What can be done when you know what can be done..

I was recently asked to choose an image and say a little something about it, explaining why I chose it, and, what it meant to me.

Taking the time to talk about a single image is very different than talking about a series or a project because you can explain in detail exactly how you felt at the time rather than just a particular overall mood.

This image, made 20 years ago in Perthshire, Scotland still resonates with me despite loosing its public appeal in a market full of over retouched ‘perfect’ images. The fact that this is one single exposure shot on 10/8” film with no manipulation or retouch what so ever is a testament to what can be done if you know what to do.

Someone once told me that this image was too perfect to be shot on film. Another told me if they won the lottery they would buy a copy (a line I really hate). I even had someone tell me they wanted a copy so bad, but they could only pay me in installments, which they did. But in the 20 years of living with this image, no one ever asked; What is it about ?

In short the image is about working through adversity. At the time of making, I was recovering from spinal surgery while paying homage to my Grandfather (a Scottish Artist who made a trip around Scotland on foot in 1952). It was a physical and mental challenge with adverse weather and a four minute exposure to create what you see here. Of course, no one needs to know all this, but its good to finally say it..