Capturing The Scottish Wilderness
Adventure photographer Hamish Frost explains his dedication to photographing the extreme
Adventure photographer Hamish Frost takes his photography to extremes
IGREW up south of the border in Cambridge, before moving up to Glasgow for university – and I’ve stayed in Scotland ever since. I’ve skied since I was around 10 or so but only started ski touring and steep skiing in the last five years. Around the same time, I started getting into mountain photography too.
I find the creative process of trying to produce exciting images in tough and inhospitable environments really appealing. If it’s a particularly cold or wet day, then you’re fighting the conditions trying to look after yourself and keep your camera kit working.
If the best position for a shot is half way up a cliff face, then you have to work through the logistics of getting to that position.
I also love the physical challenge – being fit enough to lug lots of camera gear around and stay motivated to keep pushing the shutter button even when you’re exhausted, maybe also a little scared, and overall would probably rather be anywhere but there.
I think the combination of all these exciting aspects is what draws me to this genre of photography over anything else.
Expeditions – whether climbing or ski touring – seem to offer the best storytelling opportunities in my eyes. Exploring Scotland on a particularly wild day can definitely get some exciting shots – shots that either make you want to be there, or be anywhere but there! And that’s what I love about Scotland.
Although I’ve been lucky enough to photograph some incredible athletes in some incredible locations, there is always something that draws me back to the Highlands.