Fingals Cave on the Isle of Staffa is not somewhere I would recommend during rough seas. This afternoon visit was probably not the most sensible thing I've ever done but I carefully studied the incoming waves for quite some time before braving the interior of the cave. This image is the result of my stupid risk taking.

Some of the most beautiful places are entirely hidden. This sea cave on Vancouver Island is only accessible by braving a questionable descent via rope down a cliff into a dark chasm. After the initial climb there are waves that must be negotiated before reaching the back of the cave but the brave are rewarded by this hidden gem upon arrival. Just be sure you watch your exit before it disappears under the waves.

Timing is everything when it comes to photography. Show up on the wrong day and a waterfall like this might have dried to a trickle. Conversely, a biblical deluge might make the waterfall dangerous and ugly as it bursts its banks with random debris.

After countless visits to this lovely hidden gem on Vancouver Island I figured out the best conditions for the perfect volume of water combined with the ideal soft light and this is the result of all those failed visits.

I rarely get the perfect shot on my first visit so it makes it so much sweeter when the stars finally align to give me a moment like this.

A big part of photography is seeing the unseen.

Sometimes you can't actually see a beautiful feature of a scene until you take a long exposure like this one. By choosing a creative shutter speed I was able to reveal the wonderful spiraling patterns of the bubbles as they weaved their way downstream. After some experimentation I was able to capture this delightful long exposure that I feel does justice to this tranquil and enchanting little scene.

This composited image of a Rialto Beach sea stack reflection has even less chance of becoming a reality now that the sea stack has partially collapsed. There are still some beautiful images to be had however so it's always worth the hike.

This print is signed by Gavin Hardcastle and has a […]

The Old Man Of Storr is like a rite of passage for all landscape photographers.

The hike to the top is very different to what it was when I first ventured up there decades ago. You'll rarely find yourself the only photographer up on those slopes but if you pick a moody day you might just experience that creepy solitude that I felt so long ago. Take a climb off the beaten path and you'll find some unique perspectives that are totally worth getting lost in fog.

Skógafoss needs no introduction and honestly I did NOT intend to photograph this iconic location but during a quick visit I simply could not resist. The sky began to erupt during the slow sunrise and I made this image while taking in the deafening roar of the falls and trying not to look at the totally naked 3AM flasher.

Oregon will always have a special place in my heart. The Columbia River Gorge may have lost some of its most iconic scenes to a devastating fire but its still a wonderful place to visit. I was fortunate enough to capture this scene when it was possible at its finest. After several days of constant rain the creek was raging and I had to rescue myself from the torrent many times before nailing this shot.

Printed area for mounting is 7.75"″ x 9.75″ (19.69 cm x 24.77 cm)

I'll be honest, there are times when the composition finds you. This was one such time.

I will take some small amount of credit for recognizing it but I defy anyone to walk past this arrangement of rocks both big and small and not see the most delightful composition. That lovely soft light and the flat, calm reflection were 100% worth the third degree burns from severe chaffing due to the massive hike to this lake. I would do it all over again if I had the chance.

This print is signed by Gavin Hardcastle and has a […]

Rain, rain, so much rain. If you can't handle rain, don't go to Scotland.

At first I thought there was no chance of capturing a worthy shot but a short gap in the almost constant rain revealed a subtle reflection in the lake and I knew I had a short window of time before it vanished.

This print is signed by Gavin Hardcastle and has a […]

This print is signed by Gavin Hardcastle and has a […]

Nestled in the mountains of Colorado this old mill clings to a cliff overlooking a beautiful snaking river. I chose to visit during a thunder and lightning storm while carrying two tripods. Not my most intelligent move but I think the photo was worth the risk.

If ever there was a scene that epitomized the essence of Iceland I'd say it's this. Towering mountain peaks, a plunging canyon of vertical green walls and multiple waterfalls carving a path to the ocean. This for me was bliss.

What do you do when a beautiful scene is crawling with humans? You wait of course.

Then you wait some more.

After waiting all afternoon I finally had my moment and managed to capture this image without a single human AND during gorgeous afternoon light.

Now if I hadn't told you this and you saw this photo you could almost call it false advertising but you've been warned.

These conditions are possible but you'll have to be patient and share the trail with several hundred other purveyors of majestic beauty.

Printed area for mounting is 7.75"″ x 9.75″ (19.69 cm x 24.77 cm)

Printed area for mounting is 7.75"″ x 9.75″ (19.69 cm x 24.77 cm)