Archive for September, 2011

Posted on September 18, 2011 - by benmullay

Rackwick, Hoy, Orkney

We enjoyed a very enjoyable few days in Orkney this summer.  It was my first time in Orkney and I will definitely be going back for another visit soon.   I was quite surprised how different it is to Shetland.

One highlight of the trip was our trip to Hoy.  The name Hoy derives from Norse Háey meaning high island.  Hoy has a population of 272 with Lyness being the main settlement area where there is an excellent visitor centre.

The picture above was taken at Rackwick which, as you can see, is a simply stunning place with its spectacular cliffs. 

More photos from Orkney to come.

-Ben

Links:

Visit Orkney – click here

Posted on September 11, 2011 - by benmullay

Worldwide Photo Walk 2011 – Sign up now

I am delighted to announce that for the third year running, I shall be hosting the Shetland leg of the Worldwide Photo Walk.

After Spiggie in 2009 and The Shetland Museum and Archives in 2010, this year’s walk will be at Michaelswood in Aith based on suggestions received on my Ben Mullay Photography Facebook page.

To sign up and for full information on the walk please visit:

http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/shetland-scotland-united-kingdom/

 

Q: When will the walk take place?

A: The walk will take place on Saturday 1st October from 11am-1pm.

Q: What is the Worldwide Photo Walk?

A:  The Worldwide Photo Walk is the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography itself. It takes place on the same day around the world where photographers of all walks of life and skill levels gather together, usually in downtown areas to socialize, learn new tips from each other, and explore their corner of the world through photography.

In addition to enjoying a day of photography with other like-minded individuals, participants may also be eligible to win prizes from the Worldwide Photo Walk’s sponsors if their photo is chosen as the best photo of the day by their walk leader.

Each winning walk photo is then entered into a global competition where Scott Kelby picks the single “best photo” of the event along with 10 runners-up. Full details are available at: http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

 

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The event is FREE and open to all ages, abilities and types of cameras.  The main objective of the event is to enjoy taking some photos. I shall be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Once again this year there are some really cool t-shirts for walkers (one of the shirt designs is shown above) where 100% of the profits will go directly to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya (last year over $7,000 was raised to feed and cloth the children).  I’d recommend you order as soon as possible to ensure delivery before the 1st October.  To order your shirt click here.

To sign up and for full information on the walk please visit http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/shetland-scotland-united-kingdom/

If you have any photo walk questions then please contact me via email at ben@benmullay.com.

I hope to see you on the 1st October.  Again, that sign up link is http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/lerwick-shetland-islands-uk-shetland-museum/

-Ben

Links

Shetland Worldwide Photo Walk 2010 Review Part 1 – click here

Shetland Worldwide Photo Walk 2010 Review Part 2 – click here

Shetland Worldwide Photo Walk 2010 – Winning Photo – click here

 

 

Posted on September 9, 2011 - by benmullay

The Broons’ Days Oot!

I was delighted when my Up Helly Aa ‘Ring of Fire‘ image was included in the updated edition of The Broons’ Days Oot! published by Waverley Books in Glasgow.

The image used can be viewed on my gallery page by clicking here.

Here is a synopsis about the book:

The Broons Days Oot” – is a guide to days out in Scotland, with extensive coverage of Historic Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites. There are ideas to go to Galleries and Museums, visit Castles and Gardens, join in a Ghost Walk, enjoy a day at the Highland Games and many more activities that the whole family can do together, just like The Broons! The Broons family love to go on ‘days oot!’ – family outings, usually accompanied by a feast in an expedition-sized hamper, tartan travel rugs and the odd spare pair of socks! There are cameos from all of the Broons – their favorite trips and places to go. Edinburgh Castle, Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, New Lanark World Heritage Site, and Culzean Castle are amongst the most visited places in Scotland. This book is packed with ideas to get folk out and about in Scotland – there’s so much to see and enjoy. They take turns choosin’ where. Sometimes they go in the car or on the bus, or take the bikes – there’s so much to see that’s not so far off from the But an’ Ben. Sometimes it’s a castle or the botanics, or a garden that’s open somewhere – Granpaw has his favorites. Horace likes museums and galleries. They are all very keen on the Highland Games, so that’s definitely one to look forward to, but Maw makes sure there is a bit of fun for everyone. The Broons all love a boat trip, or perhaps just a day at the beach is the very dab. And there are a few wee tips from Maw about what goes in the hamper! There’s a folded wall map from Nicolson maps – a tourist map of Scotland. One thing’s for sure – they are all happy days!

Source

I was struck with the amount of detail that has gone into this book.  The mix of artwork, photographs, facts and figures makes it an excellent book for the collection as well as a great travel guide.

The Broons’ Days Oot! is available at all good bookshops.

-Ben

Posted on September 5, 2011 - by benmullay

Oxna Sunset

I had an amazing trip to Oxna yesterday where a brilliant day was finished off perfectly with a beautiful sunset.  Below are a few images I managed to capture.

(click on images for larger view)