More details about the book can be read here

Stile & Barn, Ravenseat, Upper Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales

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

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

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

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.

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.

The translation software which allows the James Paul Photography ‘Blog’ to be viewed in different languages has been updated and now we can offer the blog in upto 34 different languages, here’s a quick list :-

Italian, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Portuguese, English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Greek, Dutch, Bulgarian, Czech, Croatian, Danish, Finnish, Hindi, Polish, Romanian, Swedish, Norwegian, Catalan, Filipino, Hebrew, Indonesian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

All the translations are provided by Google and we hope that this service enhances the enjoyment of the site for ‘non-english’ speaking viewers. We look forward to bringing you more languages as soon as possible.

UPDATE: An additional further 7 languages have been added to the blog translation:- Albanian, Estonian, Galician, Hungarian, Maltese, Turkish and Thai.

Look out for some updates regarding exhibitions soon!

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The magazine was published on the 18th August and for more details and to download a free issue visit the Scottish Islands Explorer website.