I have to say the WordPress has been on a roll with their Weekly Photo Challenges, as they provide ample inspiration. This week’s theme of Wanderlust is another cool one, so I figure that I’ll share some of my travel images over the next couple of days.
Let’s kick this week off with a rather magical location that is filled with energy reaching across the ages: the Lochbuie Stone Circle on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. There is a small and well preserved stone circle overlooked by spectacular Ben Buie (in the background in this photo) and standing within the grounds of Lochbuie House.
Loch Buie Stone Circle
The circle was originally nine granite stones, set in a ring about 12 metres in diameter, with the tallest stone being about two metres high. It is mainly composed of granite slabs which have been positioned with their flatter faces towards the inside of the circle. One of the original stones has been removed and replaced in recent times with a low boulder.
There are also three single stones set in the field at different distances from the circle. The nearest of these outlying stones is 5m away to the south-east, and is only 1m tall. The second outlier is a spectacular monolith 3m high and set about 40m away to the south-west. Also south-west of the circle, 107m away, is the third outlier, over 2 metres high. The stone is broken at the top and was probably taller when erected.
While walking this area, I could feel increased energy flowing forth from certain locations, which were imbued with power that reaches across time and space. Clearly, this was a location of great importance to early settlers.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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9 thoughts on “Wanderlust – Lochbuie Stone Circle”
Ah! Reminds me of reading Outlander… Nice!
Thank you! Yes, you never know what might occur when entering a circle!
I am glad you wrote of the powerful energy. I felt it when I looked at your photo. There’s a very ancient force there.
There is indeed. Glad you enjoyed the photo.
Wonderful photo Frank, definitely fits the theme beautifully.
Thank you kindly, Miriam!
Very beautiful 🙂
Thank you!