We recently spent two exceptional weeks at the start of autumn in the Perthshire countryside. The light and colouring gave me wonderful opportuniies to capture the beautiful landscapes of the area.  For the first week we stayed in the village of Bridge of Tilt which adjoins Blair Atholl.  It was a wonderful area as the River Tilt itself was picturesque with it fast flowing water and densely treed banks.  As we explored further afield towards Killicrankie and Pitlochry, we discovered hidden trails that wound through the vibrant forests of Faskally, each turn revealing a new breathtaking view.  The air was crisp and invigorating, filled with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves.

Notes for the photographers

All images were captured with a Canon EOS R5 camera body. The lenses used were either a Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM or a Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM. Use was made of a circular polarising filter for some images and a 4-stop ND filter for some of the water shots. All images were captured handheld. Did not have space for a tripod! A big mistake.

Faskally Forest Area

River Tilt 

As I embarked on a stroll along the banks of the Tilt River, the sky loomed heavily with clouds, hinting at an impending downpour as illustrated in the first image below. Yet, the light danced playfully, with the sun occasionally piercing through the grey, casting luminous patches that highlighted specific features, making for some excellent photography.

During our second week, we found ourselves nestled on a charming farm located about 8km outside of Dunkeld, heading towards the picturesque Blairgowrie. This setting was a delightful contrast to our previous location, immersing us in a truly rural agricultural landscape. The expansive fields and rustic charm of the surroundings offered a wealth of stunning photo opportunities, enhanced by the exceptional lighting and vibrant colours that painted the scenery.

As the swallows began to gather in anticipation of their long journey south to the warmer climes, we were treated to the sight of several flocks of Canada Geese, possibly making their way to the UK from even more northerly regions. The air was filled with a sense of change , a beautiful reminder of nature’s rhythms. I found myself wishing I could have lingered for at least another week to fully immerse myself in the breathtaking colours of autumn as they unfolded. Although the trip was primarily a cherished family gathering, I was fortunate enough to capture some stunning photographs, adding a personal touch to the memories we created together.