This picture of mine has just passed the milestone of being viewed over 10,000 times in flikr. There is a sense of reward in having made something that has caught the attention of others. I knew at the time when took the picture it was a special one.

The scene is from the Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye. This  magical location in glen brittle is a must visit place for anyone who loves waterfalls amidst mountain scenery. There are five significant falls and pools along the river. The mountain you see behind the waterfall is part of the black Cuillin of Skye called Sgur an Fheadain.  It has a prominent gash running its full height which is well-known to mountaineers as Waterpipe Gully.

On this overcast day there was not much light and the water level was low. This perfect natural path of coloured stones across the shallow pool to the waterfall could not have been better placed by the finest landscape architect. I got into the pool to use the path as a leading line. To get maximum depth of field I set the aperture at f22.  The only light was  the bright but diffuse white clouds from above and slightly backlighting the scene so I had to use a two stop grad filter to make sure I could keep cloud detail and get enough exposure on the rock around the pool.

It is a favourite of Mhairi’s and we have an A3 framed print of it in our hall. It is quite a dark coloured scene so requires a gentle spotlight or a picture light. It reminds me of the being in the aptly named fairy pools and of the feelings this place evokes. If you ever want to be transported to a fantasy landscape you should head to the Fairy Pools of Skye.

You can order a print here or licence to use it on your own website.