Winter at Glen Afton
My first photographic outing of 2025 and it was simply wonderful to be outside again with the camera despite it being cold, Artic cold. The temperature was well below zero however Glen Afton is a place I love to explore at any time of the year and I was stood in awe looking at the most beautiful winter scene imaginable. I had made the journey to this corner of Ayrshire more in hope than expectation and I was not to be disappointed. I could easily have been standing in some distant Norwegian Fiord admiring the view however I was in East Ayrshire. The hills were thick with snow as far as the eyes could see, ranks of conifers wore a light dusting of the white stuff and the surface of the water was being ruffled by the wind. There was definitely the potential here for a memorable image.
Pentax 645Z with 28-45mm lens at 34mm, ISO 100, 1s at f/16, polariser, cable release, tripod
I struggled to take it all in. My senses were overcome. I felt rusty. Would I remember how to work the camera let alone create an image that would do the scene justice. This was my first outing with the camera for well over a month as I’d been really ill with the cold/flu virus and to top things off I’d also injured my knee. I had been carrying a slight knee injury since the summer of last year and it just seemed to get better only to get worse again. Really frustrating I can assure you so rest was needed to give it time to heal. Anyone who has a passion for exploring the outdoors will appreciate how frustrating it was but time is certainly a healer.
Standing at the head of the Afton Reservoir, next to the dam, I was exposed to the full force of the icy, northerly wind that was being channelled along and up the glen. With landscape photography you quickly learn that the best viewpoints are often in the worst places and I’ve never felt so glad to be wrapped up cosy from head to toe. The moon decided to make a welcome appearance as the clouds began to drift and scatter southwards. Patience is a key attribute that every landscape photographer must have and it was now time to wait and see if the setting sun would bring some lovely colour to the view.
Pentax 645Z with 28-45mm lens at 35mm, ISO 100, 2s at f/13, polariser, cable release, tripod
The sun was off to my right, out of view in the west and was now dropping ever closer to the horizon. Several minutes were passed speaking to a local woman who had also travelled to the reservoir to enjoy the view. We discussed the weather, photography and the outdoors. Whilst talking I noticed the clouds began to take on a soft pink hue. It was barely visible at first but slowly increased in saturation. Nature was putting on a spectacular grandiose show and this was the final ingredient I’d hoped for. Wonderful natural light.
When your outdoors with the camera you never know what to expect simply because your at the mercy of the elements so my mantra is always expect the unexpected. The pink glow on the clouds was beautiful and as it increased in intensity, the whole scene was transformed. I clicked away subconsciously on the shutter every few seconds knowing from experience that the stuning colours might not last for long. Totally immersed in the moment, I was oblivious to any other distractions, not even noticing the beautiful images flashing up for an instant on the camera’s rear screen. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins as you never know when these conditions might happen again. It’s so unpredictable and we could easily endure the rest of winter without any more significant snowfall.
Pentax 645Z with 28-45mm lens at 32mm, ISO 100, 4s at f/13, polariser, cable release, tripod
After what felt like an instant, the colours did gradually fade and the colourful spectacle heralding the end of another day was over. Sadly, all good things eventually come to an end but the memory of the experience remains as does the images I’ve created and captured. The excitement subsides and often I’ll just stand and reflect for a few minutes. It was definitely great to be outside amongst the landscape, breathing in the fresh air, surrounded by the natural world. Camera and lens safely packed away, I trudged my way backdown along the snow covered path to the car lost in my own thoughts and the encroaching darkness.
The final images were much more than I’d ever have hoped for or even imagined. Luck played its part with the colourful sunset and so much for feeling rusty with the camera after not being out creating any photographs for several weeks. Thankfully my knee was also completely fine and I felt great. My spirit was definitely soaring high amongst the beautiful rosy tinged clouds in the winter sky. What a way to start 2025.