Blackmount reflections (Scottish Highland) & Glencoe lochan

As I knew Sunday would be the last day of fine weather, I wanted to make the most of it so decided to visit a Lochan (or Loch an, as some say) near the village of Glencoe. I've visited the glencoe area many times now but this would be my first time at the Lochan. I left at around 8am and by the time I had reached Rannoch moore I noticed a lot of mist on the mountains, so, I decided to stop and have a closer look. I stopped at the same spot I visited last July where I slipped and broke my very expensive 190MF4 carbon fibre tripod, incidentally, I had just recieved my new replacement Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod the day before. Although I had repaired my 190 tripod and still used it, I wanted a strurdier and taller one, and I have got that and more now with this new tripod. It's cheaper, better built, stronger, and much taller than my 190mf4 tripod. My 190MF4 will be used only as a spare now and I would advise anyone against buying cf tripods now as you pay a premium for the weight saving only (at least compaired to the 190mf4) .

Anyway, back to the images I took Loki (Rose's dog) out a walk and surveyed the area as Rose (my friend) made me coffee and a sandwich, and at this point the mist was still quite thick on the Blackmount with only a small reflection showing on the water. After hanging around for a while I decided it would be worth putting on my wellies and walking down to the water as the mist seemed to be lifting. To cut a long story short, after returning to the car with my gear I noticed other photographers pulling in and making there way down to the lochan but unfortunately for them the water turned from a beautiful reflection to ripples all over it as the wind started blowing. I was very lucky and could not have timed my visit there for those reflections if I tried. After the Blackmount I headed to the buachailles but nothing much happening there as the light was not favourable. I then finally made my way to the Glencoe lochan which I must say is a perfect place for people with dogs to come visit, it's a really nice and easy walk from the car park and the lochan itself is a great place. I had no problems carrying my new tripod, as some people complain of the weight, I had my backpack (with 400mm, 70-200, 50mm, 1x4 tele, and bits n bobs) Loki on my left and tripod on my right and I can tell you after walking over a mile it was no problem at all.

I want to return to these areas again in November when perhaps we will get some snow capped mountains and if really lucky, get a crystal reflecion too

1)Mist on the Blackmount


2)Another viewpoint


3)Without the foreground rocks at a differant elevation and wider angle.


4)The first shot, showing more mist


5)Stob Dearg and Buachaille Etive Mor


6)


7)


8)Glencoe lochan. This chap asked if I wanted his fishing rod out the way of my shot and I said of course not, and asked him if he minded that I include him in my image which he was ok about and then he started telling me all about the lochan itself but I can't remember what he told me now

Anyway, I was hoping I would get this little jetty to myself at some point (I overheard him telling his friends he would be there until 2pm) but no such luck


9)

Very nice DJ - looked like a super day for it.

Snow wont be long now.

Super sharp shots DJ!

Breathtaking - especially those first few

Fantastic! Really stunning images - I love the first and second!

xx

Great shots

I never get fed up of the Glencoe area, infact passed through it on Saturday afternoon myself