Edinburgh photos

Well, it was a funny old day today. Woke to a light dusting of snow, but the day brightened up and was dazzlingly sunny this afternoon. A perfect day for a walk on the Union Canal around Lochrin Basin. See how that blue sky has created perfect conditions for reflections?

 

 

 And here's the same photo in black and white-it looks so much more atmospheric, don't you think?

 

Some detail on one of the houseboats:

 

Bollards-I can see myself using these bollards in a photoshoot.

 

 And another view of the canal development to finish up with:

 

 

So that was part of my walk. I found some great places for  location shoots too!

Tis the Season...

...for a countryside walk. The sun was shining, no wind and it was a warm 11c so we decided to go for a walk around Pentcaitland in East Lothian. Although it's very close to home I've never actually been before as I have other favourite spots in East Lothian that normally get my attention first.

So here are a few snapshots from the walk.

 

Firstly Winton House, the big house on Winton Estate:

 

 I thought these chimneys on the gable end were interesting:

 

Winton House looks out over a terrace onto an ornamental lake:

 

The lovely iron gate through to the walled garden:

 A forest track through the estate:

 

So excited to see snowdrops in the woods-a sure sign that Spring is indeed around the corner:

 

 And finally, the church in Pentcaitland village:



 

It was so nice to get out into the fresh air, and explore somewhere new.

On location

Finally last weekend the weather and the light brightened up somewhat allowing me  a chance to do what I enjoy most-shooting on location. I love how being outdoors allows children the freedom to have fun and to enjoy themselves. Being outdoors allows them to forget about the camera. Being outdooors allows them to relax and be themselves. Being outdoors allows me to capture the personality of the child in a way that an indoor shoot just can't.

 

 This cheeky chappy was a real outdoors boy.

He loved playing peek-a-boo from behind the trees.....

 

Picking up sticks......

and throwing them......

 

snacking on raisins...

 

and playing hide and seek in the bushes...

 

What a great day we all had, and how fantastic to have captured some special memories for this family!



Pentland walk

Today was a gorgeous day. Cold, at 4c but no wind and some sunshine, a welcome change from what seems like the endless winter we have had this year. A dreich, damp, dark winter. But today you got a hint that Spring may, at long last, be just around the corner. A day like today deserves acknowledgement, so I set off for a walk in the Pentlands above Bonaly.

It is not the most interesting, or picturesque time of the year, but it was an enjoyable walk nonetheless.

The water level of the reservoir was surprisingly low, given the rain and snow of the past couple of weeks, but the waterfall was flowing nicely:

 

 

The sun came out as I reached the woods, so there is a nice bit of side lighting here.

I love how the low winter sun highlights the form of the tree trunks:

 

And I love the pattern made by the shallow tree roots:

 

And here's someone else enjoying this brief spell of mild weather. Two of these bounded past just as I emerged from the woods. I never fail to get excited by the sight of deer on my doorstep:

I hope this weather lasts a little longer. I really need some fresh air to blow away my winter gloom.