Hello from Fair isle

Hello all! I'm a meteorologist/photographer/crofter, living and working on Fair Isle - a small, remote island off the north coast of Scotland (pop 70) - since 1972.
During most of the 1960s I was a meteorologist on South Georgia, where I really got into photography. I bought my first Pentas Sla in 1963 and learned film and transparency processing, printing etc. A groundwork in darkroom techniques still proving usefull in this digital age! Various other Pentax SLR 35mm film camera followed during the ensuing decades.
I've been true to Pentax for more than 45 years now, albeit with a slight diversion into Nikon (Coolpix 990) for my first digital camera! Oh, and I do have a Leica D-Lux 4 'always-with-me compact - very 'retro'!! However, I soon returned to the fold when Pentax brought out the istD! Since then I've had (still have) the K10D, K20D and now the K7.
I feel my photography is enhanced, rather than limted, by having to work within the confines of the 3km x 5km physical size of Fair Isle.
Cameras: Pentax K10, Pentax K20, Pentax K7
Pentax smc DA 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 ED IF
Sigma 50-500mm f4-6.3 Apo EX DG
smc DFA 100 mm / 2.8 Macro
smc DA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 plus monopod, tripod, panoramic head or extension rack for macro, extension tubes, flash, etc
Software: PS CS4 + a number of plugins, LR 2.5 and LR Beta 3
No picture yet on Pentax User, but website at http://www.davewheelerphotography.com South Georgia pics from the 1960s, plus lots of Fair Isle!
Thanks for reading!

Welcome to the forum Dave

You certainly have some stunning shots on your website, I especially like some of the cloudscapes.

I wonder if you are our most remote member!

Welcome to the forum!

Hi and welcome Dave! You've got a fantastic website.

Hi and welcome Dave, I agree with the above great pictures on your website.

Graham

That's probably Clarky.

Welcome, Lensman, from one islander to another.

G

Good to see a photo of Mischief, HW Tillman's boat. Very interesting character. Did you meet him?

G

I did indeed meet Bill Tilman. Probably the last of the 'old-style' mountaineers/explorers - what was known in the trade as a very 'hard' man. Below-decks on Mischief was - to say the least - extremely spartan! The matress of Tilman's bunk was where the climbing ropes were stored! Didn't climb with him, but took his ship-mates out on a couple of climbs while they were at Grytviken. Now wish I'd got some internal shots of Mischief, but I was very much in awe of the man and didn't dare!

A hard man indeed. Every morning, even in the Arctic, his ablutions consisted of throwing a bucket of water over himself. The water being straight from the sea.

Did you read the story of his conversation with Eric Shipton? For those who don't know much about climbing, Shipton and Tillman had a tremendous climbing partnership over many years - in Europe, Africa, the Himalayas and I think Patagonia.

This is the gist from memory:

Shipton: "You know, we've climbed together for thirty years, on four continents. We were the first to climb all the East African peaks, and Nanda Devi. You've saved my life a few times, and I've saved yours. I've never known a better comrade. Don't you think it's time you called me Eric?"

Tillman: "Nope".

G

I'm interested to see Ken MacGregor worked at the BBC as a Trainee Assistant Film Cameraman. When we returned from South Georgia, I applied for a job with Scottish Television as a trainee camerman! Post filled, but I was offered - and accepted - a job as a Sound Engineer. I was with STV 1968-1972, working firts in Glasgow, but soon moved to Edinburgh when they opened their new coulour studio in the converted Gateway Theatre. Spent a lot of 'unofficial' time with their stills photographer. Picked up plenty of info there!

First pics uploaded - back to a previous life circa 1970! New Seekers, STV, Edinburgh. Camera used the Sla. Transparencies scanned with Nikon Coolscan.

Hi Dave & welcome!
Great website and wonderful images of Shetland, I especially liked the performing arts, well documented. Made me feel quite homesick for Shetland, I spent 25 years on the The Old Rock from '76 - 2000 and even got to visit Fair Isle & Foula so very aware you live in a beautiful part of our country.
Do you rememeber Dr Mike Richardson?

Look forward to seeing your images...

Excellent images!

Welcome to the group.

Regards

That would be Dr Mike Richardson of the Nature Conserancy? I remember him!
Unfortunately, I guess I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you - at least I can't recollect having done so. Perhaps next time you are in Shetland!
Glad you like the performing arts gallery. 'Gig' photography has always interested me. Didn't manage to get much other than the odd 'snap' when I managed out to the recent Eric Bogle concert in Lerwick. However, was given good access for his concert in Wentworth, Yorkshire, a few years ago!
There is quite a bit of opportunity for 'stage' photography - in its broadest sense - here on the Isle, as we do get a number of internationally recognised performers each year.

Yes, thats the man.. good friend then, had some good birding outings with him and Martin, those were the days!