Peat Cuttings at Achnahaird

Peat Cuttings at Achnahaird (Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EF 24-105mm L Lens at 24mm, ISO 200, 1/25 sec at f/22, Tripod)

This is one of my favourite shots of 2017. This area, Coigach and Assynt, in many ways appears to be very empty and devoid of human activity, and some folk might even think of it as "Wild Land". However, the land here has been managed by people for centuries and while the main concentrations of people today are around the coast there is evidence everywhere of man's influence on the landscape. In this case, in the far distance is the iconic Suilven and Quinaig and the rest of the image is largely composed of rough moorland and sky. BUT, in the foreground the peat cuttings are the sole obvious evidence of man being active in the area. I like the composition because of the counter-balance between man's activity and the wilder mountains, but also because the sky is fantastic and the line of the peat cutting face leads the viewer's eye nicely into the frame.

Over the next few days, as we approach the end of the year I will post some of my other favourite shots with analysis of why I like them. Feedback is, as always, welcome and fell free to share with your friends.