Behind the lens with Ian Bowie

How did you get started with photography?

I got into photography as I wanted to get away from spending years at the gym, and martial arts. It was all I seemed to do.

I also wanted to get out and see more of Scotland; It sort of just fell into place. I've been taking landscape images for around 20 years now.

What gear do you use to take your photos?

I've gone from DLSRs to Mirrorless camera (I adopted mirrorless early on, as I could see the benefits) full frame cameras; I only carry a few lenses as I'm often off grid and likely to spend several days away, so I'm conscious of weight.

What about photography do you love?

I loved to be out in the landscape. The great thing about Scotland is the diverse landscape, I could be up a mountain for sunrise and at the coast for breakfast.

I love knowing I've captured the moment, essentially what I'd hoped to get when I set out. Doesn't always happen, but when it does it feels great.

What other places/things do you like to capture?

I like to do wildlife, it's something I really want to do more of. I specialise in mountain photography, that means I'll be ascending summits before sunrise or spending the night up there.

I do this all times of year, but I especially love winter summits. 

Where in Scotland inspires you most?

That's a tricky one; I think it would be Glen Shiel. I can remember driving through it for the first time on the way to Skye and the mountains seemed to loom over the glen, had to keep an eye on the road.

I've been there many times since and I love the summits. There are many great routes and if you don't want to do the mountains there's more than enough subjects at the roadside.

And at the bottom of the Glen there's an amazing chocolate factory that does home-baking and great coffee. 

What's the story behind your winning photo?

In the summer I tend to head up to the east coast, away from the west and the midges! I'd chosen to spend several days in the area and wanted to capture an image that said something about this amazing area, essentially promote its beauty.

I'd been there before and it was very much a windy, wet and grey day. I drove up to make sunrise as I had a feeling I might get some decent light on the cliffs; I wanted to capture something that people wouldn't see often. There's always something funny or odd happens in the early hours.

As I inched the car into the parking area, the headlights picked out two mice having a fight. They were like a couple of tiny boxers, that made me laugh. Sitting on the cliff edge about an hour later I had the feeling of being watched, I glanced round and there was a young fox bouncing across the field.

It looked like it was having the time of its life; it stopped to look at me before bouncing off. I would have loved to have got that image, too.

Is there anywhere in Scotland you would love to photograph that you haven't visited yet?

I would love to be more of the islands; I've been round a few many times North Uist is on my list for sure, it looks amazing. 

What's your dream Scottish Gallivant?

My dream day out would be a winter forest walk just as the sunrises, and the light catches the trees. I know people don't like winter, but I love it. Or I love the idea of what winter used to be.

Can you describe your photography style in three words?

Wild. Dramatic. Inspiring.

I chose the last word as I do hear from many people that have told me over the years that my images have inspired them to get out and travel Scotland, or many cases come to Scotland for photography. 

Do you have any advice for people who want to try photography but don't know where to start?

Absolutely, start small buy only what you need, there are literally no bad cameras, it's easy to get caught up in gear acquisition syndrome. Practise, get out even in bad weather, learn composition styles, slow down and enjoy the process of capturing an image, and learn to enjoy the area you visit. Print your images and get them on your wall.

Photography isn't about watching 10 YouTube videos and then going out to copy what you seen someone else do in the same location; it's about finding your own style.

Beginners can often feel they can't achieve what they see someone else do, ignore them and do your own thing. Landscape and nature photography is a journey.

We've loved seeing Scotland through your eyes with our competition, and we are delighted to have found a very worthy winner!

If you would like to see more of Ian's photography, you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

Congratulations again, Ian! And thank you all for taking part.

📷 Ian Bowie Photography