Photographing my travels: November 2023

Back now from the Creative Light Festival held at Loch Insh Watersports Centre. I didn't think I could go to a better photographic weekend than the RPS Visual Arts weekends but I have. This was the second Festival started by Margaret Soraya.

Oystercatchers

One of the many doors in the woodland

Another walker ahead

I took the afternoon ferry on the Wednesday and met Rachel, a fellow participant from Isle of Lewis. Good to share the 3 hour trip to Ullapool. I stayed at Tucker's Inn, Invergordon. The alternative was to catch the 5.30 am ferry on Thursday! I had time to spend on Thursday morning so took a walk along the shore to Saltburn woodland walk. Beautiful light and mist. I had hoped to see Jane Harlington's exhibition in Dingwall but the gallery was closed for some unknown reason. I made my way to Inverness and met up with Martin to give him a lift to the festival. Booked into Dalraddy campsite on the way to Loch Insh. I had a few hours to spare before the start so went for a wander by the loch.

The festival started at 6.15pm by being piped in by a piper then dinner. I left at 8pm to sort myself out at the campsite. I was on the group excursion at Loch an Eilean led by Joe Cornish. A lovely spot which I must remember to return to and explore more. Back for lunch then two presentations, one by Joe Cornish and the second by Sean Tucker. We were around a bonfire after dinner to end the day.

A phone snap of the piper

Loch an Eilean

The second frog I spotted

I managed to dip in the loch everyday and then into the sauna. Not sure I want to swim now without the sauna being there - very spoiled. I have booked a slot on the Saltbox Sauna on Lewis. Thank you Margaret for including the sauna.

I was on the forest bathing and mindful photography workshop with Justine. Lots of good tips to slow down. Followed by another two amazing presentations by Mark Kirkland and Rachel Talibart. The evening ended with a ceilidh with The Cavemen from Dingwall. I enjoyed it so much I left too late and was locked out of the campsite. Luckily, I didn't need electricity and parked in the late arrival space.

I have been trying to make multiple exposures in camera without much success. I usually end up doing them in photoshop. However, after the workshop with Lesley I finally managed to make some images I like. Presentations in the afternoon were by Mali Davies and Ellis O' Connor.

Phone snap of this scene before the steps to Loch Insh hall

same trees as a multiple exposure in camera

Trees in the forest on tree trunk in camera

multiple exposure in camera

All too soon the festival came to an end. Luckily I agreed to give a lift to Pamela and Lorraine the next day. I was planning to drive straight to Inverness from the campsite. I was greeted by the light when returning to Loch Insh. Having had many suggestions as what to do to fill in the morning, we all agreed to stay where we were and explore the loch. So glad we did. We had a lovely morning finished off by coffee. I dropped Pamela off at Rothimurchas and Lorraine at Inverness Airport. Dashed into town for stuff I can not get on Lewis and on to Ullapool. Ferry was delayed but finally on and met up with Rachel. We spent some time on a few last phone photos of the moon.