Ullapool # 1

In October 2008, while on a photographic trip through Scotland , we were approaching the iconic region of Ullapool, which is in the North West area of the country. This was my first trip to Scotland and having heard a lot about the incredible beauty of this town my expectations where certainly running high. About six miles out, while driving along the shores of an inland lake we caught our first glimpse of Ullapool. The town is painted mostly white and just then; as if on cue she lived up to her reputation as a pool of sunlight highlighted her beauty against a dark somber sky. Spell bound, we spent a few hours in the town, but sadly I failed to find a composition that would do her beauty justice. Some heavy weather had moved in and I decided to go back a few kilometers to see if I could rather photograph the town from a bit further back. A short distance out of town I noticed a pathway leading down to the Loch . I parked the vehicle and headed along an overgrown trail. After a short walk I found myself on the shores of this gorgeous lake, but sadly without any view of the town to speak of.

In photography when exploring like this, what you have in mind to photograph and what you actually shoot, is very often two different things. The rocks and moss that I had stumbled upon was very interesting and because the weather was heavy with light breaking through periodically, meant that I could shoot two pictures one in either direction. What makes these two pictures even more special to me is that strangely enough, both shots seem to work equally well.