Photography done well is a treat. It's more than capturing a scene; it's capturing a place in time, a calamity of peace, the eye of a storm, an atmosphere, a single moment where a colour kaleidoscope comes together in a whirl of beauty. Plus- any sign of pink and I am sold! Rod let me ask him some questions about his chubby creations and his methods, with pieces of his wonderfully wistful work draped throughout. It's been so difficult to pick my favourites! Visit his website to buy any of these beautiful snapshots of an awe-inspiring, bonny Scotland or visit his Facebook to keep up with his new pieces, |
1) Location: What are your favourite scenes to photograph? Favourite places in Scotland? Edinburgh?
My favourite spot has to be Seacliff Beach, which is just south of North Berwick in East Lothian. The beach is big and has great views of Tantallon Castle and the iconic Bass Rock. It also has the smallest harbour in Scotland. In Edinburgh, I love Salisbury Crags as it’s so close to the centre of town, yet provided amazing views.
My favourite spot has to be Seacliff Beach, which is just south of North Berwick in East Lothian. The beach is big and has great views of Tantallon Castle and the iconic Bass Rock. It also has the smallest harbour in Scotland. In Edinburgh, I love Salisbury Crags as it’s so close to the centre of town, yet provided amazing views.
2) What’s the longest that you’ve waited for that perfect picture? I have waited for about 4 hours for the right light that never materialised. I don’t do this on local shots but if it is further away then you can’t keep coming back so you have to wait. Whilst at Fintry Falls near Stirling, I had an unfortunate accident whilst climbing up the side of the waterfall as I slipped and fell into a rock pool where I dislocated and broke my shoulder and dropped the camera into the water. That was definitely my worst day of photography and six months later I am not recovered. |
3) What do you do while you wait? Is it a type of therapy or relaxation (to some), like fishing or meditation?
Whilst waiting for the light I normally scout round the areas looking for other shots when the conditions are better.
Whilst waiting for the light I normally scout round the areas looking for other shots when the conditions are better.
4) How do you plan a photograph? I take several things into consideration such as the time of day, tide and weather conditions. There is a good App called The Photographers Ephemeris that allows one to check where the sun’s rays are hitting at any location at any time of day/ year so this can help plan trips. I also use Google Earth to find new spots or work out access to spots. 5) How did you get into Photography? I entered an art competition 7 years ago in my local art gallery where I came second with a shot of a goldfish in the National Museum of Edinburgh. 6) Do you use other media and take part in any other art forms, like Photoshop or paints? I used to create digital art in Photoshop from photos or just using digital brushes. I also dabbled in painting with oils and acrylics but much happier behind a camera. 7) Do you listen to music while you work? What? When I am out taking photos I listen to things like Armin van Buuren or David Guetta. |
8) I once saw the most mesmerising photograph of a heavily wrinkled woman’s face that I just couldn’t stop staring at. Is it mostly landscape and scenery or do you have any interest in photographing people?
I find it difficult to take portrait shots as have not used flash much and it’s all about lighting. I also prefer being able to create a shot myself and not worry about asking people to pose.
I find it difficult to take portrait shots as have not used flash much and it’s all about lighting. I also prefer being able to create a shot myself and not worry about asking people to pose.
9) Who are some of your favourite photographers and inspirations in the field?
I started out on Flickr which is a great photo site where other photographers can share images and tips. By following other photographers you gain inspiration. I love the mono images of Ansel Adams who shot landscape shots in black and white and more recently Joel Tjintjelaar who again shoots in black & white but with a modern twist.
I started out on Flickr which is a great photo site where other photographers can share images and tips. By following other photographers you gain inspiration. I love the mono images of Ansel Adams who shot landscape shots in black and white and more recently Joel Tjintjelaar who again shoots in black & white but with a modern twist.
10) Can you tell me about the recent competitions and awards you’ve been nominated for? This year has been a good one for me so below are my achievements to date: - Exhibited and sold prints in 3 galleries in East Lothian over the last 5 years. - 8 images featured in camera magazine publications and calendars - Visit East Lothian continue to use 6 of my images for promotion on banners and other advertising material since 2012 - Won the WEX Photographic “Long Exposure” Competition in 2014 - Finalist in the Scottish Green Energy Awards photography competition in 2014 - Finalist and commended in the Landscape Photography of Year Awards 2014 with an image in the “Living the View” category with Salisbury Crags image. |
11) What about the recent exhibition?
I was asked by a Facebook contact if I would be interested in exhibiting in the Roamin’ Nose bistro as they agreed to provide free wall space to allow us to hang photos. The exhibition runs until the New Year with mainly black and white prints from 4 photographers. There are prices and sizes to suit all. Details can be found here.
I was asked by a Facebook contact if I would be interested in exhibiting in the Roamin’ Nose bistro as they agreed to provide free wall space to allow us to hang photos. The exhibition runs until the New Year with mainly black and white prints from 4 photographers. There are prices and sizes to suit all. Details can be found here.
13) Finally – favourite cup of coffee!
I hate coffee so my favourite cup is one with no coffee in it!
I hate coffee so my favourite cup is one with no coffee in it!
Or check out Rod's Facebook book to get in touch. | To see more of Rod's work or purchase some prints, please visit his website or Facebook page. Rod is also selling fantastic calendars for that perfect Christmas gift. |