Glencoe | Trying to Capture This Famous Scottish Photography Location

[@helenagustavsson5633]

Can it really be so bad?… Come to the middle of Sweden and everything is just flat, fields and forrest. Then Glencoe looks like heaven for a photographer. You always so ful of inspiration to us and always find a photo. That´s the mood I want to have.

[@RaymondCalloway]

I am an American of Scottish ancestry, both mother (Paterson from Inverness & Aberdeenshire) and father’s side (Ayrshire from the village of Alloway),with Mom still having family there in Scotland. I lived in the north of Scotland for 15 months during a 3 year period of living in the UK. I found driving up and down the A82 fascinating and lovely and especially enjoy going through Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, often staying in Ballachulish or Fort William. The photograph in Glencoe is unsurpassed and many times I would pull off the road to take a dozen snapshots. I always feel renewed when in Glencoe and I am due for a visit back after 4 years! I am loving your channel and photography, thanks very much!

[@alangauld6079]

You have to treat Glencoe like the alps. Get up among the peaks and ridges. Get to eye level. And you need the light, which in a steep sided glen only happens a few times a year at the valley bottom.

[@johanhefer3512]

I think you are right about the light in Glencoe especially. I was lucky to get some interesting pools of light in May one year. Just took a tourist snap with my compact from a parking area down the glen and it look stunning. You are so fortunate to be in Scotland. Maybe its because you get so used to you surroundings but yes I think I was lucky with the light and is how I will remember my trip to beautiful Scotland.

[@LisaFrostPhoto]

Interesting discussion. Being Australian we have absolutely nothing like Glencoe (or most of Scotland for that matter!) here. I was there last November and was lucky enough to get snow the first night we were there. It's the first time I've ever had the chance to photograph snow capped mountains so for me I was like a kid in a candy store! I also found that we only needed to just step off the usual tourist routes and there would be absolutely nobody there. I twice went into Glen Etive to attempt a slightly different angle of Etive Mor (which was only about 500m from the usual spot on the river), and in the several hours we spent there we didn't see another person. Funnily enough I ended up taking photos in the opposite direction to Etive Mor both times as I found it much more interesting. I think we all have subjects we are drawn to more than others, but I also think the new tends to be much more inspiring than that which we're used to. Living on the Gold Coast, Australia I find the beaches difficult to get excited about simply because I've lived with them most of my life.

[@sgurrtours]

So I was down in Glencoe a few weeks back meeting up with the Society of Scottish Landscape Photographers as I had only ever been down there once and that was to climb up the side of the mountain to get a shot of the 3 sisters in the snow and waited 2 hours in wind and snow storms to get the right light, it paid off of course. So the other week I just went down to get some bucket list shots and down that area where you were with the waterfalls in Glen Etive and got some beautiful shots and found a bit of an unknown location with an absolute belter of a waterfall, most of those shots are on my Twitter and a few on Instagram, but I always try and get away from taking the standard shots if I can and get something different rather than the grand vistas everyone gets but it's a challenge but a challenge is good to get yourself creative. Best the West Coast is the best coast to me, I'm a mountain Man myself and you're a sea lass, so I guess it depends what tickles your fancy I guess.

[@mortongillespie7208]

Landscape photography is all about the light - no matter how wonderful the scenery is if the light is dull and flat you will not be inspired to create great photographs and Glencoe is no exception. It can and often does produce dramatic lighting with stormy skies penetrated by shaft of light - pure drama. Don’t give up on Glencoe keep visiting and you will get stunning landscape shots!

[@esperoutdoors9421]

i agree that all the postcard shots are fairly easy to get to, which means they are usually very busy areas, and obviously the big vista shots require climbing high... I think its the sort of area (other than the main tourist pic's) that you really need to spend time in exploring...

[@royjenkins-packer173]

Listen to you and Adam, feels like my inner thoughts at times when out and about to shoot photos. Things sometimes just do not click. Thanks for this video and making us not feeling alone.

[@dawngore2059]

I have only driven through Glen Coe on 4 occasions and of those 4, have only stopped to take photos once. Even then, only one photo has survived and it was as Adam said; the light suddenly popped through stormy clouds and I was in the right place at the right time, even though it was taken from close to the car!

[@justice.wilson686]

Photos never do Glencoe justice i think. It's a place you need to be in to soke up the atmosphere. My favourite place in earth. All the best images of Glencoe have been saturated. Still best in my heart.

[@TimberGeek]

Never been so I'd probably be truly inspired by going there. I suspect it's a bit like the Appellation range for me, yeah it's nice in full fall colour or if you get out onto the peaks at sunrise/sunset otherwise it's just the same clutter of rocks and trees I have in the back yard.

[@robertblesse5108]

Thanks, Kim! I've only been to Glen Coe once, at the end of a photography workshop on Skye. The first afternoon we walked to Etive Mor waterfall, but the weather was so intense it was impossible to get a good image; high wind, rain, and poor visibility. The next morning it was pouring buckets, so no chance of any photos. I was disappointed, but that's the photographer's life. I can understand your frustration about trying to capture photos at Glen Coe, but I think you and Adam hit two good points; you need good light and some of the best images come from hiking up high. After your video, I watched Thomas Heaton's video from Glen Coe four years ago; he got some beautiful images in the morning after hiking high above the glen. The next couple days he was down on the moor and again, it was only because he got some good light that he was able to get some good images. I have friends that have offered me their place in Kinloch Rannoch, so maybe I'll give Glen Coe another try one of these days. Cheers!

[@hmausolf]

It's quite a while ago since I went to Glencoe the last time. And I remember I struggled just like you and I couldn't find any good compositions I was happy with. Then I moved just round the corner into Glen Etive, and that made it for me. There is no such busy road, there are less people, all in all it's very peaceful, and I loved it. And I made a few of my best images in Scotland there. I am looking forward to returning to the Glencoe area this year in autumn, hoping for a few days with good conditions. And maybe I will even try hiking one of the munroes around.

[@simonstevens1631]

I to struggle at times then sometimes life just throws you a bone. When I lived in Scotland I was to close and never really saw the beautiful scenes. Now in canada in the rockies I get it. But I end up taking a lot of detail shots. The small stuff in the vast scenery. Great video Kim as always

[@kwchalky02]

Hello again Kim. I found this video thought provoking, but also a little depressing. I find it difficult to relate to, because my view of photography is different to yours I think. I take a lot of photos and I pretty much have my camera with me everywhere, but photography is something I do when I'm doing other things and I enjoy doing it to capture the moment or to record a beautiful scene I see. I generally don't go to take photos as my primary activity. I love Glencoe. I love walking in the mountains there. I have taken many photos and some of them I think are great, at least to me as a reminder of my trips and to capture (if only a little) of the beauty of the place. Of course there are days I have been out walking or cycling and never taken a shot, because the conditions just were not conducive to a great photo. I think it would drive me crazy if my main aim of the day was to come home with some good photos. So for me my passion for photography is in recording great views when they occur when doing things I love in places that I love. If Glencoe isn't such a place for you then that's fine and you shouldn't worry that it is not. If we spend enough time in places that we love then we get the opportunities for great photos, the good conditions, the great light, the interesting clouds, the still water or frozen loch, the rainbows. Once you know an area well you can take best advantage of great conditions when you have them by heading for the spots you know have an interesting foreground, etc. I want to hear you talking passionately about the places you love and enjoy being at (which is what you mostly do in your photography videos 👍) so just go to the places that interest you and don't worry about needing to take great photos in places you struggle with, like Glencoe. I also love the coastline and lochs and castles and cliffs, etc. but have a passion for the glens and mountains too, including Glencoe. 🙂 Thanks for the thought provoking video.

[@cornishblue58]

Hi Kim. I have missed your videos and saw you in the “Landscapes” publication. Recognising you I was able to find your KZbin channel, which I was sure I had previously subscribed to. Did you change your channel name, as it suggested I wasn’t subscribed. Anyway, I’ve put that right now and am so pleased your channel has grown so much over the past 12 months. Deservedly so. I enjoy your videos, and as someone that loves Scotland, it is nice to be able to catch up on the one’s I’ve missed. All the best.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I haven't changed my channel name no. Sometimes KZbin changes its algorithm and maybe they've not been showing you my videos. It's great that youve refound me though. Welcome back and thanks again - really appreciate it 😊

[@OscarDog200]

I agree - I struggle with Glencoe as well, having been there many times and shot all of the honeypots. You could try climbing the Devil's Staircase, then crossing over to Stob Mhic Mhartuin or Beinn Bheag. Despite the name, it's a very easy route but the views are superb, and being part of the West Highland Way, the path is very well maintained.

[@owainjones3152]

Hi Kim, I think it is an awesome location with Glen Etive and all of the options with the river then you have the mountain with the waterfall in your foreground and the cottage just down the road, so so much to see 👍

[@debbierooker4930]

Hi Kim, so interesting hearing you & Adam talking about Glen Coe. It's amazing and so iconic & the massive vista's really come across so well in video! But as for photography, I can understand how it can be very challenging! I wanted you to suddenly see something that inspired you so much as the video went along , I was willing you on 😊 I hope one day you do get the opportunity to hike up the snowy mountains ,& capture a sunrise 🌄 x

[@guitarmarty8888]

lovely..enjoying your channel and look forward to seeing more videos in this period of self isolation. Take care:)

[@kimgrantphotography]

That's lovely Martin thank you. Stay safe and well during this unsettling time

[@randompete2204]

I'll never forget the first time I rode through Glen Coe, well the A82 really. I was on my first motorbike tour of Scotland back in 1999 and only had a 35mm compact zoom camera, so photos where few and far between and not brilliant, but they carry so many memories, but I get what you mean I've been many times since then, and apart from the numbers of tourists you get nowadays compared to my first visit. I tend to just drive or ride through without stopping but that doesn't mean I dislike the place, it still blows my mind how beautiful it is, but you need to keep an eye on the look out for crazy drivers doing kamikaze overtakes they don't seem to notice the beauty around them. But photography wise I struggle too around those fantastic vistas. And my mobility restricts me finding an alternative view.

[@mikeg5121]

Only been twice, first time was autumn, not the best of light /weather,but managed a few with some colour.Returned in december of that year,and what a difference some snow on the landscape makes. As you say, you dont want to take a step back when near the road in some areas.

[@DonJoyce]

Sounds like a drone opportunity: the higher vistas, without the long hike! Great discussion!

[@CarloDidier]

Fully agree with the difficulties you experienced with photographing Glancoe and Glen Etive. I absolutely love Glen Etive and its waterfalls but also always struggle to find great images. I think Glencoe is so well known and everyone has seen so many great pictures of the iconic places that it makes those honeypot locations look a bit boring and it's difficult to find something new and different. Was there on Feb 27th with heavy snow showers. Great to be there first time in the winter, so different from Summer.

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Hi Kim, I just want to say that Glencoe or anywhere for that matter, can be a challenge to find inspiration in when the light is so flat and grey ! For me no matter where you are, be it the coast the countryside the mountains the city etc.... They all look their best with the right light and they all look un -inspiring in flat dull weather ! For me I love to walk in Glencoe it is best way to enjoy it. Once you start to leave the road and explore off the beaten track that is when things look more interesting . I have enjoyed walking in this glen for many years while on holiday in the Scottish Highlands and have captured many images to remind me of my wanders. Next time you go if the weather is good try climbing the devils staircase . It is a steep but short path and gives some really nice views down into the glen itself. Thanks for sharing your b roll and thoughts while in Glencoe and I hope you have better luck next time :D Teddy

[@G0FUW]

I am with you a wee bit Kim, I have driven through the glen a number of times and always find it stunning, but not very photogenic. I have not spent any time hiking around but I would like to spend some time there to get to know it better. My next trip north will take in Mull and the Sleat peninsula on Skye, so Glen Coe will have to wait another year, or two.

[@mick8586]

great video Kim ,Adam I can see what you mean you have to get away from the main tourist spots , i live in the peak District Derbyshire and see a lot of the same shots people take over and over again , as for Glencoe its a great place been past it a few times on our holidays up to Fort William and beyond , for me Scotland is one great place I'm happy to go there any time Cities, Coast Glens ,great scenery and even great people , and hope to get up there a few times again , take care and thanks for the video great to view on a Sunday morning with a mug of coffee

[@jerrysmith7385]

Very interesting conversation Kim, this analogy can be used in many locations.

[@PamelaMarshall]

I find it difficult to shoot. I have hiked up a few of the mountains there (buachaille etive mor, beinn a chrulaiste) I would love to do Etive Beag as it provides a new viewpoint back down the valley and I think in the right conditions, could be quite beautiful at sunrise. I usually plan to visit Glencoe if the conditions are favourable, mixed weather is usually my favourite.

[@lightsandtones]

I think most of the non-professional or let's say hobbyist photographer travel to Glencoe as they feel that they have a higher chance to return home with good images. And that is definitely true as the location is stunning in every regard. But Glencoe is a haystack where there are millions of needles to be found. I've been there first at the beginning of this year and I also started with the "honeypots" if I can steal Adam's words. 🙂 But after that I wanted to be away a little of the hustle and bustle and picked more remote locations. That's where I really started to enjoy my trip. And in this regard the area is stunning no matter where you go. But it applies to whole Scotland and the UK. Some places just have the wow factor a little bit more than the others which does not necessary translates to better images. They can be taken anywhere because the biggest part in them is you the photographer. Your soul, your thoughts, your view. That is what makes them work.

[@tanyaliepins31]

Hi found you after Garys live show last night. So great to see a lady vlogger. Loved this one and I could relate to your comments so much I live in Snowdonia so I have got to the point where something needs to blow my mind now for me to get my camera out... ive wondered is this because i have the honey pot shots or is it my photography is developing and i need that extra wow factor or is it that i love solitude and snowdonia is always busy now alart from those lesser visited high mountain hikes ?. Desperate to get up to Scotland. Cant wait to sit and watch all your vlogs .

[@JamesBillingsPhotography]

Interesting to see your take on it - I should be heading up to Scotland in October and this is one of my planned stops- so I guess I'll let you know in a few months how I found it!

[@fredfleming8905]

Kim, at 2:17 into your video you have what I think would make a great photo. You are walking towards the snow covered mountain. If to set your camera up behind you as in your video and used the timer or remote to capture you from behind facing the mountain...it would give a cool shot. Fred in Texas

[@darksideemt]

It can be almost anywhere that you see all the time because you live near it or are always going by it. To someone visiting that doesn't see it or has never seen it, it will be different. Also like he said, if you put a certain requirement on the conditions/scene that you want it to be for you photograph it and it is rarely like that then you want have the interest either.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Glencoe is the way to the coast. Perhaps if there was a Loch I'd stop. I think switching from vista to detail is the answer, problem with that is that there's enough detail elsewhere to fulfil my needs. Good video.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I've seen Kim get teary eyed on the heights above the coast. The mtns. aren't her thing. I understand; 'I can see why this place is so beautiful, but I struggle to photograph it'. I get it too. But I'm not big on the ocean(too much sand everywhere) and I love the mountains. My best dreams are jumping from boulder to boulder up in the hills.

[@ronsmith8340]

The next time you can't find inspiration, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Think of yourself as Kim Grant from central New York, your daily views being skyscrapers, traffic and people and you've been magically transported to Glencoe. If you want to see what sightseers see, see through the eye of a sightseer. As a Brocher that's how I photograph the Broch and its surroundings.

[@johnmcsporran3090]

Hi Kim - I do a lot of photography in Glen Coe and I agree that it's hard to find something unique at ground level which hasn't been done tens of thousands of times. The best views are always higher up but they take a bit of effort, sometimes a lot of effort, including climbs in the dark for sunrise, descents in the dark after sunset or wild camps on the mountain tops. In winter, ice axe and crampons are a must have. Stob Beinn a'Chrulaiste opposite the Big Boochle is 'the photographers spot', takes about 60-75 mins to climb, which means arriving 2 hours before sunrise, alternatively climb up the Devil's Staircase to Stob Mhic Mhartuin - both locations are great for sunrise. I was in Glen Etive recently and tried the same waterfall (after climbing over the fence style) but it just doesn't work from a photography perspective. Regards.

[@fionn1119]

However Sir, you are half man half mountain goat, and can scoot up a hill at a rate of knots!!! :)

[@davidalley2454]

Thanks Kim...great vid and it was great meeting you last year! (By the way folks, check out Kim's one-on-one workshops, had a great time.). Was in Glencoe last year, and got the honeypot shots as well. As a visitor without a guide, it is frustrating to know "where" to go, or paths to get there. I agree at times it best to focus on smaller subjects along the "path", but when you come a long distance after seeing all the great shots from others, it is very discouraging. So, chin up, be happy with what you DID get, and try not to hype it up in your mind too much before getting there, that way you don't get so disappointed!

[@ScottWalton]

Hi Kim. Your title caught my eye because a friend and I visited Glencoe years ago on our way to photograph on the Outer Hebrides. We're from the States and had no idea where to go or what to do there and definitely struggled with Glencoe. I'd love to come back someday and have another crack at so many of the beautiful locations your amazing country has to offer. I did like the waterfall that you first showed at 4:20 and then again at the end. I'd be thinking about a detail image, slow shutter to blur the water. Might make an interesting abstract. Anyway, I enjoyed the video and it's always fun to see what you're up to.

[@witoldkarol]

A great place you will have to visit and take some photos. Great videos.Kim

[@johnscott3714]

Great video Kim and interesting conversation. Apart from the photographic aspect - which your video is all about - a great many people visit the Glen because of the tragic historical events associated with it.

[@ianrosie4431]

It's about the road, which has been as rich a vein of incidents and stories, from hikers and climbers, tinkers to robbers, as the Glen itself, and was only finally tarmacced in the 1930s. Think about trying to capture the road and see if it proves more satisfying.

[@PHILI041]

Spent a few days in Glencoe back in October last. It was my first time there and I was blown away (not literally) by the experience. And yes, I shot in many of the iconic locations and enjoyed every second of it. I had been in the Rockies (Canada) earlier in the year and the landscape there has to be seen to be believed but Glencoe and surrounding areas had something special about it that I would describe as almost spiritual. Hopefully will get back there again later this year. BTW love your videos, think it might have something to do with that beautiful Scottish accent.

[@brucewdelorme]

Kim your last VLOG was about doing different. Adam is right maybe its time you get a backpacking bag and get up ans get in where its different. The Grand Canyon is amazing from the rim like everyone else shoots, but to see its intimate beauty you have to get into the canyon to see the most amazing textures, colors and views. Start getting in there neck deep Kim

[@richlovin2173]

I have seen Glencoe through Thomas Heaton's eyes.

[@christian.irmler]

"Long ways to get to a good spot" - welcome to my world of landscape photography, Kim ;) But I even embrace that, because I think, it makes a shot even more worth for myself, when I have hard to work for it, to hike up to a summit of a mountain maybe more times :) But you're right: It is really more difficult in such big landscapes, because each trial of a shot is such a big effort and when you don't get the weather and/or light you expected to get, you have to go home and to come again some days later and hope you were right with your weather prediction. And with vlogging beside it, it gets even more difficult, because you don't want to get out only videos where you show your audience that you have to go home instead of a shooting ;) I've never been to Glencoe, but I think about going to Scotland next winter. Glencoe wasn't planned, but your video makes me want to go there - we will see ;)

[@jimhamilton8775]

I can understand your thoughts Kim. I have always loved Glencoe but my images are similar to those we see every day. I live in a popular tourist area and still struggle to find images there. Perhaps it's due to my familiarty of the region

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Kim, really enjoyed hearing you and Adam talk about Glen Coe. I really appreciate the area, it is dramatic and has an austere beauty, but it just doesn't really connect with me either. I don't really know why it's become so wildly popular, when, in my humble opinion, there are hundreds of equally stunning locations and mountains all around the country, especially in Assynt, Coigach and Easter Ross. When I was a teenager you could go to Glen Coe, even in the summer, and see just a handful of people. I suspect its a lot to do with Glen Coe's accessibility and a burgeoning tourist industry. I warmly welcome visitors and always want to share my love for Scotland, but I do worry about the serious damage being done to these 'honey pot' locations' and I think a serious review needs to be undertaken as to how we can spread tourism out a little and release some of the pressure on these hot spots. After a dicussion with other Scottish photographers, we all decided to come off Instagram for this reason until we manage the interest in these areas better. You can only shoot as a photographer what inspires you and, to feel what you shoot, you have to shoot what you feel :-)

[@anthonyhazlewood5788]

Hi Kim, the last time I went through Glencoe I had done several hundred miles and to be honest I wanted to get to Onich, the destination, not mess with photographs... It was lovely taking in the views from the car driving along... I liked it later in the week going westwards towards Malaig and northwards up the West Coast... .... There you go Kim... That was my experience...Be honest Kim, all of Scotland is photogenic, where do you start?

[@McKinnellPhotography]

Hi Kim, I drove through Glencoe twice last year on my way up to Torridon. As epic as the landscape is I was put off stopping for long by the endless stream of traffic, the litter strewn lay-bys, and the crowds of people all chasing the classic shots for instagram. I love Scotland so much but Glencoe is not for me, landscape photography is about removing yourself from the daily bustle of life and that seems to be so difficult in Glencoe. I'm worried that other areas of Scotland are going the same way, such as Skye and the NC500. In a world where people are so much more mobile than in the past it is a tricky balance between visitor numbers, the environment, tourist revenue, and our individual need for peace and solitude.

[@fionn1119]

Totally agree with you there Steve, i used to love Glencoe, and never came away without a shot or ten which I was happy enough with, but now? it's the amount of people in the glen which put me off going back until the weather has turned BAD!!

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

Fantastic! Voice over was so peaceful! That b roll of you was great! 😂🤣 Funny we both struggled to get photos but produced 2 different videos! Great work Kim. Now for me to go play in the French snow!

[@qwerty5oo]

Kim when you ( I ) was brought up in a really beautiful area (Moray Firth) you don`t realise how outstanding it is, until you travel around UK and Abroad. And when others say "This is beautiful" be it wherever, I`m always comparing to my home area and think Nah its nae! I was never taught / told etc, that I lived in a beautiful area with ever changing light and weather when I was growing up. We just did`nt realise we were spoilt?

[@desgardner7169]

I have never been there but my friend has, I have only ever liked one picture thats been taken in thar area, and thats of Blackrock cottage, that would of been about 40 odd years ago taken as it was with no filters no Photoshop just a camera hand held with a 35mm lens on, I have always liked the autumn scenes from there too, I hated the lone tree picture and I was so glad that the tree dissapeared, does anybody else remember that tree and the queue of photographers waiting to take a snap of it....I can understand Adam when he hinted that he just passes that area as there are too many people there taking the same old stuff....

[@Althalus72]

I like to go anywhere far far away frombpeople 😀 In all my trips to Scotland ( overall 6 months) I went through Glencoe a couple of times but I never really enjoyed it. Probably because it was too crowded at those times.

[@cornishblue58]

I love Glencoe, and do get what you mean. I think the problem is the vastness and as you said, baroness of the place, which is hard to capture in a photo at ground level, hence your B roll comment. Maybe the answer is a drone to save your legs climbing up those mountains 😂. Being from a part of the country where the coast is my attraction for photography, seeing mountains is rare, so I take photos, but I have to say my favourite photos of Scotland are generally the Lochs or the Falls.

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Kim I loved the video especially the B roll and the voice over. I to struggle at times with the inspiration thing and I've never understood why its happened. I think with me because I'm looking for something to paint first and the image's are more for reference maybe that's why I struggle with the photography side in all honesty I don't know maybe it's the location there are times when I go somewhere and can take pictures all day and others I come away with nothing. I had better go now because this has opened a can of worms for me and my brain is going nuts at the moment with so many questions. Until next time take care my friend.

[@crowtheri]

Take a walk up Stob Beinn aChrulaiste and you will inspiration there. Plan for the weather and light and make it happen - it won’t land in your lap.

[@anselman3156]

I am disappointed, for you and for us, that the weather let you down for your Loch Lomond trip. The weather has been rather unfavourable. Do come back when you have opportunity. I guess the weather also affected your feeling about Glencoe. There is a particular kind of atmosphere that you can get among the brooding mountains, and I have found it a dramatic place to visit, but I am not a great photographer to be able to capture that feeling in a picture. I am quite happy with my pic of Buchaille Etive Mor. Hopefully, you'll have opportunity later to capture something of the splendour of Loch Lomondside. Ben Lomond, snow capped or otherwise, is splendid, and there is so much natural beauty and wildlife. Balloch Castle Country Park affords some wonderful views across the Loch toward the mountains, and you can encounter swans, mallards, goosanders and other varieties of bird, often even the beautiful and colourful mandarin ducks. Quite out of the blue, you may have deer run across your path. There, I've done my bit for local tourism! ; )

[@peterellarby19]

Sorry Kim, I could just stand anywhere around the glen and stare!!

[@thomasjcahill2798]

Looked forward to this!

[@libork8106]

Well Kim, not every day we can have a feast .... Landscape photography takes a lot of patience and even more luck ....

[@SteveP_2426]

Very interesting perspective Kim. I'll be in Glencoe for a few days in May either side of visiting Skye. I've not been there since I got into photography so do want to get the 'honeypot' shots but I think you and Adam have persuaded me I need to do 1 or 2 hikes up from the valley to get a grand vista or 2 and avoid the coaches of tourists. They have every right to be there but nice to get some peace. Any tips for Skye beyond the normal 'honeypot' locations there?

[@shinertom142]

I find Glencoe is Epic … but only driving through, it’s jaw dropping and I think it’s such a long perspective and spaced out which kind of makes it hard to capture anything that your happy with … along with bleakness which changes with a blink of an eye, only peak top and high ground hikes would make this easier to photograph ( my opinion ) … but let’s be honest can drive through there all day long … and I will be next week, up from London 3rd time this year so far 🙈🤙🤟🤘❤️

[@eltinjones4542]

Maybe you are over thinking your photography in this location. I've never been here but in Ireland (where I'm from) we have Wicklow, Kerry, Sliabh Bloom Mountains, Connemara etc. I probably go for the honeypot shots especially the waterfalls and am happy if I get something half decent. I've done the same in Iceland, Italy, Budapest, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Yorkshire Dales ,Canada and Australia several years ago now. At this stage I'm too old to be concerned about my take on the epic shot and am more content for that. Hope this helps, maybe not?

[@oldfilmguy9413]

I am hardly an expert on your videos, but my impression is that you are more fascinated/inspired by light than by the subject itself - perhaps you have not found the right light yet at Glencoe to inspire you? Just a thought . . . About half way through I was thinking "maybe intimate shots would be more to your liking" and then you mentioned that as well - again, if you didn't see the kind of light which inspires you, the intimate shots won't work either. Then again, maybe nothing would inspire because it just isn't your cup of tea, and that's absolutely okay! Cheers!

[@Caroda_band]

Hi Kim, excellent video as usual! I notice that you use a D7200 cropped sensor camera. I am upgrading my old D3100 very soon and have been doing some research. I am getting a lot of conflicting viewpoints on whether I should go with a D800/810 full frame or a D7200 . I can pretty much get a decent version of each for around the same price. The problem is, I am NOT a rich guy and I notice that the full frame lenses seem to be really high priced! My question (at last! haha) is, do you ever feel limited by the cropped sensor? PS I have 3 lenses that are DX format, which is another reason for my hesitancy in going full fram!

[@kimgrantphotography]

Personally I don't feel limited by a crop sensor. I sometimes wish I had a full frame for low light conditions and astro photography but for landscapes I've never had an issue with the cropped sensor. Having said that, I am currently testing out the Nikon Z6 mirrorless full frame camera and the difference in sharpness and colour is very noticeable! Until yesterday if never used a full frame so it's still very early days but I am really enjoying the experience. I'd say buy what you can afford. Photography should be accessable to all and although full frames are amazing, like you say, they're very expensive. Unless you're out with your camera a lot and can justify the price, the Nikon D7200 is a good choice. Many people are switching to mirrorless now but it also won't be for everyone. There's a lot to think about. Good luck whatever one you go for 🙂

[@Caroda_band]

@@kimgrantphotography Thank you for the reply. I have decided to go for a second hand D7200 and now I can use all my original lenses. Thanks again and I look forward to the next video! :)

[@WendyM1965]

My native home area. Love Glencoe but I can't photograph it. I would have to use the mountains as a background drop and not the main feature. A local lass, Caroline Walker, has some lovely images of Glencoe on her instagram account and she is much like myself in that she would (for the most part) only use the mountains as a beautiful backdrop. Check her out, I noticed she follows you on Instagram. There's also a well-known wedding photographer in the area who takes the most beautiful wedding photos there, but once again, he uses the background of the mountains with the couple, etc being the main focal interest and it is just a phenominal place for such. For landscape photography.... not for me either.

[@totalfocustv7385]

Loved this video lol! Reminded myself of my kids spitting the dummy out when they were board,and just wanted to stay in and play with the xbox . Shame you couldn't see the beauty around you, to make you pull the trigger. Think you need to look at some great Scottish photographers work in the area instead of Thomas Heaton with HIS BIG vistas and his looking for compositions to take home lol Again thank you for reminding myself of my kids when i took them up there pmsl

[@ironian24]

I Love Glencoe, I have photographed it to death, I tend to use Glencoe as a pit stop to go further North these days. stunning place to photograph and camp in the camper van. the deer there are very friendly but be aware they are wild animals after all. A lovely vlog check my vlogs out from the wonderful highlands.

[@tomhughes5123]

lovely . kayaked it all the way around and camped all the way around .. BUT i could do it again and again with different results every time .. i hate that phase photographers use " i photographed that once , why bother doing it again " woooOOOOoow how blind can some people be

[@andres6998]

Hello Kim, I think You are limiting your mind to a certain type of photography. Sure we do think we like some views better than others. But there is a easy cure to Your problem. You see the beauty, You know you are at a beautiful location but you can't take a picture. But it is quite easy to over come. Release your self from the pressure to take a picture. Just stay at a place with potential, Relax breath in the beauty let the thoughts flow (no photograph thoughts) get lost in the atmosphere blend in. Then you start to see the beauty and the compositions come to you. Also be thankful to be there and beeing able to participate at the moment. Meditation also helps. I hope You can follow my thought since English is very much not my mother tong. This will give you complete new aspects and You will be able to take pictures of every beauty you can enjoy.

[@Dono1964]

Glencoe in my opinion, commands panoramic photographs to capture that awe-inspiring moment you first see the Glen. Anything else just wont capture what first caught your eye imo. And once you have a great panoramic view captured head to the East Coat to fill your portfolio with compositions at every turn.

[@tomc2631]

You owe Adam a biscuit

[@canniejannie]

Hiya Kim. OMG.I never give a thumbs down to anyone, But god,You couldn't get a composition in Glencoe..I just can't stay away from the place, and I travel from Dundee..I dont think you did yourself any favours with this video..

[@kimgrantphotography]

Sorry you didn't enjoy this video Dave. It is all about how we all find inspiration from different landscapes. It's was meant to spark a light-hearted and friendly discussion about what we find inspiring and about whether the famous locations are as inspiring as they seem. It's great that you enjoy shooting Glencoe (as I said, it's an epic and beautiful landscape and I can see why so many people photograph and visit it). I just personally have never found that spark and wanted to see how others felt. It wasn't meant to be negative just a video up for debate

[@daviehudson4270]

Glencoe is like shooting fish in a barrel

[@ianscott947]

I struggle with landscapes full stop, beit Glencoe or anywhere else.

[@dennispenton2052]

Loch Moidart, River Shiel please :) Inspiring place?

[@matssandquist9258]

I guess it is easy to get blind to flaws at home. As a first-time visitor you are probably dazzled by the views.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great video Kim, only photographed Glencoe once and that was 2015 when I was last home, I got stage fright, the landscape was stunning but I came away with only snapshots. Thanks for sharing.

[@a1pestservice]

It's maybe cause Glencoe has been shot to death, and to get something special, it's like winning the lottery. Maybe time to start getting up a hill and get a different angle of things, but it comes with its own, pros and cons, of pain and gain. You could always go fishing, lol

[@LuciaHewitt]

Great discussion Kim & Adam. Loved the b roll :) Heading over to see Adam's b roll now.

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

Hopefully you enjoy it!

[@dereknash3638]

Maybe have a look at Gary Gough’s video who has been photographing in Glencoe over the past few days, it may give you some inspiration.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp6bfYtvoL-KpsU

[@MrCochise71]

People are Terrible 😂😂 pretty accurate 😂

[@andrewpaterson57]

coastal shooting brilliant sky and sea. if you cant get a stunning shot in glencoe area give up photography

[@torichardmorris9444]

Sorry, Kim I must disagree with you on this one. You seem to have forgotten the the number one rule in photography, it's all about the light. Glencoe is uninspiring , like any location on a grey day but when the light hits it, it's magical.

[@witcheater]

I often times see way too much clutter/vista... the stuff everyone sees. Sometimes the best-for-me tripod is the one not used, but is a sandbag that can be molded to support the camera on the ground... to capture the vantage point nobody else cares to see, or just the micro that only the smallest of animals see. In direct contrast to that is the enormous panoramic... yes, I did just say publicly "enormous". Sometimes capturing the full breadth (and beyond) of what the mind is seeing through one's eyes is the real vista... the real photo (way more honest to the view than the by-the-roadside snapshot. It was suggested to "take the time". Yes, I agree that sometimes one has to "take the time".

[@tellthemborissentyou]

Never trust a Campbell!