There’s also an element of editing involved after she’s secured the shot, a skill Campbell has been painstakingly working to perfect over the last year. Says Campbell: ‘Now I have a style that I’m happy with. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s the beauty of photography: it’s a subjective art form.
Below is a handful of images from Campbell’s portfolio. Get ready to see Scotland at its best…
Glen Nevis, a valley that lies at the foot of Ben Nevis in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands, is the subject of this atmospheric, autumnal shot. Drawing attention to the tree trunk in the foreground, Campbell says, “Every time I pass this tree I stop to look, it’s such a peculiar guy.”
Mist settles on Loch Ba, a loch in the Great Rannoch Moor in the Scottish Highlands. This serene image was captured during a ‘beautiful’ morning
The mighty mountain of Stob Ban is painted in magical light in this image by Campbell. The photographer says the peak, which forms part of the Mamores Ridge mountains in the Scottish Highlands, has a “moody” look in the shot.
In this stunning photograph, the sun sets over Fairy Glen, a landslide above the village of Uig on the Isle of Skye. Campbell describes the beauty spot as the “most magical and mystical place on Skye”.
This dynamic photograph, taken after a heavy spell of rain, shows the Gray Mares waterfall on the outskirts of the Highland village of Kinlochleven.
The verdant valley of Glencoe is the subject of this fascinating photograph, which is a combination of two images. Referring to the unsettled weather seen in the shot, he says: “The weather in the Scottish Highlands is very changeable… bad weather can often be the best conditions for photography, creating images full of drama and atmosphere. Low clouds often envelop the high mountain peaks, creating a mystical feel to the glen; rivers and streams swell, and waterfalls cascade down the hills, all of which add to the magic of this place.” She continues: “Glencoe isn’t a destination famous for improving your tan and arguably wet and bleak conditions are when Glencoe looks its most regal.”
The setting sun lights up the sky in this stunning image of Loch Shiel in the Scottish Highlands. Recalling the night he took this photo, Campbell says, “The sun dipped below the clouds for a few moments, bathing the distant hills in a beautiful glow.”
The Quiraing, a landslide on the Isle of Skye, is shown in this stunning shot by Campbell.
Light filters through the clouds in this magnificent image of the peak of Bla Bheinn, also known as Blaven, on the Isle of Skye.
Bow Fiddle Rock, a sea arch on the north-east coast of Scotland so named because it’s the same shape as the point of a fiddle bow, is beautifully captured in this shot by Campbell. It was taken at sunrise and sunset, she reveals.
This dramatic photograph was captured from Elgol, a village found on the Strathaird Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. The island’s Cuillin mountain range looms in the background.
Waves crash along the shoreline of the town of Elgol in this striking image. Campbell notes that this is his “favorite place to go when there’s a storm.”
A rainbow crosses Loch Leven near the Highland village of Kinlochleven in this lovely photograph.
This fascinating photograph was taken one afternoon ‘hanging out by the frozen shoreline’ of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute. Across the lake are the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, a fortress dating back to the 15th century.
This otherworldly photograph shows Loch Ba in the Scottish Highlands. Campbell says he was “over the top” after witnessing this stunning scenery.