Image Details
Standing on a rocky promintory in the remote Loch Assynt, on a storm filled day, and loomed over by the dark mass of Quinag, the ruined towers of Ardvreck Castle have haunting aspect.
It was a wild day and Isabel and I were returning to Gleinn Leireag about one hours drive north of here. As the castle came into view I could see that despite the gale shafts of sunlight would occasionally break through the storm clouds. I wondered if fortune would grant me a shaft of light falling on Ardvreck.
I got out of the car, picked my viewpoint, set up the tripod and camera and prepared to wait. The wind was fierce, shaking the tripod, I had a slow film (Kodachrome 25asa) and couldn't afford a fast shutter speed, I needed some more luck, a lull in the wind combined with a shaft of sunlight on Ardvreck.
The shafts of sunlight kept on coming, but frustratingly not where I wanted, so I just kept on waiting. Then it happened! Regardless of the wind I just took as many shots as I could! Then it was over. I waited again.
Once more the castle was bathed in sunlight and I took another succession of shots. I continued to wait but the storm clouds were closing up and eventually it seemed clear that that was all I was going to be granted that day.
Once I had the film processed and I got round to examining each frame minutely it was clear the wind had been defeating me, there was clear signs of camera shake, that is, all except two frames, one of which is displayed above. This is luck pure and simple, I doubt I will ever see that scene in that kind of light again.
Copyright © 1991 Gordon C Harrison All Rights Reserved