Ireland is a top destination, and many tourists are attracted by its natural beauty and castles, but Scotland is also now on the map for every photographer who is serious about their craft. The country is home to some of the world’s most diverse and dramatic landscapes, and the fact that so many scenes from blockbuster movies have been filmed here is a testament to this. Skyfall, Highlander, Braveheart, and Prometheus are just a few examples of films that have taken advantage of Scotland’s spectacular scenery.
The Isle of Skye
For photographers, this is one of the very best locations in Scotland, and if you’ve only got time to visit one location for shots, the Isle of Skye should be it. There’s a huge variety of different landscapes here, from Talisker Bay’s wild seascapes to the gorgeous rolling hills of Quiraing.
There are some renowned Scottish landmarks here that are instantly recognizable, including the distinctive cliffs of the Old Man of Storr and the eerily isolated Neisy Lighthouse. The changeable weather and lighting conditions add to the photographic interest, making the Isle of Skye a favorite with photographers the world over.
Stac Pollaidh
If you’re a keen hiker as well as a photographer, then Stac Pollaidh should be on your must-visit list if you’re heading to Scotland. From the summit – weather dependent – you’ll be able to shoot panoramic, 360-degree views of the Highlands, which will be spread out before you like a vast, other-worldly carpet. Have a look at some stock photos to get more of an idea of this and the other locations on this list.
The stark beauty of this location makes it a dream for photographers – and as well as the landscape, you may be lucky enough to capture an image of a red deer or a red eagle while on your trek to the summit.
Glencoe
It’s no surprise that Glencoe is one of the most famous spots for photography in the Scottish Highlands. Landscape photographers love the easy access to locations, including the Three Sisters and Etive Mor waterfall.
Given how popular this location is, you may wish to visit in fall or winter when the area is much quieter, and you can capture some stunning shots of the gorgeous autumnal colors or snowy landscapes. Look out, too, for the iconic white stone cottages nestled into the slopes, which stand out dramatically against the brooding mountains in the latter months of the year.
Trossachs National Park
Located within Stirlingshire, Trossachs National Park is perfect for photographers looking for beautiful lochs to capture on film – there are plenty to be found here. Loch Ard is particularly worth a visit: the eastern side offers opportunities to get mirror-like reflections, while the odd boathouse and jetty add some additional visual interest.
If you’d like to make the most of misty morning conditions, then head to Loch Rusky, which is a twenty-minute drive east of Loch Ard – it holds onto the mist longer than most of the other lochs, giving you more chance to capture this spectacular landscape effect.
The Kelpies
These distinctive steel sculptures stand around thirty meters high and have been designed to resemble the giant horses of mythical Scottish water spirits. They look spectacular whether photographed from afar or close up – for the latter, it’s wise to choose an extreme wide-angled lens for the best shots possible.
The blue hour is an ideal time to visit the Kelpies: they light up at night, thereby offering additional opportunities to create some breathtaking photographic art.
Smailholm Tower
Located around a fifteen-minute drive west of Kelso on the Scotland-England border, Smailholm Tower is the perfect location to capture some exquisitely moody landscape shots at any time of day. The forbidding tower dates back to the 1400s and was originally used to guard the border. It’s surrounded by foreboding crags, and there are several elevated grassy areas in the surroundings that offer great viewpoints from which to take shots.
Look out for soaring kestrels, ospreys, and golden or white-tailed eagles in the skies above to add even more atmosphere to your photos of Smailholm Tower.
Final Thoughts
Scotland is a photographer’s dream location. The vast range of landscapes, points of local interest, and variable weather conditions mean that a shoot is never the same twice, and there’s ample opportunity to capture an array of moods and effects. Further, the mainland is relatively small, meaning that traveling from north to south or west to east can be undertaken in a relatively short space of time. And with the nearly eight hundred islands to explore, Scotland really does offer everything a photographer could wish for.
