Martina Cross

Time to say goodbye.....

2010-02-17T20:16:00.002Z

yes, its been nice here.... on Blogspot that is...

Scotland-Visions wont be updated here aymore.

I am now able to host my blog on my own website. If you want to find out about my latest work (and I know you do...) please come and visit my blog at http://www.martinacross.com/

See you there.... byebye

A Galaxy Not Too Far Away...

2010-02-16T17:59:00.002Z

The Andromeda Galaxy, M31, is visible with the naked eye.

Here is a humble attempt at Astro Photography, a subject that truly fascinates me.

Unfortunately this is not a hobby for impatient souls, but whenever the nightshift weathergod permitts I am out and learning and hopefully one day my skills will be much better than this rather amateurish photo... watch that space haha...

New RB Features

2010-02-09T12:45:00.003Z

Resurrection

Sunset

I am very happy that "Resurrection" was featured in yet another two groups, as well as another feature for "The Hole" and two features for "Keiss Harbour"

"Sunset" was announced the challenge winner in the Celtic Realm group.

Me-time

2010-02-04T13:43:00.003Z

This morning I have spent a little "Me" time down at Thurso pier. I translated many of my ideas into photos and I must say it was a rather productive hour... (flipping cold though)

Here are just a few of the shots that I took this morning...

Expect the Unusual

2010-02-03T14:14:00.003Z

Well, from now on I set myself the task to experiment with some (for myself) rather not so commonly used print shapes.

Having dived and fully submerged into the "Square" format, I am very much enjoying the slim vertical panorama shape at the moment too.

Here are some "vertical firsts"... More to follow...

RB News

2010-02-03T11:00:00.002Z

I have had another 4 of my photos featured in various groups of Redbubble, as well as another Challenge win. "Sunset", "Resurrection", " Keiss Harbour" and "The Hole" (above) were featured and "Coo" won in a group Challenge.

Its Grunge Time

2010-02-02T19:12:00.002Z

exactly what it says on the tin :-) Square, of course!

Redbubble Features

2010-01-31T14:17:00.003Z

Over the weekend I got three more Redbubble features for my work. Two photos have previously been shown here on the blog. For "Coo" its the first feature in a group, beside having been featrued on the RB homepage. For "Top Secret Location" its the 6th feature in a group, beside two top tens in challenges.

"Surfing The Ocean Of Time" is my latest creation in my Grunge series, more of that later on...

Sleeping Beauties

2010-01-29T18:56:00.003Z

Whenever I trail though my extensive photo library I like to explore further possibilities that I havent thought of when I shot the photo at the time.

It is very exciting to re-discover some long forgotten "Sleeping Beauties"

Here are a few more that have finally come to see the light...

Thurso At Night

2010-01-29T13:32:00.003Z

With the nights drawing shorter and shorter I did another little night shoot this week... Here are some of Thurso`s great nighttime views...

RB

2010-01-29T13:25:00.002Z

I am very much trying to catch up with the blog, but work has to come first. Here is just a quick flash of my latest "Feature" on RedBubble. I will try to keep you updated about my ongoing features and challenges...

More Choice

2010-01-25T13:59:00.004Z

I am pleased to tell you that my art is now not only available as Greeting Cards and Canvas Prints, but as Mounted, Laminated & Framed Prints as well as Posters too!

So if you want to grab some original, award winning art, this is your chance :-)

Here is a showcase of my nearly 80 "Featured" pictures that were featured in at least one group in Redbubble (many have been featured in multiple gorups) as well as being amongst in the "Top 10" of group challenges or challenge winners.

Old News

2010-01-24T10:54:00.003Z

In my current "Its hip to be square" mood, I have trailled to lots of my old images and have found some really good ones to transfere to a square format (as well as some nice other stuff that had somehow gone under and been laying on the drives completely forgotten...)

Here are some of the stuff that I have "hipped" up... Some more "Oldies but Goodies" later...

Clearout

2010-01-20T13:44:00.003Z

I have had a massive clearout and now I have various photography books and some other photographic equipment for sale. If you want a detailed list, please email me at
Martina at MartinaCross.com

If I have some time I will list it all here later on...

And before you think that I might be quitting photography.... no I wont :-)))

Its Hip To Be Square!

2010-01-20T12:54:00.006Z

This will be the last image you see with my old logo Martina Cross Photography on. I have updated the logo to reflect on my MartinaCross.com website (Martinacrossphotography. co.uk is no more as it was such a handful to type) and to make it a tincy bit more difficult for my images to be ilegally used by others. So out with the old and in with the new...

May I formally introduce you to the new logo!

I always liked square images, but hardly used this format myself. Well.... this is about to change now. Watch this space!

Nighttime Photography Presentation

2010-01-19T20:46:00.006Z

Yesterday evening it I had another turn at giving a presentation at Thurso Camera Club.

This time I was asked to talk about "Nighttime Photography". I had prepared a short 20 minute presentation where I explained about the essentials & basics and then I showed the best shots of my "Nighttime" portfolio.

After that the members were encouraged to have a go themselves at trying to capture night photos at Scrabster harbour. Quite a few went along and for a short time the harbour are was buzzing with folks running around with tripods.

Weatherwise the night could hardly be any better, with some really good glassy reflections!

Here are a few of the images that I have captured...

2010

2010-01-11T17:37:00.002Z

The new year is barely a few days old, and I am back from my DSLR-less holiday.

The past year was very kind to me, yet again and in the coming year I have set myself two major goals to reach, but more of this matter later on...

Meanwhile I hope you will enjoy coming back to visit my blog and see whats going on and what I am up to photography wise...

The new year spoilt me with great views already, I will upload them when I got another spare minute... or three...

Surfin` North has moved!

2009-12-13T18:10:00.001Z

I am delighted to tell you that the "Surfin` North" blog has been moved and is now hosted by wrodpress.com
I feel that I have more artistic liberty on the other platform.
Thanks to everybody who is following me already, you will have the option to subscribe to the new blog on wordpress so you do not miss an update and can keep on the ball to see what is going on.
See you there....

http://surfingnorth.wordpress.com/

Flying Sky

2009-12-13T12:52:00.004Z

This lightning fast dog proofes a real photographic challenge, nevertheless, he is such good fun and we wouldnt want to miss him at all!

Solar Pillars

2009-12-13T12:39:00.006Z

There has been two very nice displays of solar pillars in the past week. Clear skies and cold weather made this display possible. Get some more infos on them here

Blue, Blue, Electric Blue...

2009-12-12T18:26:00.002Z

The past few clear days produced the most stunning morning light. Here are a few of this weeks captures. I just love this warm late winter lighting and I could stay out for hours if it wasnt for the cold :-)

Its A Stags World!

2009-12-07T10:56:00.007Z

Yesterday we stroke lucky in seeing some big groups of stags while being out on a drive. I was very happy to fill up my stag shot portfolio with over 300 more pictures that I took in a very short space of time! The icing on the cake was that I found a nice 5 pointed antler too :-)

Here are some "shots" of those magnificent beasts...

A new blog is born

2009-12-01T14:07:00.006Z

In the morning I have set up a brandnew blog, entirely dedicated to everything to do with surfing. You can find "Surfin` North" under this link: http://www.surfingnorth.blogspot.com/

If you are into surfing, check it out, it will be updated with surf shots, past, present and future.

Enjoy!

Water & Glens, my newest photobook is available from NOW

2009-11-30T12:23:00.004Z

I am happy to announce that just in time for Christmas my 4th and newest book "Water & Glens" is published and available to buy.

It features some stunning scenery from mostly Scotland and the Lake District. It has 80 pages and costs from only £23.95 as soft cover.

Why dont you drop by and have a little preview of the first 15 pages of each book?

If you have bought the first three books, you surely will love this one too.

A Great Feature

2009-11-30T12:12:00.008Z

Having just logged into my Redbubble Account, I have learnt that one of my photos have been featured on their homepage. What a great honour to be featured on the "Today All Scottish" page on St. Andrews day!!
Redbubble is an international artist community and many of my images are avilable to buy as prints, canvas, and cards from this site.
While you have a browse through my portfolio, check out my 4 A3 2010 calendars too, they are very popular this year and make fab Christmas presents :-)

Here you can see my beautiful "Highland Coo" on Redbubble`s homepage :-)

Halloween Sunset

2009-11-30T11:03:00.003Z

I know, I know, I am desperately behind with my blog, but still I wanted you to see this beautiful sunset on Halloweens eve...

Moon struck

2009-11-30T10:46:00.004Z

Here are a few moon images that I took over the past month or so. Gosh I wish the skies would be clearing up!

Cold As Ice

2009-11-30T10:37:00.003Z

Winter has arrived yesterday, well sort of anyway. We have had the first two snowflakes (and they were pretty wet) coming down this year.

I had some rare spare time, went out and captured two very different Winter moods alltogether.

And obiously I could not resist having a go at those magnificent specimen of Highland Coos :-)

B&W is Best!

2009-11-27T11:37:00.003Z

In my opinion, a well excecuted black and white image is always coming out top, but then again, its all a matter of taste, and thank goodness tastes are different!

Imagine if everyone would like the same things, what a boring world would that be!

Here are a few shots that I did over the past few weeks...

MSW update

2009-11-18T13:15:00.002Z

I am totally gobsmacked!
The 8 photos that I have uploaded recently from the "Man v Nature" series have recieved over 33000 hits on Magicseaweed by now. 5 of the shots are still showing on the front page... I can only say wow!

That surely was not the last time I took shots at this incredible wave :-)

MSW

2009-11-13T13:09:00.005Z

After having uploaded some surf shots to Magicseaweed yesterday I am pleased to see that one shot is amongs this weeks top rated shots. Within hours it has been viewed over 2300 (and counting) times (edit, it has been viewed over 4200 times now)

If this is you having this spektacular wipeout let me know and I will credit you for it. I bow down to your bravery!

Here are some shots of this (for the viewer) great sequence...

New Gallery Added

2009-11-11T17:52:00.003Z

Yesterday I have added a brandnew gallery to my website. It is featuring some of the surf shots I have done over the past few months.

You will find photos of the O`Neill Cold Water Classic competition held here in Thurso, as well as visiting surfers and local dudes at the best beaches around the North coast.

Check the new Caithness surf gallery out here

I shot my boys...

2009-11-10T18:05:00.002Z

While having shot probably hundreds of other peoples dogs, I rarely have time to shoot our own boys in a studio environment.

Here are a few examples of how well behaved my lot was (apart from the odd dribble and drewl on the fabric) :-)

Thurso Firework

2009-11-08T17:50:00.003Z

Composite of the nicest "Bangs"

After a couple of hours shotting pro`s, I "chilled" out shooting the local firwork display in the harbour area. Just before the firework was to begin, it started to rain, when it was finished it stopped raining.... typically!

Man v Nature Pt II

2009-11-08T15:36:00.004Z

Man won....

Nature won....

Rick

Chris

I got some more great surf shots yesterday. Here are a few "locals boys" riding those very impressive waves...

Man v Nature

2009-11-08T11:21:00.008Z

I deliberately left the half surfer in the frame just to give some impression of the hight of the wave

Tiny surfer, massive beast

Again, just check out how huge and heavy "Number 10" is

Yesterday I was shooting Mitch COrbett, Matt Capel & Mark Harris,3 Pro surfers who were surfing a beast of a wave at a secret spot, which only has been surfed for the first time three days ago.
It was very exciting to watch how those guys risked so much just get a ride inside the barrel!
At a later point I will show some of the wicked closeup shots I did, as I cant really do so just now due to magazine publications...
Here are some impressions of the man v nature game...

Surfing at Thurso East

2009-11-08T11:08:00.005Z

Last week there was some nice swell coming in at Thurso East, here are some impressions of two days...

Even more Calendars available now!

2009-10-27T11:38:00.003Z

"Water In The Glen 2010"

"Caithness 2010"

Due the the very positive response on first two calendars, I will give my customers the choice of even more calendars.

I have dedicated on calendar entirely to Caithness and one which features some very nice places from all over Britain (mostly Scotland)

If you have some of my photos hanging on your wall already, this is your chance to grab even more with my unique calendars from here

Brute Forces

2009-10-26T09:06:00.004Z

Yesterday we took a little shopping trip over to Wick and I took the opportunity to shoot some rough seas crushing at the harbour entrance. At this time it was just about 15 minutes after low tide.

A cold drizzle, coming directly at the lens made this a rather challenging and wet photo session.

In the afternoon we returned to see what the waves would be like at high tide and we were surely not disappointed. Stil the air was full of seapray and drizze and I had to wipe the lens clean after each burst. Nevetheless it was very enjoyable! Here are some shots from the morning and afternoon...

2010 Calendars are available now

2009-10-21T14:30:00.003+01:00

I am very pleased to anounce that this year there will be not one, but two calendars with my most successful images available. They show the best of both worlds, colour and black and white. So there is something for everyone!

Feel free to have a browse through them here, where you can also purchase cards and canvases of selected prints too.

Glencoe and thereabouts

2009-10-21T11:43:00.003+01:00

We are back from a fantastic weeks holiday we have spent in Glencoe. This surely is one of the most beautiful locations that Scotland has to offer and I have returned with many great shots to fill up my portfolio.

The weather was nearly perfect with the most stunning reflections I have seen in years. The night skies were absolute breathtaking, surely the best ones I have ever seen. The wildlife was present everywhere, roaring stags in the glens, hooting owls and curious seals.

All in all, a perfect holiday!

Here are some of the first impressions...

Surfing at Thurso East

2009-10-07T16:35:00.004+01:00

Oh Yes! Work can be so much fun when every aspect is right! Great waves, super light and some really good surfers were surfing on Thurso East today and I got some really nice shots of them... Here is a small selection...

My First Book Cover

2009-10-06T11:52:00.004+01:00

Back in May last year I had the pleasure of shooting the start of Colin & Julie Angus journey from Scotland to Syria. Now, exactely one year after the adventurers have completed their trip to Syria their book "Rowed Trip" is launched across North America.

I have provided the front cover and some photos on the back for it.

You can see some more photos of mineand read a little of the book in the Canadian Newspaper Globe & Mail

Needless to say that I am absolutely thrilled that my photos are seen across the big pond now.

Whisky.de Photo Wettbewerb

2009-10-06T11:45:00.003+01:00

Whisky.de is Germanys top independent online whisky magazine and I was quite delighted when I was asked to judge this years photo competition along with Clemens Dillmann and Heinz Fesel.

In the previous years I had won the competition twice and won some very nice Highland Park bottles :-)
It was a joy looking through the various entries and choosing the best ones. Bring it on again anytime Clemens :-)
Well done to all the winners!

Surfing in Thurso

2009-10-06T11:39:00.004+01:00

Here are some more great shots of surfers that braves the cold water in Thurso East and Thurso Beach yesterday...

Surfing at Thurso East

2009-10-02T14:30:00.003+01:00

While passing the seafront I noticed a few black blobs in the water and so I decided to go down to the harbour and have a little look.... There were no epic waves, but I still manages to grab some nice shots...

Waves, waves, waves....

2009-10-02T14:25:00.004+01:00

It was a fantastic morning today and so I decided to go out and fill up my portfolio with some waves. Lucky for me, there were no surfers at the scene, otherwise my landscape shooting plans would have been ruined :-)

Stan Payne, Field Trialler

2009-09-28T16:01:00.004+01:00

Stan Payne with his remarkable gundogs Caley & Brad. What a great diplay!

Northern Constabulary Dog Display Team

2009-09-28T15:32:00.006+01:00

Norhtern Constabulary officers Sergeant Neill Maclean with his dog Decco and Constable Dominic Sermanni with his dog Key putting on a fantastic display at Bower field!

2009-09-28T15:30:00.000+01:00

Labrador Retriever Rescue Fun Day

2009-09-27T19:08:00.004+01:00

Yesterday Labrador Retriever Rescue Caithness & Scotland had their fundraiser "Fun" day at Bower.

Everyone who participated worked really hard to make this day a great success.

There were various fantastic dog demos and many folks came along to watch them.

There will be some great shots added shortly, so make sure you check back soon.

Scottish Field Publication

2009-09-27T19:02:00.002+01:00

I was quite surprised when I got an email from Scottish Field saying that in this month edition they would publish of my photos. Needless to say that I am proud as this is the first publication in the premier scottish lifestyle magazine.

In 2008 "Resurrection" won me SWPP Pictorial photographer of the year.

Photography Monthly Publication

2009-09-27T18:53:00.003+01:00

In this month edition of Photography Monthly I was asked to do a little contribution in the special black and white feature. Alongside a little blurb, the magazine has publshed one of my favourite shots "Old"

This is the second publication in a two row month for Photography Monthly now.

Thurso East Surfing

2009-09-18T18:02:00.016+01:00

Last week was quite some surfing action going on out at the Thurso East (Beast). Although it was not as busy in the lineup as on Friday there was still times where 11 surfers were waiting in the lineup to get their shot on the waves.

Although the waves were not very big, there were some good sufers out showing off their talent.

On Friday the light was just perfect, which resulted in really nice shots. The waves were a little bigger today, but the light was not too great...

I had a very nice chat with John Millard, a pro surf photographer and some surf dudes that were popping along to see what I am doing...

Reach out for the stars....

2009-09-15T12:05:00.004+01:00

Yesterday evening we had wonderful clear and dark sky and so I took the opportunity to take some shots of the Milky Way for the very first time.

The beauty of the stars is just breathtaking! Next time I will opt for a much draker venue...

Labrador Retriever Rescue Caithness & Scotland Fun Day

2009-09-07T11:39:00.004+01:00

On Saturday the 26th of September Labrador Retriever Rescue Caithness & Scotland will be holding their autumnal FUNDAY.

There will be some great dog demonstrations going on, plenty of stalls to have a look around and last but not least I will be taking pet portraits again.

Lets hope there is the same great turnout again! Last time I took portraits of over 30 dogs and was totally knackered :-)

Come along, have fun and support this very worth cause!!!

SNH Scottish Biodiversity Week 2009

2009-09-05T09:43:00.005+01:00

Since 2007 I am taking part in this wonderful photo contest of Scottish Natural Heritage and in this years contest I managed to get thrid place with my photo "Berriedale"

Here is what the judge, Peter J Clarke liked about my photo:

Martina’s photograph has aduality about it. In a way it is a combination of two types of photography. A landscape photograph is the obvious, and a botanical ‘subject in habitat’ is slightly less apparent. The scene comprises of the intense blues of the sky, and the vibrant opposing yellow and oranges of the Lichens. The lush greens of the grass and the Thrift, which contrasts with the purple/pink hue of its flowers. Thrift (Armeria maritima) is also known as the Sea Pink, which is a very subtle although possibly unintentional interpretation of the theme “Colour ofNature”. The lines of the ancient Caithness Flagstone lead the viewer’seye into the subject, then around the frame taking in the landscape the plant is growing in. The form of the dominant cloud in the sky, almost repeats the overall shape of the Thrift, juxtaposed balancing one another. The placement of this cloud is pivotal to the successful composition. This type of positioning is not always a conscious decision on the part of the photographer, and often takes the form of a ‘feeling’ or ‘gut instinct.

Have a browse through the 2007 & 2008 entrants and find three of our photos amongs the top 30.

Wet, wet, wet....

2009-09-05T09:29:00.005+01:00

The massive downpour during the last day or so, lead to extremely full rivers that almost everywhere burst their banks. Yesterday we did a little "Flood" tour round the county.

Here are some impressions that I caught...

The Heather Girls

2009-09-05T09:21:00.005+01:00

D`Arcy, the face of Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland & Caithness

I did a little fun shoot with my good friend Carolyne and her two dogs D`Arcy and Emma. Those photos will be used for an advertisement of Labrador Retriever Rescue Caithness & Scotland.

May I intorduce.... The Spectacular Heather Girls :-)

Photography Monthly Top 100 Reader Photos

2009-08-24T09:19:00.002+01:00

In the September issue of Photography Monthly they have published one of my surf photos as part of the "Top 100 Photography Monthly reader photos"

I was quite stunned that my photo got so many votes and had gone through to be published in the magazine.

You can see all 100 entries here and if you feel the overwhelming urrge to vote for my photo (number 67) you can do so by emailing to: pm@photographymonthly.co.uk quoting Martina Cross in the subject line.

Less is MORE

2009-08-20T11:46:00.006+01:00

my I introduce my brand new website: MartinaCross.com

I thought it was time to get rid of some clutter and completely overhaul the site to give it a complete new and classy Fineart look. I treated myself to a dot.com address too, which I think looks and types really good :-)
Please come and visit the new page and subscribe to the RSS feed, like you have done on the old website too.

Lean back and enjoy!

New Posters available

2009-08-20T11:33:00.007+01:00

Even more exciting new poster are available to purchse from my new website now, many more are to be seen at: MartinaCross.com

Byebye

2009-08-09T11:41:00.002+01:00

... Rotterdam... On our way back home on the ferry to Hull I caught these nice evening harbour moods. First one if my favourite with all the vibrant colours showing in the late evening sun...

Bayerisches Eisenbahn Museum Noerdlingen

2009-08-07T12:07:00.010+01:00

We visited the absolute stunning Bayerisches Eisenbahn Museum in Noerdlingen during our holidays. What a location to take photos!!

The museum has a hughe array of locomotives and wagons on display and even as a non train addict some sort of excitement came up...

We spoke to some fanatics that just live and breathe trains and come from all over Germany to maintain the locs.

Here are just a few impressions of the great day out...

Home from Home

2009-08-06T15:10:00.001+01:00

We are finally back from our Holidays in Germany. Mymy, what a lovely time we had! It was such a change not having to wear thick jackets and socks, a life I could definately get used to during Summer :-)
I have a few great photos to show, but first things first.... You will have to be patient till tomorrow or so...

Even more posters motives are available now

2009-07-07T12:35:00.004+01:00

While looking and tidying up various drives I constantly come across new photos that I have totally forgotten about. Here are some more of the recent re-discovered beauties. Available as posters now, as usual.

More stuff

2009-07-03T12:41:00.002+01:00

More new and old photos are launched in this new and popular poster format. More to follow, watch this space!

Storm Chasing

2009-07-03T12:18:00.004+01:00

A calm and sunny Sannick Bay in front of us...

The storm on full blast behind us...

Yesterday early evening we set off to give the kids and dogs a little run and play on the beach. What looked and felt nice and sunny over at the North-East coast, was a total different story when we turned to go home...

Although the thuderstorm we were about to whitness was no match to the many good ones I saw back in Germany, it was the best one I have seen up here in Caithness.

I just wish a great thunderstorm display would accur more often as I love to watch them.

In true storm chaser manner I shot a couple of pics out of the driving car (as a passenger of course) so the quality is not that great...

Summer

2009-07-01T13:31:00.007+01:00

Its unbelievable how long this great weather lasts just now in Caithness. We had a fantastic couple of days with super nice and warm sunshine, hopfeully it will go on a little longer like this so that I can make good use of my new flip flops :-)

Time is a little tight these days and so I am showing you a ramdom mischmasch of pics that I shot during the last two weeks or so...

A rather B&W weekend

2009-06-15T12:59:00.002+01:00

What proofed to be a raht er black and white weekend, turned out to be excellent for my kind of landscape potography. You should never underestimate grey weather :-)

"Caithness" my newest book is published

2009-06-13T18:26:00.005+01:00

I am delighted to anounce that Caithness, my third photobook is available to purchase now.

This photobook has 120 pages packed full with the best and most stunning views Caithness has to offer throughout the year.

Take a virtual tour through this beautiful place on earth.

If you liked "Scotland Visions" and "North" this is the book for you. The past two books proofed very popular, please email for orders or visit the above link for direct purchase.

Old & New

2009-06-12T17:40:00.003+01:00

Some really old stuff, some really new stuff... watch this space :-)

Equestrian Art

2009-06-10T12:46:00.002+01:00

The last couple of days I enjoyed doing some equestrian photography. Here are a few examples of what I transfered some of those images into.... I really could get used to photograph horses :-)

If you want to see your horse transformed into a work of fantasy art, let me know...

More Caithness Coast

2009-06-10T12:41:00.002+01:00

Here are some more impression of the fantastic secenery along the Caithness coast. I am not a big hero when it comes to hights, so those views will have to do :-)

Caithness Coast

2009-06-08T16:55:00.003+01:00

This morning we had a fab walk along the superb Caithness coast. The colours were just amazing and the bird population just so various. Here are some impressions...

The imagination runs riot...

2009-06-05T17:23:00.005+01:00

ach well, now and then, I really like a good challenge and see what I can turn my "normal" photos into....

We had a phantastic walk yesterday and above location inspired me to to all the transformations...

Very dark and very gothic... all based around the location of "The Devils Pool"

Arctic Terns

2009-06-01T16:58:00.004+01:00

Well, this is my third attempt in "shooting" Arctic Terns. I found it incredibly difficult to get focus on those fast flying birds, but with a little patience and practise it got easier and easier.

They are very graceful flyers and perform breathtaking stunts.

The biggest problem while shooting flying birds is the panning and zooming with the nearly 3kg heavy gear... An hour shooting is better than any workout :-)

Arctic Terns pt 2

2009-06-01T16:54:00.001+01:00

Remember

2009-05-31T11:44:00.001+01:00

..the most important rule when you are on holiday in the Highlands.... :-)

Have a nice Sunday!

Salmon fishing...

2009-05-29T11:02:00.007+01:00

At 9.30 in the morning we already had 20C and not a cloud in sight. It felt like I was still in bead and dreaming all of this nice weather.

I went out for a little photo session and to my delight the salmon nets that I have waited for 4 years to return were hanging out for drying and mending.

John aka Elvis, who owns those nets came over and had a little chat with me and was very interested why I was interested in taking photos of his nets. He told me that some of those nets were made by people long gone and his boat is one of the last salmon cobblers in Scotand which he only recently restored.

He even offered to take me out on the boat when he is getting the nets back in :-) Nice man...

This is a photo of the nets that I took over 4 years ago... a long wait...

Pentland Blues

2009-05-28T13:38:00.002+01:00

Here are some more shots of the great weather we had during last week. The skies were unbelievably good to photograph and ofcourse I took that opportunity to go out for a few trips.

Coastal Impressions

2009-05-26T18:17:00.005+01:00

Here are some landscape shots from this morning. It was a very calm and sunny May day which brought the vivid colours out just right.

Caithness has such a stunning coast line and there are many photographers about. I always try a very unique and individual approach on each subject I take, and already many people recoginze my very own "Cross" style :-)

I have many more photos and panos, but as always they are will have to be cooked first...

Coastal Impressions

2009-05-26T18:08:00.005+01:00

This morning I have spent a wonderful morning taking photos along the beautiful Caithness East coast. A great sky made the work really easy going and I might have even caught a tan :-)

Here are some impressions that I came across...

Purely Recreational

2009-05-25T09:18:00.006+01:00

During the past weeks walks I came across quite a few boats. I always think that they make a great feature in a photograph. Here is my personal take on some of the ones I captured...

More Wildlife

2009-05-24T12:28:00.003+01:00

The Road to Atlantis?

The Blubber Brigade

No matter where you go in Caithness, you are bound to see some wildlife in one shape or another. Brough is one of my favourite places in the county as the little beach has to offer something for everyone in the family, photographers, kids and dogs alike...

This weeks ramblings...

2009-05-23T09:58:00.004+01:00

I have never seen a sky like this before...

The last few days were a landscape photographers absolute heaven!

Due to the really good weather spell we had during the last week Caithness showed itself from its best side and I am now left with a hughe pile of photos that want to be looked at, sorted and processed. I am not complaining though, I rather have too many good ones than none at all :-)

Here are a few B&W conversion from this weeks ramblings (and there are many more waiting to be cooked)

On the edge...

2009-05-22T16:06:00.004+01:00

Today we had a very exciting walk along some spectacular Caithness cliffs. I got some pretty god wide angle shots, but my pupil clearly outshined me on wildlife shots.

I guess my mentoring is paying off... at last :-)

Here is some of his phantastic photos...

A perfect day for Panoramas pt II

2009-05-21T16:27:00.004+01:00

As promised earlier... here are some more panos from yesterdays morning session...

Caithness truly showed itself from its best side and produced some spectacular skies along with calm lochs.

A perfect day for Panoramas

2009-05-21T08:15:00.004+01:00

River Thurso

Yesterday was just the perfect day for great panoramas. We went out in the morning and I shot about 10 great panos from many places around Caithness.

They will add nicely to the collection I already have, over 200 processed ones and many more sleeping on the drives...

Here is the first one I processed yesterday, the others will follow in time. If you are bored, have a look here meanwhile, loads to see there...

Kitsch...

2009-05-18T10:40:00.003+01:00

oh well.... sometime only Kitsch will do... Impressions and shillouettes of yestedays sunset.

A big bonus while shooting those was to see two Otters playing on the shore, I wish I had the big zoom with me, that will teach me...

Mystic Scotland

2009-05-17T09:51:00.003+01:00

Today I would like to introduce you to my new project, "Mystic Scotland".

You will see many dramatic and mystic places from around Scotland that I have captured so far, or plan to capture in the future. The series will be entirely in Black & White, as this is my favourite and speciality subject. All of the photos will be held very dark to enhance the mystic and dramatic feeling that the places demand.

To kick off, I would like to start in my home county of Caithness.

Castle Sinclair / Girnigoe

Blurb

2009-05-14T12:55:00.002+01:00

Having shot many thousands of surf photos over the duration of the O`Neill CWC series, I have been asked if I could supply some pics of the finals for the Colorado River Surfing Association as they have followed the event closely.

Chad, who runs CRSA was so impressed by my work that he wanted to run a mini interview with me, which you can read just under the O`Neill article on the site.

Mahalo Chad, that was awesome!

Emptieness

2009-05-10T12:37:00.005+01:00

River Thurso

Loch More

Strathmore Lodge

Yesterday we decided to get up to Loch More to try out the new water Wubba for our Border Collie Sky. He went from "being scared of the water to an excellent even in deep water where he has to swim" retriever dog in a matter of weeks.

Anyway, as we arrived there there were the last showers clearing and an incredible sky emerged. It was certainly one of the best skies that I have captured this year...

Hits, hits, hits...

2009-05-08T14:06:00.004+01:00

due to the overwhelming amount of hits (nearly 300 in just over two days) on my blog in the last few days I decided to make a new gallery on my main website. It`s shows some of the surf shots that I have done since I discovered my passion for surf photography, back in Januray.

Check it out... you will see some of the best waves in the North of Scotland, the best local surfer dudes and many shots of the best surfers in the world.

Magicseaweed Rocks!

2009-05-07T13:59:00.004+01:00

not just because they decided to publish a couple of my surf pics, but for valuable information on forecasts too. Check it out... here, here and here :-)

Adam Melling, winner of O`Neill Coldwater Classic Series Scotland 2009

2009-05-06T11:49:00.001+01:00

Adam Melling, a proud winner

Walking to shore after the final

Surfing the final

A lonely walk into the final

I have made it into the final.

Luke Munro, runner up at O`Neill Coldwater Classic 2009 Final

2009-05-06T11:31:00.001+01:00

O`Neill Coldwater Classic 2009 runner up, LukeMunro from Australia

O`Neill Coldwater Classic 2009 Finals

2009-05-06T11:25:00.003+01:00

The conditions for the surfers in the finals were almost perfect, the conditions for the photographers were rather challenging with the tide in and the light terribly flat. Despite it being really cold it was really good fun to watch and I stayed for 5 hours to watch all of the finals which lasted to 21.00 in the evening.

O`Neill CWC Scotland day 7

2009-05-06T08:00:00.002+01:00

Here are some more impressions of the final day of the O`Neill Coldwater Classic Series Scotland.

Lots more photos of yesterdays finals will follow shortly...

O`Neill Coldwater Classic Scotland Day 7

2009-05-05T13:29:00.001+01:00

Adam Melling

This morning the surfing continued after a miserable day at Brims Ness yesterday. Thurso East is producing good and consistent waves, although a strong onshore wind makes surfing a little challenging.

Here are some shots from this mornings heats.