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Three Days on the Isle of Skye – A Photographer’s Dream
There are few places in the world as naturally dramatic and visually captivating as the Isle of Skye. With its jagged peaks, timeless glens, and wild coastal edges, it feels like Scotland distilled into one unforgettable landscape. I recently had the pleasure of spending three days touring and photographing this iconic island, blessed with lovely weather and golden light that seemed to follow me from dawn to dusk.
Armed with my Nikon Z7, a selection of lenses, and a set of graduated filters, I set off to capture some of Skye’s most celebrated locations — and a few quieter corners too. Here’s a look back at the highlights of this unforgettable photographic journey.
Day 1: The Fairy Pools & Sligachan Bridge
My first morning began at the Fairy Pools, nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains. The early sun broke through the morning mist, casting soft highlights over the crystal-clear cascades and still pools. Using a wide-angle lens and ND grad filters, I was able to balance the exposure between the dark, brooding hills and the glistening water — a classic Skye contrast.
Later that afternoon, I made my way to the Sligachan Bridge. With the Cuillins towering in the background, this historic stone bridge makes for a timeless composition. The light softened beautifully as golden hour approached, allowing for long exposures that turned the river into a silky ribbon beneath the bridge.
Day 2: The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock & Portree Harbour
Day two began before sunrise with a hike up to the Old Man of Storr. It’s one of Skye’s most iconic landmarks — and for good reason. As the morning light painted the pinnacles with gold, I captured a series of vertical and horizontal frames using my 24-70mm lens, with a graduated filter to tame the brightness of the sky. The view out over the Sound of Raasay was clear and crisp, offering a sense of scale that still feels impossible to translate into pixels.
Next was Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, where sea spray mingled with the light breeze. Shooting here with a telephoto lens allowed me to compress the scene and capture the drama of the waterfall plunging directly into the sea.
By late afternoon, I arrived in Portree, Skye’s colourful harbour town. With its painted houses reflecting in the water, it’s a serene spot to slow down and capture some more intimate, documentary-style images. The warm light of sunset provided a perfect backdrop to end the day.
Day 3: Skye Bridge & Eilean Donan Castle
Before leaving the island, I stopped at the Skye Bridge, which elegantly connects Skye to the mainland. While not as ancient as some of Skye’s features, its modern design against the natural beauty of the seascape offered some unique photo opportunities.
The final location of the trip — and a personal favourite — was Eilean Donan Castle. While not technically on Skye, it’s the last stop before entering the island and an essential inclusion in any photographic journey here. The castle, sitting at the confluence of three sea lochs, looked majestic in the afternoon light. With the Nikon Z7’s detail-capturing capabilities and a careful balance of filters, I was able to do justice to the play of shadow and light over the stonework and the reflections in the calm loch waters.
Final Thoughts
Three days on the Isle of Skye feels both fleeting and deeply satisfying. It’s a landscape that rewards patience and observation — where the light changes by the minute and the weather, though famously unpredictable, often works in your favour.
With the Nikon Z7’s incredible dynamic range and a well-chosen set of lenses and filters, I was able to capture a portfolio of images that reflect the majesty and mood of Skye. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, this island will leave you inspired, camera in hand, and already planning your return.