A Peaceful Moment Near a Storied Scottish Landmark
During a memorable visit to Linlithgow, just west of Edinburgh, my sister-in-law Sharon and I spent the afternoon wandering the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Linlithgow Palace—birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542. It quickly became one of Sharon’s favorite stops, and from that visit also came a black-and-white image you’ll find in my gallery titled Linlithgow Steps.
A Poetic Composition on the Water
This image, however, was made just beyond the palace grounds, where Linlithgow Loch lay still and serene beneath an overcast sky. As we walked along the path, I noticed two fishermen in a small boat drifting near the far shore. The loch’s surface reflected the layered foliage in soft greens and autumnal tones—punctuated by hints of red and gold from the changing season.
I composed the scene with the silver boat and its passengers in the lower right corner, framed by mirrored trees and soft light. Just as I raised the camera, one of the men stood and reached over to adjust his line, creating a subtle gesture that brought the entire frame into balance.
Light, Gesture, and Color
The legendary Jay Maisel once said that the key elements of a great photograph are light, gesture, and color. I like to think this quiet moment on Linlithgow Loch holds a bit of each—capturing not just a view, but a feeling.
Available in a Limited Edition of 15, with 2 Artist Proofs
