Lightning strike Cheltenham

Humid temperatures have produced some mean weather tonight and for the first time ever I attempted to take a photo of lightening striking.  
Shot from my bedroom this was the only shot, (out of 70) which was timed correctly to capture a flash.  I now know what I need for next time: 1) my tripod ready to hand, rather than faffing around getting it out the car then having to find the adaptor somewhere else in a bag in the cupboard2) a memory card actually in my camera ready3) a battery that wasn't just about to go flat4) a clean lens and 5) a ND filter (that's a really boring thing the average reader of my blog really doesn't need to know!) 
So, I'm off to Silicon Valley now, where I believe all the tornado chasers hang out, to get some cool shots of stormy weather :-)

Sunset photos Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham

Landscapes aren't really my thing.....I prefer to take photos with people in 'em!  But tonight I nipped out to catch the sunset from the top of Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham.  I wanted to shoot some interesting portraits against the sky so accosted some unsuspecting walkers and got them to pose for a quick grab shot.  Despite not knowing them I soon found out they were getting married later this year at Cripps Barn, a local Cotswold venue I've photographed at a few times before.  Anyhow, Ross & Charlotte, drop me a line and I'll gladly send over this super sunset portrait.

Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham

Having been to the Scottish Highlands recently it made me consider a little more about what's around me nearer to home.  With fine autumn weather I decided to enjoy some of the countryside on my doorstep and took a walk up Leckhapmton Hill (along with my camera).  

I often ride here, so it's not some new discovery, but haven't taken my camera for a walk in a while.  It's refreshing to take time, stop and enjoy the views, rather than hurtle past at 20 miles per hour.

The route up to Leckhampton Hill across 'Daisy Bank'.  A three minute walk from my house.

Devils Chimney - a landmark on the hill.










A 40min walk from my house (somewhere down there) is the top, with great views across Cheltenham.

Scottish Highlands - Holiday to Skye

Having had a super busy August and September, it was a welcome rest to take some time out from weddings and head for the fresh air of the Scottish Highlands last week.  Joined by two other professional wedding photographers, we embarked on a road trip from Inverness, via Skye and down to Glasgow.

Knowing quite a few photographers from throughout the UK, including several in Scotland meant we called in a couple of favours and got a bed for the night plus some fantastic home cooking and views to die for.

My cameras didn't get to take a break though and how could I with stunning scenery like this......

Rob wears shorts religiously until the end of October.  Yes it was cold...don't ask!?









This is Lynne's house where we stayed, and below the view from her lounge window - nice huh?





A room to stay plus a cooked breakfast each day, exactly what you need before a long hike.  We couldn't have been happier.


A six hour hike through the Glen.










At this point I stepped in a super size cow pat whilst walking backwards taking photos.









Such a cool bridge for the river crossing on our trek up to the waterfall (somewhere in that 'V' shape on the horizon).


Duncan getting close to nature.








Yep, that's the waterfall we walked 6 hours to see.  Pretty impressive, just needed a 400mm lens to take a decent close up photo.





The Isle of Skye.




The view from our B&B nr. Portree on Skye.










Scotland is a BIG place and has some supersize scenery.  








The highest coffee shop on Skye.  Not exactly the first thing we expected to see as we summited the mountain on a very wet October day.


Imagine living in that house - do you reckon they get Tesco delivery?