Bridging Into Videography

For years I have had a keen interest in photography. I’ve never been shown how to use a camera or had any lessons and everything I do is purely experimental. Photography for me is essentially a hobby.

The idea of developing my skills into film has always been an ambition. Though, previously I had a misconception of the time, skills and technology needed to produce good quality films, which in turn inhibited my aspirations.

While Ashleigh and I lived our experiences in New Zealand, we captured moments with a GoPro Hero 4. This was a gift that we requested from both our parents after realising the camera’s potential when travelling in Fiji. The GoPro bridged the gaps between photography and film for me. That misconception of the technology needed to produce good videography was diminished. The camera is so easy and simply to use and the equipment far exceeds my needs.

I produced this short film with the footage we both collected over our time in New Zealand. As you’ll see, the country is beautiful and we were spoiled with landscapes and experiences to use for material. The video was fairly simple to put together with the use of ‘GoPro Studio’ on my Mac. This is definitely the first of many for me.

Music: Luck & Love by Let’s Buy Happiness

 

Life in the Western Isles

Crystal clear water beneath the turquoise seascapes. White sandy beaches integrated between outstanding rugged coastline. All this, wrapped around the moody and biodiverse Hebridean islands. Don’t be put off by the weather, be attracted by it.

 

Ashleigh and I have been living out here for a couple of months now, and time is flying. October brought some amazing weather, we’ve pretty much had the four seasons. The nights are getting longer and the clocks have just turned. So far we’ve had some awesome, clear nights with a few previews of the Aurora Borealis.

 

The wildlife is booming in these months. The Stags are rutting and barking out across the moorland. Thankfully, we can hear this when out in North Uist but avoid the early-morning wake ups here on ‘Deerless’ Berneray. The Salmon and Sea Trout are running up the loch systems to spawn in the gravel beds. I’ve not been fortunate enough to hook one on the fly yet but there’s still a few days. Finally, the birdlife has been pretty spectacular around here throughout the autumn. Birds of Prey are no longer a rare sight around the islands. Buzzards, Hen Harriers and Sea (White Tailed) Eagles are often seen around Berneray and Newton alone. Unusually, a Common Crane and Snow Goose have taken up residency on the Berneray Machair. This became even more impressive when they were joined by over a thousand Barnacle Geese.

 

The winter is wild up here with strong winds and cooler temperatures. I can’t wait.

57 Degrees North

I created this blog back in 2015, when I embarked on a trip to the Southern Hemisphere and found myself settled 44 degrees south of the equator.

Geography and photography were the main catalysts in motivating me to write. Travelling around the South Pacific inspired me to document my experiences, specifically focusing on the islands and archipellagos that can be found around the world.

Nevertheless, this is not where it all began…

My keen interest in islands has its roots in the UK. In January, 2005 I was taken to the Outer Hebrides, off the West Coast of Scotland. The islands had just suffered an extreme and fatal storm. It was cold and damp; a typical Scottish January. Sorry, I’m not complaining.

“There’s no such thing as ‘bad weather’, just bad choice of clothing.”

I was blown away. Not only by the wind but by the stunning coastlines and topography; nestled amongst the most outstanding seascapes. One bay could look like Barbados, yet the next was Baltic. It became my home from home.

“What can you do up there?”

This question is without a doubt the most common when talking to someone who hasn’t experienced the Islands of Scotland. After visiting the islands for 12 years now, it still baffles me. Not because it’s a hard question. Not once have I been ready to leave after a trip. Nor have I left feeling I accomplished everything I wanted to do. Every time, I leave wondering…

“when will I return?”

Today, Ashleigh and I took jobs in the Outer Hebrides. In two weeks we will be living on the Isle of Berneray (57 degrees north of the equator).

 

Our Time In New Zealand

New Zealand made an unprecedented impression on the lives of Ashleigh and I.

We thought we knew what to expect from the country, which gave us great expectations when planning our trip. However, our expectations were exceeded. The more time we spent living in Wanaka and travelling the length of the islands, the more we grew to appreciate the environment around us.

We made friends, settled in jobs and slipped into behaviours and routines. Suddenly, ‘a few months’ turned into a year. Then before we knew it, we were into the second year. We divided our time between working, socialising and travelling the regions.

When our time was up at the end of year two, it was too early.

What’s your alarm?

It’s a tough call.

I’ve ruined countless amounts of good songs as they slip from hero to zero in my ears shortly after I set them as my wake-up call.

The sound of rock and snow avalanches at a close but safe distance from your tent… now that’s got to be one you don’t get sick of. Especially when you peel back your tent door and witness the spectacle for yourself.

Mt. Cook National Park.

Mt. Cook National Park

It is fair to say that driving around New Zealand’s South Island is amazing. However, when you drive to Mt. Cook Village, it’s more than amazing. There are few superlatives that will do this road justice, not to mention the hiking and camping to be done when you get there.

 

Doubtful Sound

AMAZING!

I have to search through superlatives to find words that come remotely close to describing Fiordland and Doubtful Sound.

Words, Pictures, actions… nothing does this place justice. You simply have to experience it in person to understand how breathtaking it really is.

We visited Fiordland overnight with Real Journey’s. The dorms were comfortable and the food was brilliant. This was all a bonus though, I was there for the famous scenery.