Ben Nevis from the Caledonian Canal.

Cloud covered peaks.

We have been moored on the Caledonian Canal at the top of Neptune’s Staircase for 3 nights. Today was the first time we were able to see the peak of Ben Nevis.

The typical Highlands weather we have been enjoying consists of sunshine and showers. It can change within moments, which makes it so fascinating and enjoyable.

Presumably, this is down to the prevailing westerlies coming over the mountains. If the Jetstream is overhead, then we assume that this is what brings in the weather systems so quickly.

Several times I have seen parts of this range bathed in sunlight, with the rest shrouded in cloud. Unfortunately, I missed the best of this by being on the wrong side of the canal, with the trees getting in the way! So many great shots need you to be in the right place at the right time.

Although I haven’t got the contrasts I would have perhaps liked, I have been rewarded by this wonderful cloudscape over Ben Nevis. The peak itself is almost completely clear of cloud for the first time since we arrived. As we planned on leaving today anyway, this was a bonus.

Just slightly to the left of centre, you may be able to make out a couple of parallel lines running down the mountain. Apparently, this is part of a hydro-electric scheme used by a factory below, benefiting from the rainfall on Ben Nevis.

Today’s shot has had no more done to it than a slight alteration to the shadows balance. With the lock interior being in the shade, in the out of camera image it was too dark. A minor tweak to the blacks and shadows has made the stonework more visible.

Remember, when viewing “in the flesh” (so to speak), your eye automatically makes these adjustments as it scans. The camera only has the one setting for each image. Therefore, the adjustment in Photoshop is simply to recreate what you would see if you were there yourself rather than looking at a captured image.

Photograph Details:

• Taken: 2 Aug 2017
• Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10 MkIIA
• Lens: Olympus 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6
• Focal Length 14mm
• F/9
• 1/500 Sec
• ISO 200