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Neist Point, Isle of Skye panoramic

Soft hues in the sky, the golden rays of sunset hitting the rocks and nothing but a vast expanse of water between you, the Outer Hebrides and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. I’ve got to admit, standing high a top the cliffs looking out over Neist Point at sunset is one of those experiences I’ll never forget…

Neist Point at sunset

Neist Point at sunset

Shot details
Number of shots: 4 vertical images.
Camera: Nikon D3
Lens: Nikon 28-70 AFS
Settings: 20 second exposures
Accessories: B&W 10 stop ND filter, MC-30 shutter release cable.
Purchase: Prints are available to buy HERE.


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The final shot shows Neist Point, lit up by one of the most spectacular glows of golden light I’ve witnessed from a sunset. The sun was setting directly opposite the cliffs, out of frame to the right of the shot. A 10 stop filter was used to smooth the texture of the tiny waves below and give a more peaceful and relaxing feel to the image – by allowing a long exposure even though the sun was still in the sky. Using 4 vertical exposures side by side allowed me to capture the vast scale of the scene in ultra high resolution and include more of the scene than just a single shot from my 28-70 would allow.

Finding the perfect position
When we arrived this particular evening the sun was slowly going down in the distance, the sky was clear and I could just tell the lighting was going to be special. I quickly set about trying to get myself in the perfect spot for the shot. I walked along the cliffs edge as near to it as possible to make sure it wouldn’t dominate the foreground or hide too much of the view. I wanted to make sure I was in position before the light started to turn golden so that I wouldn’t waste any time when the moment arrived – my friend kindly snapped me as I hopped around trying to find ‘the spot’.

In search of the perfect vantage point

In search of the perfect vantage point

I took several single frame shots with my 28-70 but having already taken a few of those on previous evenings, I decided tonight was going to be different. I wanted a shot that was wide enough to truly take in the scale of the landscape and show it off to its maximum. And, to make it more interesting, I wanted to use my B&W 10 stop ND filter to get the water looking as soft as possible. So I was all set, I was in position, I knew exactly what I wanted from the shot and the only element that was missing now was the light…but I wouldn’t have to wait long for that…

Mother nature at her best
I’m not much of a landscape photographer and only really do it on rare occasions, but as with all photography lighting is key. And let me just say, never has that statement rung true more than when the sun finally unleashed it’s golden rays in their full glory against Neist Point. This was one of those rare sunsets when the light doesn’t just turn nice and warm but, has a certain glow about it that almost seems otherworldly. The whole scene was transformed instantly from a stunning view to an awe inspiring one and the cliff face just seemed to come alive with colour! I almost didn’t want to ‘miss it’ by concentrating on taking the photo. But I’m glad I did because not only is this a scene I’ll never forget but I now have this beautiful record of it too.

I visited this spot on 4 or 5 occasions over the week and knew there was potential for something special, but even I wasn’t prepared for just how special it could be if the contitions were right! If you ever find yourself visiting the Isle of Skye you simply must get yourself over to see this amazing location for yourself.

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About the author

Richard Peters is a Surrey based professional wildlife photographer, Nikon Ambassador, and one of the few British photographers to receive the accolade of European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He is known for a style that often favours dramatic use of light, runs wildlife photography workshops and, from camera clubs to big industry events, holds talks about his work.

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