Photo Tips & Techniques

The theme of this Issue’s photo competition is ‘The Clyde, the Leven & the Loch.’ We’re lucky enough to have these fantastic bodies of water right on our doorstep, so let's show them to the world in the best light possible! Here are some tips to get the most out of your shots… 

Work with the light - As always, consider the time of day you’re shooting at. Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) is generally the best period for soft warm light, while blue hour (dusk or dawn) can provide calm, cold hues and mist or fog - very atmospheric. 

Play with reflections - Still water can provide great opportunities for interesting shots. Look for symmetry and mirroring of subjects along the water's edge or in the sky. This will work best in calm conditions such as early mornings or on very still days.  

Composition - Think carefully about your foreground and background. Use elements like rocks, driftwood, or plants to add depth or consider including a person, boat, or wildlife to give a sense of scale and distance. Use the rule of thirds and leading lines such as in bridges or river banks to draw the viewer in. 

Capture moods & moments - Use a fast shutter speed to catch water droplets rippling on the water's surface, or a slow shutter to blur fast moving water or waves. Capture mist or rain descending to create a peaceful yet sombre atmosphere. Shoot through clear water to shine a light on what lurks beneath.  

Most importantly, stay safe and watch your step!  

In Scotland at this time of year our local bodies of water can be freezing - don’t get distracted by getting the perfect shot and get soaked.  

And as always, happy shooting!