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ABOUT

Hi, my name's Frank. Thanks for visiting my site.

I picked up photography over thirty years ago. Initially using colour film (good ol' days), at a later stage also infrared and black and white, I eventually - and reluctantly at first - made the transition to digital. But soon I found that some aspects of digital photography are rather enjoyable.

Having moved to Scotland years ago I enjoy the vistas this country offers more than ever, especially the North and North-West. Never having had the guts to make it my profession, photography is a pastime only but takes up more and more of my time - and holidays when possible.

I really enjoy travelling. Every now and then I spend time away from 'home' and usually the photo gear is part of my luggage.

WHAT I LIKE

LANDSCAPES

As I started with photography I shot most of my pictures on holidays or at places around home - as most of us did, I guess. That's what I still do. Previously living in Fife it was rather difficult to make a clear cut between landscape and urban photography. There is not much "untouched" countryside left.
But now in the Highlands I can enjoy the choices, with my favourites being the very North and North-West of the Highlands especially in winter. The light and the colours here in Scotland can be truly amazing (when there is a break in the clouds).

URBAN

This frequently compliments my landscapes shots. But fairly regularly I try to head for the cities on purpose.

For a while Edinburgh was not far away and always worth a visit. As were the small fishing villages along the Fife coast: very picturesque with plenty colours and in the winter nice and quiet. Or the small places within Fife and the neighbouring counties.

Now living in the Highlands urban photography has to take a step back as there are less opportunities.

BLACK & WHITE

B&W photography and infrared was always part of my photography. I like it when there is strong contrast and some graininess.
Though it has become a bit easier with digital, I feel that some of the beloved character of film B&W has mostly vanished, e.g. the graininess and the rich contrast. It has left plenty pictures out there today with a sepia tint - like a photo left in the sun - but without depth.

On my last holidays - a trip to Cambodia - my tutor took me to a gallery of a professional photographer. B&W photos all over!
One of our discussion points was: His style looks a bit old-fashioned, doesn't it? Yeah, it does a bit - for me that is part of the attraction of B&W photography. But old-fashioned or not, the photos still were sparkling because they were so rich in contrast. Gorgeous - but sadly financially out of my reach.

NIGHTS

This certainly is my favourite subject. People have asked why and I have to admit that I am unsure of the answer. A wild guess would be that it is so much easier to concentrate on the subject at hand because it is so easy to blend everything else out (you can hardly see it anyway).

My night shots are from within the 'urban' category and are therefore man-made objects, bridges or buildings, occasionally fun fairs or fireworks (the latter the closest I want to get to 'Light Painting').