Change of plans....but what else would you expect from me?

Swirl (in B/W) by Phil McMenemy, The Gallery at Laurieston

Structured travel is difficult for me.  I like options and spontaneity. That is why planning this trip was such an arduous task.  I sifted through options for three years before settling on the areas of the United Kingdom that really spoke to my heart.  Of course, some of those heartfelt locations had to be omitted from the itinerary.  But, all-in-all, I was pleased with the final cut.  Then I had my first trip disappointment. 

Phil McMenemy,
The Gallery at Laurieston

I became Facebook friends with a photographer in Scotland, Phil McMenemy, several years ago.  I followed his gallery, The Gallery at Laurieston, and was drawn to his philosophy on art versus science in relation to photography.  My original plans were to visit his gallery and schedule a photography workshop in the southern part of Scotland.  We discussed options several times and I booked lodging in a nearby village.  Then reality hit....Phil would be gone the week I was in his part of Scotland.  His sons are out of school that week and his family will be on the island of Orkney.  While we agreed to keep in touch and maybe something will work out, the original plans were fell through.  It was time to investigate Plan B!

I went back to the list of other locations I wanted to visit in Scotland and one listing literally jumped off the page...Inverness.  It is a beautiful area and it close to the ruins of Dunottar Castle, which appeals to me on numerous levels.  That cinched the deal!  I would move my accommodations to Inverness. 

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Land of Light Photography

Then, as has happened many times in planning this trip, fate would step in and arrange for a great thing to happen!  I saw another photographer's work on Facebook.  I loved the moods of his work and the way he composed his shots.  I looked up his location....and....drumroll please....he lives in Inverness!  I literally laughed out loud.  I think things will always work out how they are supposed to if we remain open to it. 



Tomasz Szatewicz, Land of Light Photography

Just today I received the three page itinerary for my workshop with Tomasz Szatewicz of Land of Light Photography.  We will have a very long day of shooting between Inverness and the Isle of Skye.  Our final destination will be to shoot the sunset at Elgol, on the Isle of Skye.  I am giddy!  I hope Tomasz will understand my tears....because it is pretty much a guarantee that I will cry.  A trip of a lifetime....a workshop of a lifetime...I am living my life and I love it!



The Black Rock Cottage and Buachaille Etive Mor,
Rannoch Moor, Highland, Scotland
Tomasz Szatewicz,
Land of Light
Photography

This trip represents many things for me.  It is an expression of my interests, my personality and my true essence.  It will challenge me physically, emotionally, artistically, and mentally.  It will push me in ways I can't even imagine.  But what is life if we don't continue to push our boundaries and grow?  I think it would be beyond boring.  It would be stifling! 

I board a plane to London in 10 days!  I am so glad that some of you are tagging along virtually on my journey.  I appreciate the company!

Creative Travel Plans

Last summer I started posting pictures on Facebook from my daily walks. They were taken with my IPhone and were just things I happened upon by chance...no fancy cameras, no filters, no editing. My Facebook friends started giving me some very positive feedback. I was more than surprised, I was slightly overwhelmed. In August of 2014, I purchased a new Canon T5i camera with my UK trip in mind. It has a lot of flexibility, but it is lightweight and not too bulky.

As I started the serious planning of my UK trip, I knew I needed to be prepared to take any photo I wanted. To accomplish that, I signed up for classes at Bedford Photography in Oklahoma City, where I had purchased my camera. My instructor, Christian Bruggeman, encouraged me and has been a wonderful mentor in my photography journey. He has worked with me on both the composition of the my photos and the editing. He has definitely built my confidence.  I still have a lot to learn, but the learning curve has flattened out a little.


Last year I started following several organizations and businesses on Facebook with a focus on those in the UK. I don't remember which Facebook page featured the photo shown to the left, but it immediately caught my eye. I love trees and misty landscapes. They evoke strong emotions in me. There was a link to the photographer's Facebook page...Mark Littlejohn. I was mesmerized by his photos! Stunning landscapes, misty mornings, gorgeous black and white scenes...I felt an immediate creative connection. I browsed his website and read that he offered photography workshops in the Lake District of England.


So....on October 12, 2015, I will spend the day under the instruction of Mr. Mark Littlejohn, UK Landscape Photographer of the Year for 2015. He has promised me a visit to the stand of trees featured in the photo above, plus other stops around the stunning Lake District of England.  Oh...and a great lunch at a local eatery.  I am beyond excited! Mr. Littlejohn's attitude about photography and his willingness to share the "hows" and "whys" of his photos are not common traits among some photographers.


I will take advantage of this opportunity to improve my photography skills and meet some new people. I will be open to whatever beautiful scenery the day provides, and I will be appreciative for the experience of working with an artist who shares my tastes in photography. I know I will be nervous, but when I think about it, I can't help but smile! 

Please enjoy the photography of Mr. Mark Littlejohn! http://www.markljphotography.co.uk/

P.S. I am in the process of booking another photography workshop in the Scottish Highlands!  I will let you know those details when it is finalized!