This week’s entries are pure visual brilliance — the kind that makes you sit back and wonder if the photographers were born with a camera in hand or just bribed the muses with haggis. From misty mysteries to sunsets so warm they could toast your face, from playful fountains to retrievers striding through ferns like canine explorers, this week has it all: skill, humour, and just the right pinch of Scottish magic.
Keara Bark’s Bird of Patience gives us a feathered guru of calm, Rory McKie’s Eternal Spring has flowers so radiant you half expect the bees to be taking selfies, and Ben Buchanan’s Golden Explorer sends a retriever on a woodland quest that would make even Bear Grylls jealous. Miller Hyslop’s Guiding Light is pure cinematic gold, with a lone figure and lighthouse pairing so perfect you almost hear bagpipes in the background. Lewis McCulloch’s Palm Paradise is a splashy, sunset-lit celebration of fountains and silhouetted fun, while Alex Brown’s Past Meets Present streaks through light trails like Doc Brown’s DeLorean on a caffeine binge.
Then there’s the moodier magic: Travis Doak’s Shroud of Mist gives us a figure in fog that could star in the next Highland horror, Alistair Swan’s Stormy Pursuit hurls lightning and rain with the kind of drama that makes you duck under the table, and Georgia Sutherland’s Paws in the Sunset captures a dog deep in canine contemplation — or judging your life choices. Jack Howie’s Sunlit Grazers proves cows have more personality than half the celebrities on TV, Alex Brown’s Winged Wanderer immortalises a pigeon with more poise than a city councillor, and Ben Buchanan’s Tension on the Turf turns a football referee into a heroic figure of impending storm and glory. Ellie Watson’s Reflections of Togetherness adds a serene, reflective touch, balancing all the chaos with quiet warmth.
Now, here’s the confession: I missed the Halloween special because I was too busy wrestling with deadlines, cameras, and the odd haggis, so we’re going bigger this time. Christmas Eve will see The Nightmare Before Christmas, where we want horror, festive magic, and all the chaos in between: ghosts that’ll scare the mince pies off Santa, reindeers plotting revenge, and snowmen with serious attitude. We want your photos to make us jump, laugh, and maybe spill a dram of whisky in delight — all at once.
So cast your votes for this week’s Photographer of the Week, who will stride boldly into the Photographer of the Year final like they’ve already claimed the last mince pie and a dram of festive glory. And if you’ve got a shot that makes you proud — hilarious, haunting, heartwarming, or all three — send it to Ross James at gw19jamesross@glow.sch.uk or upload it to the wider achievement page. We’re ready to be amazed, enchanted, and slightly terrified.
This Weeks Entries
Bird of Patience by Keara Bark
This photograph gives us a beautifully focused bird striking a pose just off-centre—clearly a fan of the rule of thirds, or at least pretending to be for the camera. With a background so softly blurred it might as well be whispering “don’t mind me,” the earthy tones and gentle lighting create a zen-like calm, as if the bird has popped out for a quiet moment of existential reflection. Its curved lines and crisp feather details pull you in, offering just enough drama to spark a mini wildlife soap opera in your head, all while keeping things wonderfully tranquil.
Eternal Spring by Rory McKie
Rory McKie’s Eternal Spring captures flowers basking in golden hour glory, pin-sharp and clearly thrilled to upstage the ocean and sunset behind them. Soft pinks, warm yellows, and that cool blue sea create a soothing palette that practically whispers “relax”, while the sun throws in a few dramatic rays for good measure. It’s nature showing off in its Sunday best—and doing a rather good job of it.
Motherly Bond by Amie Johnston
Amie Johnston’s Motherly Bond captures a swan and her cygnet looking so serene they could star in a wildlife advert for calmness itself. With both birds perfectly in focus and glowing softly in natural light, the scene feels like a gentle reminder that even in nature, mums do all the heavy lifting while the kids float along looking adorable. The crisp feathers, fluffy baby down, and rippling blue water come together in a moment that’s equal parts elegant, tender, and “aww”-inducing.
Tension on the Turf by Ben Buchanan
Ben Buchanan’s Tension on the Turf freezes a referee mid-match, standing centre-stage as storm clouds gather like they’re about to issue their own yellow card. With the ref crisp and the action behind him slightly blurred, the scene oozes anticipation—one of those “something’s definitely about to kick off” moments. Dark skies, bright turf, and a crowd buzzing in the background all combine to create a wonderfully dramatic snapshot of football on the brink.
Paws in the Sunset by Georgia Sutherland
Georgia Sutherland’s Paws in the Sunset frames a dog soaking up golden hour like it’s posing for its own adventure film poster. Sharp fur, soft mountains, and a sunset doing its best to steal the show all blend into a warm, tranquil scene that whispers “long walk, big thoughts.” With glowing light on snow and a canine hero gazing thoughtfully into the distance, it’s a wonderfully serene snapshot of companionship, curiosity, and pure outdoorsy bliss.
Reflections of Youth by Rory McKie
Rory McKie’s Reflections of Youth captures three figures gazing over a calm lake as if they’re solving life’s biggest mysteries—or at least deciding who’s getting the next turn at skipping stones. With soft light, gentle colours, and a touch of blur in the background, the scene feels peaceful and quietly thoughtful. The natural lines lead your eye right into their moment of contemplation, creating a serene little snapshot of friendship, curiosity, and the great outdoors doing what it does best: looking effortlessly beautiful.
Winged Wanderer by Alex Brown
Alex Brown’s Winged Wanderer gives a humble pigeon its moment in the spotlight, feathers crisp, colours glowing, and posture proudly saying, “Yes, I am fabulous, thank you.” With soft light, warm tones, and a blurred background doing its best to stay out of the way, the scene feels calm and quietly charming. It’s a gentle reminder that even the everyday birds we stroll past have a bit of elegance—if we just stop and look.
Reflections at Dusk by Ramsay McKnight
Ramsay McKnight’s Reflections at Dusk guides the eye along a winding stream straight into a sunset that’s basically showing off. Sharp details, warm glows, and cool sky tones combine to make the scene feel peaceful enough to forget your phone exists for a minute. With reflective water, gentle curves, and a horizon that knows its place, it’s a serene reminder that nature has a knack for putting on a quiet, yet utterly captivating, show.
Past Meets Present by Alex Brown
Alex Brown’s Past Meets Present is basically a photographic “Great Scott!” moment, with a car hurtling through neon light trails like it’s auditioning for Back to the Future. Sharp details on the car pop against blurred, electric blues and purples, giving a full-on sci-fi thrill. Motion, glow, and sleek curves combine to make the scene feel fast, futuristic, and just a little bit like you should check for a flux capacitor before looking away.
Heritage by the River by Carley Knowles
Carley Knowles’ Heritage by the River presents a riverside scene that feels timeless, with charming buildings and gently flowing water inviting the viewer in. Crisp focus, warm sunlight, and reflections on the river create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, while the layering of architecture and landscape adds depth and interest. It’s a serene snapshot that celebrates the quiet beauty and character of life by the water.
Reflections of Togetherness by Ellie Watson
Ellie Watson’s Reflections of Togetherness turns a simple puddle into a starring role, reflecting figures strolling in warm, golden light like a scene from a quiet, heartfelt movie. Sharp reflections, soft silhouettes, and glowing sunlight combine to create a tranquil, nostalgic vibe, inviting viewers to linger on the shared moment and the gentle beauty of nature. It’s a subtle, yet deeply charming celebration of connection and calm.
Sunlit Grazers by Jack Howie
Jack Howie’s Sunlit Grazers frames cows basking in golden-hour glory, looking so peaceful they could teach a masterclass in rural chill. Warm light, lush grass, and a hint of ocean in the distance make the scene feel expansive yet intimate, celebrating the simple joys of pastoral life. It’s a serene snapshot that whispers “slow down and enjoy the view.”
Golden Explorer by Ben Buchanan
Ben Buchanan’s Golden Explorer spots a golden retriever looking every bit the intrepid woodland adventurer, framed perfectly by a tangle of ferns. Warm light highlights its shiny coat while soft focus in the background keeps all attention on the dog’s cheerful, curious expression. It’s a playful, heartwarming snapshot that practically begs you to grab a leash and join the adventure.
Shroud of Mist by Travis Doak
Travis Doak’s Shroud of Mist presents a lone figure emerging from foggy waters like a scene from a suspense novel. Soft, diffused light and muted blues set an eerie, contemplative mood, while reeds and rocks frame the subject perfectly. It’s a haunting, mysterious snapshot that draws you in, making you wonder who—or what—lies within the mist.
Peaceful Pathway by Ben Buchanan
Ben Buchanan’s Peaceful Pathway captures a tranquil waterfront scene, with a gently curving road leading the eye toward a golden sunset. Warm light, long shadows, and a harmonious balance of water, sky, and buildings create a serene, reflective mood. It’s a calming snapshot that invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the simple, peaceful moments of everyday life.
Stormy Pursuit by Alistair Swan
Alistair Swan’s Stormy Pursuit captures a tense, rain-soaked chase under a sky split by a dramatic lightning bolt. Sharp vehicles contrast with blurred rain, creating a thrilling sense of motion, while dark blues and greys set a moody, stormy atmosphere. It’s a striking, high-energy snapshot that perfectly conveys nature’s raw power and the drama of a tempestuous moment on the road.
Guiding Light by Miller Hyslop
Miller Hyslop’s Guiding Light frames a lone figure on a beach, silhouetted against a dramatic sunset and a distant lighthouse. Warm oranges and cool purples contrast with the dark foreground, creating a contemplative, tranquil mood. The composition balances human solitude with the vastness of nature, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on quiet moments of connection and introspection.
Mirror of the Sky by Robyn Poags
Robyn Poags’ Mirror of the Sky captures a serene lakeside scene where the water perfectly reflects the sunset, doubling the beauty of the warm oranges and cool blues. Sharp details in the trees and buildings frame the scene, creating a peaceful symmetry that draws the eye and invites quiet contemplation. It’s a tranquil snapshot that celebrates nature’s calm, reflective moments.
Palm Paradise by Lewis McCulloch
Lewis McCulloch’s Palm Paradise captures a playful sunset scene where fountains, silhouetted figures, and swaying palms come together in a lively dance. Warm golden light contrasts with cool water, creating a joyful, vibrant atmosphere that practically splashes happiness across the frame. It’s a cheerful snapshot celebrating simple pleasures, community, and the magic of an evening by the water.
Vote for your Favourites
Last POTW Winners
Warrior of the Shadows
by Aiden Kyle
The Stillness Within
by Georgia Sutherland
Charming Feathers
by Keara Bark
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