Getting Outside in Winter

Getting Outside in Winter

I had surgery in November, so towards the end of December and after Christmas, I was feeling well enough to start venturing outside.

Winter can be a challenging yet rewarding season for photography. Harsh weather often brings striking, atmospheric light, creating dramatic and beautiful scenes.

One afternoon, I was lucky enough to take a short stroll around Granton Harbour as a weather front rolled in. The dark, brooding sky provided a stunning contrast to the lighthouse, which was bathed in the soft glow of the low winter sun.

Granton Harbour - Panasonic GX80 & Lumix14mm f/1.7 - December 2024

In early January, snow blanketed parts of Scotland. There wasn’t much at my house, but I didn’t have to travel far to find beautiful winter scenes.

The photo below was taken in the Pentland Hills, looking southeast toward Galashiels.

The Pentlands - Panasonic G9 & Lumix35-100 f/2.8 - January 2025

That walk to the Pentlands created a milestone in my recovery. It was the first 'proper' walk I'd been on in some time. It created a wave of optimism for me to latch onto.

The Pentlands - Panasonic G9 & Lumix35-100 f/2.8 - January 2025

Although sweeping panoramic vistas are beautiful, its also worthwhile taking a look at the micro details.

The cold weather brought many frosts, creating interesting textures and images to be found at our feet. A short walk through a local woodland led to a selection of photos below focusing on the details of frost.

Getting Away From the Front Door

"Let’s get away from the front door" is a well-known saying in my family—it means "let’s go on an adventure." It’s about putting some distance between yourself and home, stepping out into the world.

Stirling Castle

Me and my wife took a daytrip to Stirling Castle - a famous and impressive castle in Scotland. It's a 1hr drive from our house, and we picked a great day to visit. We actually took a day off work during the week, as a fun activity to bring a little excitement.

Durham

Durham is a city in northeast England, south of Newcastle upon Tyne. It's an impressive and picturesc city with a magnificent cathedral and old town. Me and wife decided a trip early February was a good way to get over the Winter Blues. 

This trip, however was stuck by issues...

The day we travelled, the whole of the UK was battered by a storm. Where we live, a red weather warning was in place - meaning there was significant chance for damage and risk to life. 

An overturned lorry on the A68

While driving down, the lorry in front of my car was blown over. Luckily the driver escaped without serious harm, and narrowly avoided a large dyke that would have seen the lorry upside-down. 

Durham itself was beautiful. It reminded me of Edinburgh. We were treated to a sunny and crisp winter day - the calm after the storm.

Durham Cathedral - Panasonic GX80 & Lumix14mm f/1.7- February 2025

Edinburgh

Its perfectly reasonable to be a tourist in your own back garden. 

Jess and I too a good weather opportunity to wander around a beauty spot in Edinburgh - Dean Village. 

A former village immediately northwest of the city centre of Edinburgh nestled in a valley of the Water of Leith.