Across To The Mountains
This scene is looking over Lochan na h-Achlaise towards the peaks of Stob a’Choire Odhair and Stob Ghabhar. It’s on the Black Mount on Rannoch Moor just south of Glencoe and it is only just within the Highland Boundary with Arygll & Bute just to the south and Perth & Kinross to the East.
The mountains were covered with the last of the winters snow and the melt waters were beginning to flood these wee lochans. As I took this image, I’ll always remember feeling privileged by just being there to witness this tranquil beauty. I can still almost feel the crispness of the air even now.
It is at times like these, I understand why photography is so much of a part of my life.

This image was given the joyous honour of being nominated by Brendan Schoon in the Pay It Forward Group. This is what he had to say my image:-
“It took a little time till I had found the work I really admire! The work that really makes me silent for a while, the work that I won’t forget so easily!
I like this work because of the B&W tone, the usage of the foreground. The bush is reflecting perfect in the water and creating so much depth in this shot, the white snowy mountains at the background which are giving me the feeling Wish I Was There!!! Truly an amazing work! Had to nominate this work.”
Truly an amazing and humbling compliment. Thank you Brendan.
Canon EOS 40D Used
Across To The Mountains belongs to the following groups:
! 100% !, "Tone It Down"! (3/day - No [EXPLETIVE] color allowed!), Achromatic Nature, All About Your Best Work, Black & White Photographers Showcase, Fine Art of Landscape Photography, ImageWriting (2/24), Pay It Forward, Shades of Grey, The Black and White Enthusiast, Unlimited Quality and Who Needs Color For Beauty? - Black & White Art At Its Best Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints

Zaldy Infante
amazing image!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Zaldy.
Always appreciate comments especially good ones! Cheers
Catherine Davis
You are amazing!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Catherine,
You really flatter me, but how about the landscape? :-)
Christopher E...
oh hell ya, now we talking kev!! this is beautiful!! excellent Excellent tones and contrast! great shot, excellent comp!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Chris,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a over generous comment. The landscape does the work here (you can’t go wrong really) and only shares what it wants to with the lens. Just fortunate sometimes.
Jacqueline Baker
Absolutely love the contrast in this image it really works so well in B&W….best one yet!!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Jacqueline,
Always good to recognition on my B&W’s especially from someone who appreciates and creates excellent ones themselves! Really appreciate the comments.
Take care
Angel Perry
stunning!
photosbylefty
top shelf work here Kevin, absolutely stunning!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi John,
Like I said to Chris, thanks for the generous comments. Bit embarrassed to admit that the landscape did most of the work here.
Tara Sheffer-A...
Absolutely stunning!!!!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Tara,
The area around here is, as you said, stunning. You can’t really miss here. Thanks again.
Sue Buckingham
Hi Kevin. I just had a peek at your work and it is truly stunning. I too love b/w but I dont do enough of it. To see Landscapes in b/w is so refreshing. It gives the image so much more power and emotion and this is my favourite. I was in Glencoe a year and a half ago and wished I could have stayed in Scotland for longer. It is such a beautiful country. So glad I can rely on you and your amazing work to remind me of great times. Sue xx
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Sue,
It seems like an all-comsuming passion for me which means my colour work suffers – not complaining though! Especially when I get a generous compliment like yours!
It’s very humbling to get such a compliment as I try to capture the spirit and the atmosphere of the landscape that it wishes to share with the lens. To say that any of my images reminds you of a place means that I have achieved my aim.
Thanks so much!
Ranald
Ferlie Kevin.
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Ranald…I think :-)
I take it you do mean “wonder” rather than “terror”? Cheers
Brendan Schoon
WOW, amazing piece of work!! Great composition of such a beautiful landscape!! I think it really looks great in B&W! The eye catching foreground with the reflection of the bush is making this picture a real master piece!! Wonderful work! Truly an instant favorite!! All the best,
Brendan
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Brendan,
Truly an over-generous comment…........but I’ll take it! Thanks very much as I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to view my work and even more so when they leave an appreciative comment.
Thanks again
Kevin
Ranald
Well, more like “wonderful”. I suppose since it’s Glencoe, it could be terror.
Arletta
mmm .. no .. well, yes, but no … I favorited it before, so you know I like it, so when I say this “It’s not one of my favorites” then you must, of course, take it with a grain of salt.; because, it IS one of my favorites .. but, of all the favorites which I have favorited, that come from you, it is not my favorite. You see? It is the mountains. They confound and worry me .. such tiny things, they look so cold and lost there amidst all that flatness, with the clouds battering down at them, and the bush across the way, waving it’s pom-poms and cheering on their destructors.
Which just goes to show you, how much where one grows up can influence one. I can’t, for the life of me, imagine how it is they maintain snow.
So, you see, whenever I see this piece, I have to totally reorient my way of thinking, pretend to be from some other land, where these would be mountains, so as not to offend. And, that, dearheart, disturbs me; because always I must love my land, my home my heart, best, and never deny it.
Which is why this is favorited in the first place, because I understand that.. impulse .. that love, that feel of eye seeking out this known crook and that known cranny, and reveling in the beauty of life well done. It’s not my beauty, nor is it because of it’s tonal nature quite yours I think, but, it is beauty .. half-shared, and half-guarded. Like a man who displays his girlfriend on his arm and then punches any bloke who tries to talk to her.
You show us much, but, still, little is known.
Brendan Schoon
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Brendan!
This is the second time this image has been honoured by you. Can’t thank you more!
Mohsen Bayramn...
CONGRATULATIONS MY DEAR FRIEND! not sure what to add, as you said before, “cream always rises to the top which is where your work is entitled to be…”
Best Wishes Always.
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Mohsen,
Always appreciate your comments. Really chuffed about this honour!
:-D
ryenart
Terrific capture, Kevin. The b&w enhances the dramatic feel to it.
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Ryenart,
Glencoe and the surrounding area seems to be just made for B&W. Nice countryside too! :-)
John De Bord P...
Love the tonal range you captured here!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks John,
Put a lot into my B&W’s so compliments like yours make it all worth while (also shows I’m on the right track!)
Secretwomen
that is so beautiful
Kevin Skinner replied
Thank you, Secretwomen
It is a beautiful landscape so I’m pleased that it translated this to you. With landscape like this, you can hardly miss!
kernuak
Perfect composition Kevin. It’s a difficult choice with some of your others, but I think this is my favourite. I probably don’t do enough B&W, but I have some in camera which I’m thinking about Sepia or maybe a straight B&W, depending what the look like with the channel mixer which I’ve been playing with (or at least some of the presets).
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Richard,
This one came well so glad you like it.
The only way to experiment with B&W’s is to do some :-) Presets are ok but nothing like doing some mucking about with the sliders.
ozczecho
Stunning work….an excellent b&w landscape…
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Mike,
Always a pleasure getting some generous comments :-) With wonderful landscapes like this, it is very hard to mess up. Chuffed how the B&W came out though.
Cheers
Glenn Alderson
Simply stunning work….....well done!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Glenn,
Feel very privileged to be there to capture the beauty for me to share. Glad you like it!
Cora Wandel
Kevin Skinner replied
Wow! Now that’s made my day :-) Big huge smile to go way the big huge honour!
CraigsMom
Gorgeous shot, wonderful writing!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks CraigsMom,
Really appreciate the compliment and you taking the time to stopping-by :-)
woof
nice b/w.
Kevin Skinner replied
Cheers Woof,
Pleased you like it!
Joanne Bradley
Outstanding landscape, just such a beautiful area and shown off so well in b & w. Congrats on the ImageWriting feature!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Joanne,
Thanks very much for the amazing compliment of this one. I’m still smiling, even now, about the feature – it’s a great honour!
linda858100
PERFECT
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Linda!
DApixara
Absolutely gorgeous Kevin!
Kevin Skinner replied
Truly appreciate your kind words, DA!
Joe Sweeney
Hi Kevin, what a lovely shot b/w are great you did a great job, well done.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Joe,
Thanks very much for the great compliment. Really appreciate it!
NordicBlackbird
beauty, dear Kev!!! :)))))))
and congrats on your feature!!!
xoxo
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Nat,
Thanks as always for the kind words and it was great to get the features on this one. Truly wonderful place to be is the Glencoe area, but very much a dark place sometimes as yesterdays events can testify (24/1/09)
eclectica
Wonderful tonal range – you are the master of this style!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Veronica,
Gosh, I’m blushing. Such a great and generous compliment but I think I’ve got a little way to go yet! At least I know, I’m on the right path :-)
Lorraine Parra...
Thought I’d take look at your portfolio and wow, your passion for the land really comes through, I don’t know where to start…......wonderful tones and composition here Kevin…....I love the colours in nature, but these b/w shots of yours makes me want to explore the idea more.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Lorraine,
I’m so pleased that my passion does come over in my images for you to comment. The Scottish landscape and seascapes are so inspiritional, you can hardly miss. So pleased that you find that I do it justice!
Tom Vaughan
terrific image… love the smooth tones.
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Tom,
Really appreciate the terrific compliment and that you stopped by to view it! Cheers!
LifeInMaine
Pure magic! I love it!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Shelagh,
Pure magic? No, just pure Scotland. Wonderful place to just be. Love this landscape and privileged to live here.
Barbara Brown
Beautiful contrast. Lovely image!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Barbara,
Really appreciate your compliments on this one. One of my favourite places to go to with my camera.
kkilian09
Absolutely amazing landscape. This is why I love seeing photography from those outside the U.S. There is so much I may never see in person but the work of photographers like you allow me to see just how beautiful other areas of the world truly are.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Kimberly,
Really appreciate your lovely words about my work. I love the country and the land that I live which makes me even more grateful that I can translate its beauty for folk like you to see. Really pleased you like it!
Scott d'Almeida
outstanding,
Kevin Skinner replied
Cheers Scott,
The landscape in and around Glencoe is, indeed, outstanding! Thanks again :-)
Kasia-D
Simple, simply beautiful. B&W is just right too.
Anthony Comella
Awesome all around!!!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Anthony,
Really appreciate the compliment!
Kasia-D
Had to come back for another look. Joins my favs.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Kasia,
I’m so sorry that I didn’t reply to your last compliment! Always try to reply when someone has taken the trouble leave feedback. Well pleased that this is one of favourites, that’s simply a great compliment especially since you left another. Thanks so much!
Martina Cross
What a great scene!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Martina,
Hope you read the wee note beside this as it gives a feel for my attachment to this image. It is a wonderful place that changes, sometimes quite dramatically, with the seasons. Thanks for the compliment and taking the time to stop by :-)
Shaun Whiteman
Just a stunning shot of the wonderful highlands of Scotland!! BEAUTIFUL!!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Shaun,
As I have said before, Scotland is a great canvas to work with and with scenes like this, you can hardly miss. Privileged to live in such a beautiful country. Thanks
Marianne Vene...
Kevin, this is gorgeous, you make me jealous, I wish I were half as good with B&W.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Marianne,
Lovely compliment but you do yourself down on your B&W’s. Remember where I started from?
Karen Brodie ...
Beautiful Kevin this is stunning in Black & White, perfect shot :)
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Karen,
One of those shots where the landscape composes itself before you. Just a privilege to be there. Thanks again!
Franmacimages
AWESOME!!!!
Kevin Skinner replied
Cheers Frank,
Really appreciate the compliment.
Karl Williams
This is a cracker, Kevin, a really impressive image!
Kevin Skinner replied
Cheers Karl,
Really appreciate the compliment. It’s an impressive landscape! It’s just a privilege to be there and capture it. :-)
John44
Although I am not so much a B?W fan.. this realy is stunning!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks John,
Sorry for the delay in replying. I don’t usually take this long :-(
Really pleased that my wee image made you stop by and leave such a great compliment. Really do appreciate it!
Joyce Dickens,...
Kevin your work leaves me in awe…...breathtaking, impeccable work JD
Kevin Skinner replied
Wow Joyce,
I don’t often, if ever, get compliments like that! Not sure if it is deserved but I thank you for it anyway. Not often speechless :-)
Joyce Dickens,...
Kevin, it is very well deserved – I have admired your work for a long time and from another site as well….. your expertise in B&W photography is awe-inspiring – not necessarily flattery – more truth :-)) take care and keep them coming! JD
Kevin Skinner replied
Again, thanks Joyce,
Still not quite sure if I deserved the praise but I honestly appreciate the thoughts. Still along way to go before I consistently produce good work. Don’t worry, I’ll keep them coming :-)
Peter Lusby Ta...
masterly- its a simply stunning image
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Peter,
As I have said before, the landscape, when it is laid out before you like this, is stunning and you cannot really miss. Appreciate the compliment on my wee image. Cheers!
Jan Fijolek
Great capture. That is when b&w gives you better effect ;)
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Jan,
I always look for the B&W shot when I’m out and about. With a landscape like this, you could tint it purple and it would look great. Cannot miss really!
Christophe Testi
Beautiful!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Christophe,
It is a beautiful landscape. Glad I translated it well enough for you to enjoy. Cheers!
Paul Woloschuk
A cracking image Kevin!
Kevin Skinner replied
Thanks Paul,
The landscape did all the work :-)
dinghysailor1
what a wonderful sight! brilliantly captured! thanks for sharing this amazing moment!
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Maggie,
Still catching up with all my comments so sorry for the delay in sending a wee reply.
Was pretty special when I took this. The light was fantastic and the landscape just majestic – almost surreal. Glad you like it! Cheers
Hélène David-Cuny
Beautiful micture of sharpness and softness…
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Helene,
Thanks very much for the compliment. The land do all the work though, I was just there to press the shutter :-)
Garth Smith
Top Ten in the Black and White Photography Group – Mountain Challenge
Kevin Skinner replied
Hey Garth,
Just picked this up! How miss this! Och, I can’t believe it…....
Thanks for the honour and to the group for voting for it!
Paul Kavsak
very, very beautiful – you have a fantastic portfolio
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Paul,
Sorry for the delay in replying – I really don’t know where my head’s at sometimes! Thanks so much for your lovely compliment!
Stephen Vecchi...
A great B&W.
Kevin Skinner replied
Hi Stephen,
And that’s a great compliment! I really do appreciate that.
pat gamwell 17 days ago
12/03/09
Kevin Skinner replied 16 days ago
Thanks Pat!
Two features already? I must be doing something right :-) A real honour. Thank you so much!
pat gamwell 16 days ago
You’re very welcome! Well deserved!
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