Sometimes a great location and conditions are not enough!

When you are out on the hills in winter you see the mountains in a completely different light compared to the summer. The winter has the ability to take a tame looking mountain and create a monster if the weather is bad, or something truly stunning if the conditions are good. Don’t get me wrong, I still think the mountains look beautiful anytime of year but in the winter they really do come to life.

This particular shot was taken at the col just before ascending Aonach Beag. It had been a very pleasant walk up to Aonach Mor and then down to the col and as a whole, it had been a good day for landscape photography. We had passed and been passed by the two climbers in the shot as we both stopped to take photographs and munch on snacks but this time we were in the ideal position and I quickly took a couple of shots before they disappeared again.

The cloud was starting to roll in a little and it helped to create a more dramatic shot as did the glittering light as it bounced off the snow crystals. The contrasting orange band in the sky helped break up the cool tones and the track of foot prints acted as great lead in lines to the second climber who was partially obscured by cloud and spindrift.

Even with these perfect conditions, if I took out the two climbers it would have been fairly average landscape shot. I guess it is a reminder that sometimes a good landscape photograph requires the presence of us humans to compliment it by adding scale and a sense of being that would otherwise be lacking.

When looking back at this shot I always find it easy to imagine being there again. The sound of those sparkling crystals crunching under foot, the cold breeze on your face and the sun that warms your back, if it’s given the chance by the wind as it scuttles the clouds over the mountain tops. Ahh bring on the winter!

Duncan Andison

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