Newark Castle, Fife, Scotland

THE STORY BEHIND THE PHOTOGRAPH

Newark Castle is a ruined medieval fortress perched on the cliffs east of St Monans, Fife, looking out over the Firth of Forth. I had seen views of the castle while researching places to photograph in the area. So after a day of sightseeing, my wife and daughter sensibly headed back to our rented cottage in Crail, I headed to St Monans. I parked by the wonderful old medieval church and took the coastal path south west. There's a picturesque old doocot on top of the cliffs, and then the ruins of the castle, rather incongruously set beside a small caravan park. I followed the path down to the rocky shore, and watched as the sun gradually sunk lower and lower in the sky. I must have photographed for an hour before the sun disappeared, leaving the castle in shadow. I sighed, thinking that the best of the light had passed. But I've learned over the years that patience is a definite virtue in photography, so I waited and watched. Just when it seemed that the sun had disappeared for good, a shaft of light broke free of the clouds and flooded the castle and cliffs with an awe-inspiring golden light. Words can't begin to describe what this scene was like to photograph in person. The incredible orange light hitting the ruined castle was simply out of this world. If anything, this photo is understated, a pale reflection of the stunning original sight.