Cloud of Fire, a photo from Highland, Scotland

Photographer's Note

I took this image on the first evening of our last visit to the Isle of Skye. It is taken from roughly the same POV as my first post from here on the rocky beach at Elgol on Loch Scavaig, although the tide is higher. Also this time the sun was still waiting to go down and you can see the first mountain in the Cuillins was topped by a fiery cloud.

We had just completed a 9½ hour drive but just had to go on the beach before dinner when we saw this sight.

I wouldn't normally use such a small aperture with this lens, but I wanted to slow the shutter. It's still not as slow as I would have liked. I need to put a ND filter on my shopping list. :)

ISO100 FL22mm

isabela_sor, Bergensiana, leonorkuhn, vasilpro, Pascale, siam2005, jwmunro, akm, papagolf21, JCG, subhendu_bagchi, bostankorkulugu, snunney, Royaldevon, Cricri, Kielia, Wandering_Dan, Sistercosmo, josepmarin, ktanska, jimkil, John_F_Kennedy, pasternak, Longroute, plimrn, riclopes, avene, Dashab, Angshu, ChrisJ, cobbydale, arpitadoc has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

isabela_sor (47748) 2010-01-03 8:44

My God!!!!
That light , clouds and the view itself are amazing
It has a special dynamism
Hugs

Happy 2010!

Bergensiana (365) 2010-01-03 9:26

Hello Kath
Excellent light and sharpness. Perfect exposure and POV.
The light is just incredibly beautiful.
TFS
Best regards, Trond

swiatopelk777 (0) 2010-01-03 9:40

Hi Kath!
Amazing seascape. Wonderful wave. Excellent mount. Mystical cloud. Good colors.
Greetings from Warszawa!

carper (96) 2010-01-03 10:05

a wild one Kath.
marvelous point of view here, good handled the difficult light, marvelous sky good lines, a good piece of landscape photography, with my compliments. have a good evening.
regard jaap

GLEM (3004) 2010-01-03 10:15

hi kath
fantastique image, la pose longue donne un résultat vraiment extra. Les couleurs sont denses, les contrastes forts et la lumière chaude du plus bel effet.
bravo

Gaetan

leonorkuhn (16237) 2010-01-03 10:39

Hi Kath,

The picture is very beautiful. The combination of the small opening to the time of exposure has created a beautiful effect in the water. I like the golden tone in the cloud and the rocks. Excellent capture!

Have a nice week
Leonor

leo61 (0) 2010-01-03 10:41

HI Kath!
A simillar POV and foreground as at my today`s photo,but I`m sure it was more warm in Cape Verde.....
Good light and nice clouds around this mountain.
Regards,Leo

anesugur (18789) 2010-01-03 10:48

Hello Kath,
What a great composition...
Wonderful scenery with superb light, colors and depth.
Best wishes. Uğur

vasilpro (41801) 2010-01-03 11:10

Hello Kath,
Wonderful light management, lovely atmosphere and colors, excellent composition and presentation, a beautiful photo.
Happy and creative New Year, Vasilis.

Pascale (10456) 2010-01-03 11:16

Bonsoir Kath
Excellente composition avec de magnifiques couleurs chaudes ,très bel effet de la longue pose sur la mer .J'aime beaucoup ce triangle surligné par ce très beau nuage .Bravo c'est superbe
Bonne soirée
pascale

john1 (4028) 2010-01-03 11:23

Bonjour Kath,

Superbe vue de l'action, les détails des vagues sont superbes et le beau ciel. Great Détails cailloux.
L'effet du soleil sur les nuages sont magnifiques, très belle lumière et des couleurs.
Une excellente composition, TFS.
Prendre soin de.
John

siam2005 (1566) 2010-01-03 11:47

Bellissima immagine per il POV e la composizione.
Bei colori e incantevole effetto dell'acqua. Bella la luce e l'effetto delle nubi infuocate.
Complimenti.
Anna

gilou530 (34) 2010-01-03 11:55

hello kath
a light on the rollers of most beautiful to emphasize this pebble beach, the clouds which fleurtent aves the mountains give the impression of a volcano in authority of eruption, a beautiful photograph
friendships and best wishes
gilbert

devimeuxbe (58557) 2010-01-03 12:08

Hi Kath
you found here a very beautifull light. Congratulations, it's really amazing
Bertrand

jwmunro (286) 2010-01-03 12:23

Hello Kath -

Very nice in deed! You are so right, the mountain and cloud look like they are on fire. I think you have a nice blur on the water - I am not sure more would be better in this instance. A little hint for cutting the light and slowing the shutter speed: use your polarizer as this will knock off about 1.5 stops. Think about getting a 2-3 stop screw-in ND filter (not a grad) for situations where the light is really strong. Well done! I like both the mountain and the blur.

Thank you for sharing.

John

[2]

akm (1216) 2010-01-03 12:47

Hello Kath,
Just a breathtaking shot. You must have loved the reward for the etra effort! The light on the waves and the pebbles adds enormously to the impact of the "cloud of fire" and makes a wonderfully balanced composition.
Best regards,
Mary

papagolf21 (152605) 2010-01-03 13:36

Bonsoir, mon amie Kath,
Que dire devant tant de beauté ! Ah ! si, admirer la joliesse de l'ensemble. L'art et la technique du photographe. Une composition digne d'un professionnel.
Un grand coup de coeur pour cette réalisation.
Félicitations.
Meilleurs voeux : que notre amitié illumine cette nouvelle année de tout le plaisir et la joie qu'elle permet de partager !
Philippe

Bartleby (13552) 2010-01-03 13:53

Hi Kath,
the title couldn't be more relevant ! That's the first thing I thought when the picture popped out. There are some truly wonderful warm tones in there. And the composition is carefully done, as always.
I haven't had the chance to visit this part of the island because I -stupidly enough!- didn't check the times for the ferry and when we arrived here in the early afternoon, we had just missed one and had to wait another three hours before the next so we just drove back and around all the way up to Kyle of Lochalsh and the bridge...next time, hopefully!

Best,

Philippe

PS: definitely agree with the shopping list! Already 've ordered mine...;-)

Dyerco (10185) 2010-01-03 17:21

WOW! Kath you really nailed it here. I like the motion in the waves although from what you say you were trying for a misty look from an even slower exposure. There is a lovely triangle between the FG rock, the larger rock just above and to the left and the far rock that also has some light on it. The cloud is balanced by the beach in terms of the golden tones and damn it this one is going to my favourites too ;))
Phil

Ricx (13495) 2010-01-03 17:27

Hi Kath, Stunning.. Well done on the slower shutter speed.. its created a great effect.. Have a great twenty ten Rich

JCG (35153) 2010-01-03 22:18

Hello Kath,

Beautiful effect of the setting sun on the landscape and the application of the long exposure brings an additional romanticism to your composition. I like much the softness of the atmosphere which arises from the image, it is very pleasant to look at, thank you Kath.

With all my friendships of Versailles and I wish you, like with all your family, all my best wishes for 2010,

Jean-Charles

PixelTerror (0) 2010-01-03 22:28

Hi Kath
Lovely landscape with great light all around and a forward moving > for the dynamism, nice refreshig picture
Happy New Year still counting down !
JY

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2010-01-03 23:43

oh this one's so cool kath... more like a volcanic erruption than a sunset... simply amazing...

all the best dear

korkut

Graal (103040) 2010-01-04 0:02

Nice warm light and colours. Another nice landscape and coast. Good POV and composition. I like it a lot.
Gr., Aleksander

snunney (130967) 2010-01-04 1:04

Hello Kath,
The backlit cloud makes a superb focal point. I like the diagonal placement of the shoreline with the incoming waves, which bring a feeling of dynamism to the composition.

delpeoples (60342) 2010-01-04 1:13

Hi Kath, great title for this spectacular photo. The mountain really does look like it's on fire. Thanks for your explanatory note re the aperture and shutter speed. Hopefully Santa will bring you a late Xmas pressie in the form of your beloved filter. Thanks for sharing and I wish you a happy and safe holiday, Lisa

Royaldevon (85606) 2010-01-04 2:39

Good Morning Kath,

What a sight!
Just imagine, you've only just arrived at your holiday destination and you are are greeted with this!
Of course, your well judged pov has an awful lot to do with the impact!
I love how the sun is illuminating the f/g triangle; then the light across the water leads to the partially submerged rocks, culminating at the fiery, focal cloud.
Just beautiful! So well composed!

Hope the snow has slackened its grip a little.
It's minus 6C at the moment, even the cats won't go out!

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

pajaran (114845) 2010-01-04 2:40

Dobar dan, kod nas je sunce, sinoc je bilo mnogo hladno.
Priroda stvara neponovljive trenutke, vi ste ovom mnogo lepom fotografikom prikazali svu lepotu prirode.
Prijatan dan, cestitam, Paja.

fabianoleite (13575) 2010-01-04 2:53

Excellent colors of this beautiful scenery, very well composed. Amazing sky. Congratulations and have an excellent 2010!

npecanhuk (79329) 2010-01-04 3:00

Hello Kath!
That's such a magnificent image, full of attractive lights, shadows and colors! The details of the beach covered by stones, the breaking waves and, of course, those mountains in the background, partially covered by those clouds, are real highlights!
TFS - congratulations!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-01-04 3:19

This is a nice capture of this sea and sea side stones with the soft light. Nice mood offered. Great to see the blur of sea shore. Fine colours in cloud. The stone in mid of water looks superb. Excellent composition.
Have a nice week.
Subhendu

Cricri (176) 2010-01-04 3:57

Hi Kath
Une capture des lumières de haut en bas vraiment magnifique, l'effet de la longue pose, le POV, une composition d'une grande beauté,
Friendship
cricri

delkoo (68) 2010-01-04 4:20

hi kath,

The composition is well planned with a nice perspective and pov which brings out the depth and the textures so finely, light is top notch as well.

didier

Kielia (24077) 2010-01-04 4:46

Hi Kath,
really a great impression – and very well composed - of this almost desolated landscape. The colors are fascinating. It is indeed this amazing cloud of fire that makes the image very attractive. I also enjoyed reading your interesting note. Great photo work. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

coco (30439) 2010-01-04 5:12

Hi Kath.

The light and colour are great and I love the whole composition of this photo. Well done and thanks for sharing.

And... happy new year, of course.

janusz2054 (2) 2010-01-04 6:41

Hello Kath
Excellent composition and presentation seascape. Perfect exposure.
Best regards
Janusz

sacavem (18620) 2010-01-04 8:20

Olá,

Really this filter ND produces a effect spectacular, Kath.
Warm superb,the details are very good.TFS

Best regards,
Filipe

Wandering_Dan (3449) 2010-01-04 10:08

Hi, Kath -

Really a striking composition - almost too bright! I second John's suggestion of using a polarizer; it cuts 1 to 2 f/stops, depending on its rotation and other factors. Actually, for this shot I think the waves have just the right amount of blur - any more might look funny.

Best,
Dan

holmertz (101946) 2010-01-04 10:22

Hello Kath,
This looks a bit like a volcano erupting. A marvelous effect of sunlight and clouds. The whole area looks so desolate and wild, but there's probably a nice pub nearby.
Kind regards,
Gert

Sistercosmo (242) 2010-01-04 13:26

OMG Kath,

What a shot! Look at that light, the colors, the clarity, the water, those awesome clouds! Fantastic dear, I love it!!

Hugs
Linda

P.S. I have just the right sized suitcase so you can take me on your upcoming trip... ;-)

francio64 (39888) 2010-01-04 15:37

Ciao Kath,
spettacolare immagine di mare, avvolta da una magnifica luce.
Ottima la nitidezza.

Complimenti!
Francesco

sacimar (38173) 2010-01-04 15:57

Hi Kath,

this is another beautiful picture, I like the light of the composition, the landscape is spectacular, It's a nice place to have rest... good job,

Thanks for the Marianne's Good Mood Day notice... I'll be in...

Best regards

Sergio

gneufeld (15890) 2010-01-04 16:09

Hi Kath,
Glad you caught this stunning scene before you headed off to dinner - what a beauty in warm late day light. The slowed shutter effect on the foreground water adds a nice touch. Well done and TFS. Gerald

josepmarin (59385) 2010-01-05 0:41

Hello Kath,
A beautiful composition. You took this photo in a great moment of light and with an excellent management of the exposure, despite that you would have liked a most slower shutter speed.
The result in the luminosity, in the warm colors, and in the foam of the waves that break on the coast is spectacular.
And of course, the cloud that gives the title to your photo is impressively beautiful.
Is an excellent work.
Best wishes,
Josep

ktanska (44446) 2010-01-05 2:44

Hi Kath,
You've captured this place in different, both wonderful lights. On this one specially the sunlit cloud on the mountain face catches the attention. In my opinion the exposure time is right, showing the scene very much like eyes see it.
Happy New Year!
Kari

jimkil (1706) 2010-01-05 10:36

Looks like a small eruption on that Hill there Kath, the clouds and colours are superb. Light is so good for this time of day and I like the water crashing up against the stones.
Im pretty sure Scotland and NZ are alike in many ways, however they have the history of castles, we have the better lakes and mountain peaks.... plus better weather.
Cheers
Jim

dkeus31 (27739) 2010-01-05 11:21

hi Karth
a great light you have on this picture, the diagonal made by the shore is good
best regards,didier

jaywalker (16105) 2010-01-05 11:49

Hi Kath, Again your working of the camera is first class, the view down the shaw line & the gorgeous sunlight are great assets, this is a stunning backdrop & beautifully ccaptured, kind regards Wilson.

guillaumejm (0) 2010-01-05 12:51

hello kath
A very nice picture. I now a little the place and keep some wonderful souvenirs of the isle of skye. On my screen the picture seems a little too contrasted but I know the problem can come from my pc configuration.
Warm regards and best wishes for the new year
JMarc

rlrad (1845) 2010-01-05 17:25

Hello Kath,

What a lovely display of light on the rocks, hills and especially that low hanging cloud! Great low POV, too, with that wonderful diagonal leading our eyes to the bluff and beyond. Very nice. The slight blurring of the surf adds movement and a dynamic element to this one, too. Another one suitable for framing!

Happy New Year!
Reed

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2010-01-06 0:36

Hello Kath,
A nice composition where you contrast the diffrent lights very well.
best wishes and have a nice day
Achim

pasternak (15185) 2010-01-06 2:17

An excellent shot, the light on the pebbles on the right is fantastic, the cloud on a hill looks like a volcano eruption. Wonderful work, compliments!

Cheers
A

Longroute (19600) 2010-01-06 7:05

Better and better... this Sky series!
In Scotland the sun is a rarity but when it comes out... the glory! Fine, very fine Kath, I like everything of it, the fantastic scenario, the low pov, the DOF, the choice of shutter speed which allowed you to get that fine moving effect and that incredible huge cloud over the top of the hill illuminated by the last sunshine. A first class photo and a very enjoyable one.
TFS,
Donato

baba_flies (8829) 2010-01-06 10:57

Hello Kath! SPECTACULAR! What is nine hours in the car, what is a hungry stomach ... easy forgotten but you never forget THIS view here! I love this stony beach with the warm evening light, these amazing clouds "embracing" the mountain tops, such a beautiful wild land here! Excellent job ... yes lists ... we all have them AND there is always another birthday :))) Have a nice evening, Barbara.

plimrn (21344) 2010-01-06 19:36

Hi Kath,
A stunning cloud and light show like this would overcome driving fatigue; you even put up your tripod to get that silky water. The difference between the two posts is amazing. It doesn't even look like the same place with all the golden light. The composition is well worth tapping those last reserves.
HLJ, Pat

Waylim (25436) 2010-01-06 22:11

Hi again,
I missed a few of your recent post. Catching up.
Very beuatiful light and interesting cloud formation, illuminated by the sunset. I like the motion of hte wave crashing on the rocky shoreline. Good contrast, beautiful colors and good composition. Thanks.
Way

danyy (0) 2010-01-06 23:11

Bonjour Kath,
un moment plein de délicatesse et un peu de mouivement à l'avant plan, il semble que tu ais trouvé le créneau pour réaliser des photos hautes en couleurs et en 'relief'.
C'est tout simplment magnifique.
Cheers.
Daniel.

riclopes (35577) 2010-01-07 1:59

this is amazing, Kath. Love the motion of the foam that I thought to be snow in the thumbnails. I also need much that ND grad filter. The scenery in the background is magical, the golden cloud resting on top of the mountain. Gorgeous light and colors. Well done after a 9,5h drive. That's even more than Lisbon-Granada, a trip I consider almost a nightmare, although it's only 8h long.
Wish you and Rob a happy 2010.
ric

avene (12675) 2010-01-07 9:59

hi Kath,
the golden light is magic here, it looks as if all the stones on the right are actually pieces of amber. and everything else comes together just perfectly - the unusual cloud formation, the stong line of the shore that leads the eye to that clouds, the impeccable guality. and for some reason the scene feels very "autumn", sort of warm and cool at the same time. love it!

best,
Kristine

Dashab (2564) 2010-01-09 0:32

Hello Kath,
I like the light in your shot, low and soft, and its effect on that fiery cloud. The composition is excellent, as well. The waves "slowed" down by the narrow apreture are pretty.
Greetings from a snowed-under Prague,
Dasha

Bluejeans (64251) 2010-01-09 3:54

Ola Kath ,
Que luz maravilhosa a bater nestes seixos de praia , gostei do ângulo de visão na diagonal , ficou fantástica a nuvem ao fundo em tons laranja , um momento único , boas cores e luz , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

Angshu (56760) 2010-01-09 7:25

Hello Kath
This is superb! The light is of course astonishing and I like how the pebbles shine in the low warm light. It would have been difficult to control the saturation as seen in the rock outcrop to the right. The slowish shutter speed creates a fine effect on the waves lapping onto the shore and the cloud sitting on top of the mountain makes it look like a volcano.
Best Regards
Angshu

ChrisJ (171172) 2010-01-17 21:21

Hi Kath

Fantastic motion blur of the water, & amazing color contrasts, between the red & blue. Good sharpness & well composed, with the diagonal shoreline adding dynamism. Excellent graphism & contrasted light. Tfs!

jmcl (14535) 2010-01-31 19:44

Hi Kath,

I love this .. the way the light angle interacts with the dimension of the bay is tremendous .. the relationship of the light hitting the near stones and the way that echos on the distant hill and cloud is tremendous .. stunning image. take care, John

cobbydale (1958) 2016-08-14 4:21

Hi Kath, you did a good job on this to get a slow shutter speed without overexposing the bright parts. Lovely and dramatic capture of the sky(e) on fire!