I took this photo near Fort Augustus, at the southern part of Loch Ness. I’d spent the weekend at the Loch Ness Backpackers in Drumnadrochit trying to get photos but the weather and conditions had been terrible. On this morning, I was leaving to drive to Aberdeen when I drove past this scene and immediately pulled over.
I was particularly attracted to this derelict boat, which coupled with the mood of the misty scene and the morning light revealed a hint of the mountains creeping through the mist.
This photo of Loch Ness taken way back in 2006 on my first entry level digital SLR. My first foray into digital, after having shot with film for the previous 10 years. I wanted the boats to be perfectly reflected in the water and while the morning was still, there was a little ripple on the surface so I had to set an aperture of F22 and ISO 100 to get the slowest shutter speed I could in order to smooth out the water as much as possible.
The image has been through several edits over the years, as my skill and knowledge in post processing has improved. I once gave it the pseudo HDR effect, until I learned how this makes an image lose its depth.
This version is the best. I used the highlights tool to bring out the detail, depth and texture in the scene. Then applied levels, curves and vibrance. I love this image because it shows that a great photo is not just in the equipment you use. This was taken with a budget SLR, but with the right composition, perfect light and conditions you can bring out the best of the scene in post processing.
It also shows that you never know when a great scene will be presented, so always have your camera at the ready.
