A Kirriemuir photographer has won a masterclass from a legendary National Geographic snapper after emerging victorious in a worldwide photography competition.
Malcolm McBeath (67) saw his image of the autumn leaves at Glen Clova, and its caption, emerge victorious in the UK category of Jura malt whisky’s competition, run in partnership with VisitScotland.
Budding photographers were offered the chance to win a trip to the island of Jura, a once-in-a-lifetime photographic experience on Jura with expert advice from National Geographic’s Jim Richardson, and an Olympus E-PL1 to capture images from their visit.
Three “inspiring moments” were chosen from more than 3000 entries over eight weeks and Malcolm will join the two other winners, from New York and Italy, for his stay on Jura.
Malcolm, a retired pharmacist, captured his image of Glen Clova last autumn while walking by the small loch where he has spent much of his time since retiring.
His winning caption read, “Glen Clova, one of the beautiful Angus Glens, has been special to me for almost forty years. I have walked in it, fished in it, often with my family, and photographed it in all seasons and weathers. I have often admired these lochside silver birches.”
Malcolm said, “I took this particular picture last autumn to capture the extraordinary palette of colours in the trees. As I was walking by the loch, the wind suddenly dropped and the reflections on the water were simply stunning. In one moment, it just seemed to sum up the affinity I have developed with Glen Clova from over 40 years of visiting.
“I’ve always been interested in photography, but only since I retired have I been able to devote more time to it. For many years now I’ve been a member, and formerly the president, of the Dundee Photographic Society and also a member of the Royal Photographic Society, so as a hobby, photography is keeping me very busy.
“I’m absolutely delighted that my entry was chosen amongst the thousands of other entries. I can’t wait for my first visit over to Jura and the chance to improve my photography skills with help from Jim.”
Mr Richardson said, “The golden glow that washes over Malcolm’s image invites us to share the magic the photographer has felt in this place for 40 years. In some ways it is a simple image, just trees and reflections.
“But there is more there, in the harmony of the colours, of the gentle roll of the hills, and the beckoning hillside.”
The other winners are Frederika Kat from New York, with an image of three young performers in India, and Marica Casolari from Italy with her photo of a hot air balloon rising above the desert in Namibia.