One of my images entitled ‘Stile & Barn, Ravenseat, Upper Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales’ has been chosen as the front cover to an award winning novel called ‘Going Over’ published by Muswell Press. The novel, written by Alan Franks who is best known as a writer for The Times and author of many plays tells the story of a man travelling over Northern England to find his estranged father. The story was a winner of the New Writer Magazine national novella competition.
More details about the book can be read here
Stile & Barn, Ravenseat, Upper Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales
Readers of the Darlington & Stockton Times and North Yorkshire News newspapers may have noticed that one of my images was chosen as a first prize winner in Richmondshire District Council’s Plan Our Future competition. The image will now be displayed at various locations within the district.
The winning image was a view of Cauldron Falls at West Burton in Bishopdale, a fantastic waterfall that never ceases to look different every time I visit. This occasion was not for the faint hearted either, it was a balmy -5′c with regular snow flurries and conditions underfoot that were treacherous with ice hidden below the sprinkling of snow. I knew that the recent cold spell would possibly freeze some of the water but I was amazed at the size of the icicles on the waterfall. It was a magical if not cold experience.
The full list of prize winners can be viewed here
Cauldron Falls, West Burton, Bishopdale, Yorkshire Dales
My first visit to the Isle of Skye came at a time when I had just bought my first camera. The Island was one of the reasons that I developed a love for the landscape. I took around 1000 shots capturing everything and anything about the island all on auto settings, into the sun, out the car window, highlights blown – the whole shebang! I was proud of my pictures but you could definitely say they were not limited edition candidates!
I recently completed my 3rd visit to the Isle of Skye and although my photography skills have some what changed the Island and it’s spectacular scenery has not. It’s still the magical and charming place I remember evident from the minute I arrived at Uig ferry terminal where we were greeted by a bagpipe player bellowing out ‘Flower of Scotland’ with all his might. Anyone that knows me knows that my favourite place in the world is ‘The Trotternish Ridge’. It’s as spectacular setting as you will ever see with The Quiraing, views across the Sound of Raasay to the mainland and a phenomenal view along the ridge towards the Old Man of Storr and The Cuillin Hills. For me it’s perfect but despite my best efforts I’ve still yet to capture an image that I feel will do the location justice, it’s disappointing but on one hand it gives me a great reason to keep coming back despite it being 500 miles from home.
There is a lot more to the Isle of Skye than the Trotternish Ridge however. The most popular feature has got to be the famous Cuillin Hills. Visible for miles the mountains are popular with climbers and walkers. For me the waterfalls on their slopes offer a wealth of photographic opportunity. Often just labelled as ‘Waterfall’ on the Ordnance Survey map they can often be as spectacular as they come. I found many just off the footpath as you climb Bla Bheinn near Torrin, and Sgurr Alasdair at Glenbrittle. Meltwater from the peaks of the mountains would flow down the slope cutting it’s path in spectacular fashion. One location know as ‘The Fairy Pools’ near Glenbrittle was particularly impressive with it’s turquoise coloured water and multiple falls.
I also spent time at Neist Point, which houses one of the most spectacular lighthouse locations you will see. This remote outpost of the west coast of the island protects boats from the towering cliffs on Ness Point and Moonen Bay. Above the lighthouse on a clear day you can see right across The Minch to the Outer Hebrides, the Islands of North & South Uist, Harris and Lewis are all visible to the naked eye.
For the third time the Isle of Skye did not disappoint but I was left with the feeling that there is still a lot more to be discovered and I cannot wait to return. It’s a landscape that offers a photographer a real challenge and never fails to ignite your passion for the landscape.
Allt Aisridh, Torrin, Isle of Skye
Morar is a peninsula on Scotland’s west coast which is reachable by one road, the A830 which is aptly known as the ‘Road to the Small Isles’. The road travels through wonderful scenery including Glenfinnan en route to it’s end point at Mallaig. From Mallaig you can take a ferry across to some wonderful islands; Eigg, Rum, Muck, Canna, Skye and even a boat to Knoydart, Scotland’s most remote peninsula.
Initially i’d planned to stay only a few days at Invercaimbe, between Arisaig and Morar but a combination of high gales which disrupted the ferry service and my tent! and some stunning scenery I stayed quite a few days longer. There is some stunning beaches in Morar, for me most notably the long stretch of beach found at Camusdarach with it’s sand dunes and great view across the Sound of Arisaig towards Eigg and Rum. Morar Bay which is the location for Britain’s shortest river, the River Morar has a stunning bay with glorious white sand. I also found great delight at Caimbe Beach where I could just stroll out of my accomodation and 30 seconds later I was on a wonderful beach with again great views over the Sound of Arisaig.
During my time in Morar, I discovered there is more to the area than it’s beaches, Loch Morar surrounded by snow clad mountains is a tranquil setting, from beyond Mallaig Bheag there is some wonderful views across the Sound of Arisaig and Loch Nevis towards the Isle of Skye and Knoydart. In fact one of my favourite moments was just sitting watching distant snow storms over the Cuillin Mountains on the Isle of Skye. Hidden away are some charming locations for photography, one in particular was Loch a’ Ghille Ghobaich with it’s towering Scot’s Pines and it’s lunar like surroundings, it’s was a lovely location but unfortunately not in 70 mile per hour winds and hail stones!
My time in Morar was hampered by the gales and rain so I found myself restricted photographically however I found it to be a charming place full of inspiration and stunning scenery. I feel Morar may get overlooked by those heading off to the islands. This I believe would be a real shame as it is an area that is well worth sending some time and exploring.
Loch a’ Ghille Ghobaich, Morar, Highland
Visitors to The Buck Inn at Maunby can now view a collection of Limited Edition Framed Prints from James Paul Photography. Covering the North Yorkshire Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Scotland the collection showcases some of my favourite images and locations including images of Derwent Water, Sutton Bank and Malham Cove.
The Buck Inn has recently been refurbished and is under new management. It provides a friendly and relaxing atmosphere in a lovely picturesque village which lies between Northallerton and Thirsk. For more information about the Inn and it’s extensive menu visit The Buck Inn website.
One of my images has been selected to appear in an exhibition at the World of James Herriott museum in Thirsk, North Yorkshire as part of the museum’s 10th anniversary. For those unaware, James Herriott was a famous vet and author whose work was made into the popular television programme ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. The museum stands within his original surgery in Kirkgate.
The image featured in the exhibition shows a lovely view across Lake Gormire towards Hood Hill on Sutton Bank, without doubt one of Herriott’s and my own favourite places. The exhibition runs from April 4th until June 21st 2009 and also features work from reknown photographer Derry Brabbs.
For more information on the World of James Herriott Museum visit the World of James Herriott website.
