Scotland Around the Edges

This was the title of the slide presentation by Duncan McEwan to a packed room (55 attendees) on Tuesday 11th November.

Duncan spoke to each slide explaining his motivation and the considerations involved each time he produced an image. The presentation was a masterclass in the art of composition, in the importance of light to the scene, and in the value of simplicity in an image to produce a strong emotional effect. The setting Sun was often used to great effect to turn a scene golden. A ribbon of light (for example, illuminating the top of a wall) would take the eye in the direction the photographer wanted. Sea spray captured at say 1/8th of a second exposure contrasted with Scotland’s rocky shore line to evoke the wild ruggedness of the coast. The Edge generally involved sand, sea and rocks, with mountains often in the background. Snow on the mountains of Rum highlighted the contours. The combination of sand and snow produced unusual, but intriguing, compositions. Duncan wasn’t afraid to use dark outlines to give sombre effects to castles built sturdily on rocks adjacent to loch or sea, emphasizing the impregnable nature of the construction.

The audience warmed to Duncan’s unassuming style. Phil Riley, a fellow slide worker, proposed the vote of thanks. He felt that the presentation could best be summed up by the single word Inspirational.

It was clear that the audience felt the same way and gave Duncan enthusiastic applause.

Duncan runs Courses and holidays on Landscape Photography. His WEB page is at http://www.dmcewanphotography.co.uk/

Bill Chadband