There's no place like the Scottish Highlands for capturing varied landscapes across the season. Whether you're shooting in winter or summer, each one offers dramatic scenes with ever-changing weather and so much opportunity for experimentation. Here's how you can make the most of Highland photography in each season.
Highland Photography in Spring
As winter fades, spring brings vibrant wildflowers, green leaves, and cascading waterfalls. To make the most of this season, embrace the soft, diffused light of spring mornings for dreamlike shots. Capture the intricate details with macro shots of blooming flowers and dew-kissed foliage. Experiment with long exposure to capture the mesmerizing flow of water in waterfalls and streams.
In Spring we can also be grateful as the sun starts to rise earlier & set later, making for incredible mountaintop camps that give you the best of both, like this panorama captured on Beinn Alligin above Torridon.
This image was taken on a glorious May evening looking over the Aonach Eagach and Glen Coe at sunset, where the heat at sea level provides hazy colours and a dream-like feel. You're also able to see the green gradient rising to the greys and browns of the upmost peaks.
Highland Photography in Summer
Summer paints the Highlands with lively greenery, buzzing insects, and golden hour opportunities. Leverage the extended daylight hours for golden hour shots, emphasizing warm hues. Focus on capturing the dynamic contrast between the lush green landscapes and the clear, blue Highland skies. Utilize a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare on the surfaces of serene lochs.
This photo of the Applecross Fold grazing in the glen is a great example of the lively summer greenery mentioned above, alongside the way that those blue skies give everything that bit more vibrancy.
This image looking over Shieldaig and the Torridon mountains is an ideal example of how you can utilize golden hour to add depth, dimension, and rich colour to your shots. It's also a testament to how planning is important, as Jack had looked at various maps to find this location, alongside planning the dates and times where the shadow payoff would be most effective.
Highland Photography in Autumn
Autumn transforms the landscape with warm hues, changing leaves, and misty mornings. Explore the play of light and shadows during the golden hour, highlighting the rich, warm tones of autumn leaves. Experiment with framing techniques to capture the tapestry of colors in expansive mountain ranges.
This is Applecross in autumn at its loveliest, when the leaves all change, and the golden light gives everything that bit more warmth, even as the temperatures start to cool!
Again, you can't help but think of autumn when you see this! It's also a classic example of how you can use foliage, trees, or rockery to help frame an image. You feel almost like you're the person behind the camera, stealthily moving around the trees to capture the stags.
Highland Photography in Winter
If you time it right, winter blankets the Highlands in snow, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Elevate your winter photography by capturing minimalist shots of snow-covered landscapes, emphasizing the stark beauty of the Highland scenery. Use a tripod for long exposure shots to capture the soft, serene glow of winter landscapes under moonlight. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast – winter nights offer the chance to photograph the elusive northern lights, adding an enchanting element to your Highland winter portfolio.
Here's one of Jack's aurora images, which used a long exposure to help capture the dancing green lights in an ethereal manner. Having a mountaintop camp like this is an experience unlike anything else.
This image showcases how dramatic the lighting can be in winter, with the clouds being thin enough to diffuse the sunrise light, changing the colours to pinks and purples, literally lighting everything like a neon sign! You start with the freezing snow clouds on the left and experience a gradient as you head toward the sun.
What You Need To Know
In every season, the Highlands present unique photographic opportunities, from the vibrant rebirth of spring to the serene frostiness of winter. Armed with these seasonal photography tips, you can elevate your skills and create a stunning visual narrative throughout the year. Explore and capture the ever-changing Scottish landscape, where each season tells a distinct story.
Scottish Photography FAQs
What are some iconic photography locations in Scotland?
Iconic photography locations in Scotland include the Isle of Skye with its fairy pools and Old Man of Storr, Glencoe for its dramatic landscapes, Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, and the remote Isle of Lewis with its stunning beaches and ancient standing stones.
What are some tips for capturing the Northern Lights in Scotland?
Tips for capturing the Northern Lights in Scotland include choosing a location away from light pollution, monitoring aurora forecasts, using a fast lens with a wide aperture, setting a long exposure time, and experimenting with ISO settings to capture the aurora's ethereal beauty.
Where are the best locations in Scotland for capturing wildlife through photography?
Some of the best locations in Scotland for capturing wildlife through photography include the Cairngorms National Park for red deer and mountain hares, the Isle of Mull for white-tailed eagles and otters, and the Scottish Highlands for red squirrels and birds of prey.
