GUESTS ARRIVE FOR NEW YEAR AT ERISKA

This picture by Dennis Hardley was taken this evening 29th Dec at the Isle of Eriska hotel as the guests were arriving by car for their new years bash at this fine hotel situated on its own private island .Camera EOS1Ds MK 3 with a f2.8 16-35 lense on a tripod. Extra flash was used on the hotel stonework.Happy new year everbody.

happy christmas to you all

Here is a picture of Argyll square Oban taken from an unusual angle,thanks to Irene and her husband who allowed me to take the shot from their flat.I am always looking for a new aspect on this picturesque town,and really this is the natural centre of the town.HAPPY CHRISTMAS, AND I HOPE SANTA WAS GOOD TO YOU !!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL FROM ME TO YOU

THIS IS ONE OF MY LATEST PICTURES OF OBAN AT CHRISTMAS TAKEN FROM ARGYLL SQUARE AND I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY CHRISTMAS ON BEHALF OF DENNIS AND TONY AT DENNIS HARDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY.

oban town and tower at dusk 19th dec 09

This picture was taken on saturday evening december 19th from the north pier,Oban .Its helped by the blue sky,otherwise its all black up there,the tower lights are on,the tide is in which on a peaceful night gives the reflections.I was well pleased with this picture taken just as the tower lights were coming on.more at http://www.scotphoto.com/

YET MORE NEW OBAN NIGHT SHOTS DEC 09

Having arranged for the tower lights to come on,and the weather favourable,I am hell bent on getting lots of new pictures of the town, and lets face it its an attractive seaside town, and with many of my pictures of oban getting published I want them to be as up to date as possible.This picture was taken on Saturday 19th Dec.

ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY DEC 09

Photographing interiors is always a challenge ie getting the ambience right,deciding which angle shows the room at its best,and what lighting to use.I often see "close" in shots of cushions etc but you have to show the size of the room and its facilities. You are trying to sell a room not show off your artistic skills,but a subtle mixture of both will serve the client well.

ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL PHOTOGRAPHY DEC 09

Once again Dennis was back at the Isle of Eriska hotel photographing "Tanera" a beautifully refurbished Suite with great colour co-ordination and WOW its very spacious too. I spent a great deal of time getting the ambience right.www.scotphoto.com www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

LATEST OBAN NIGHT SHOTS DEC 09

I have been out most nights since last saturday dragging my camera gear around Oban to update all my night shots of this fine location .Here is a picture taken in George street with a time exposure.

NEW OBAN AT NIGHT PICTURE DEC 09

Dennis Hardley has been out every night this week taking new night shots of Oban and even arranged for the tower lights to come on at an earlier time,Thanks Calum at the council. This was taken today with a 12mm sigma lense and canon EOS1Ds Mk3 from the railway pier.

OBAN BAY SUNSET TODAY 15TH DEC 09

Once again I decided to take a chance and head for MacCaigs tower overlooking Oban Bay with a possible sunset in mind. I chose well,the sky filled with a red afterglow just as the ferry was arriving from Mull.I also took other shots when the Clansman departed with a terrific afterglow over Mull

SUNSET AFTERGLOW OBAN BAY DEC 09

The Cal Mac ferry"Lord of the Isles" is seen here passing Oban cathedral just after sunset en-route to Craignure Mull,This shot was taken by Dennis on his canon EOS1Ds Mk3 with a 70-200f2.8 lense.The view from MaCaigs tower still impress me after 35years in the area.I love the gentle pinks and purples in this picture.

DRAMATIC NEW CHRISTMAS IN OBAN PICTURE

Last Saturday 12th Dec Dennis and Tony Hardley hauled the camera gear to a knoll above Argyll square Oban.The idea was to take a new shot of Oban town at Christmas,but i wanted the ferry at the pier together with a good night sky.Here is the resulting image.

Blood red sunset over Oban bay Dec 14th 09

On Sunday night 13th Dec 09 Dennis and Tony Hardley had a hunch that there would be a good sunset so we headed for MaCaigs tower in Oban, Argyll. We got what we expected ,a great backlash of pink/red in the layers of light cloud south of the bay.We even got the mull ferry departing at 4PM as Scheduled.We were both well pleased.

NEW OBAN BAY SUNSET SUNDAY 13TH DEC 09

On Sunday afternoon I felt a sunset coming on,the right kind of clouds were gathering over Oban bay so Tony and I hiked the gear up to MaCaigs tower and we were not disappointed.There was a great pink-red backlash over the bay and Mull.www.scotphoto.com

LATEST OBAN SUNSET PICTURES DEC 09

This is another picture of last Sundays sunset which was also taken from MacCaigs tower looking across towards Dunollie point and the Cathedral with the outgoing ferry passing by.Oban Bay,Argyll.Picture taken with canon 70-200mmf2.8 lense on a EOS1Ds Mk3 camera.

TODAYS FACE BY DENNIS HARDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Today,s character is "Jim Taylor" who i spotted in aviemore during the Hog Rally.The hog rally is a gathering of Harley Davidson motorcycles every year which I used to attend in my biker days .I had a 750cc Yamaha Virago.I shall post a picture of me and my machine tomorrow.

ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL SHOOT DEC09

This is a picture of the recently refurbished "Lismore" Suite at the Isle of Eriska Hotel which I photographed yesterday.This large room has nice colour co-ordination which can be seen in this image.It also has great views on two sides.Dennis Hardley at www.scotphoto.com

IISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL SHOOT DEC 09

This was an interesting commission shooting interiors at this Prestigious Hotel in Argyll.The Isle of Eriska Hotel Island and Spa has recently upgraded 3 of its En-suite Bedrooms. Here is a picture of The

Kerrera Suite taken yesterday by Dennis.

PHOTO SHOOT ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL DEC 09

The isle of Eriska hotel island and spa is constantly being upgraded.On this occasion I was tasked to photograph two refurbished ensuite bedrooms "Kerrera" and "Lismore"which I completed yesterday. I chose to use lit candles in the foreground to help capture the ambience.Canon EOS1Ds Mk111 with12mm Sigma lense.

Dennis Hardley s Faces of Britain

Below you will find a shot of the punks in Liverpool,whilst roaming around Toxteth in the 70s I also took this shot of a typical working class hero who lived in the area,I can easily relate to this picture as I myself was brought up in similar conditions when my father was a docker on merseyside,and we lived in long rows of terraced housing.

MORE INTERESTING FACES FROM DENNIS

I shot these punks many years ago on the steps of the "probe" in Liverpool city centre. In fact I used to wear very old clothes and wander around Toxteth taking shots of whatever,and in one instance a chinese chippy, a pakistani grocery, also rows of terraced streets with the anglican cathedral as a backdrop.More recently I spent an afternoon in a tram shelter with some down and outs. But this is life,this is whats out there.

Lilac cottage on the island of Eriska.Argyll Dec 09

Last friday dennis was asked to photography the interior and exterior of the new conservatory at one of the Isle of Eriska s two cottages.The other cottage already has this facility.Both have Hot Tubs in their own private gardens.This first picture shows the cottage from the garden. Isle of Eriska hotel,Island and Spa.Dennis Hardley Photography at http://www.scotphoto.com/

ISLE OF ERISKA HOTEL ISLAND AND SPA.

This is a close in shot of the interior of the new conservatory which I decided to take with a 70-300 lense stopped down to f22. This is a wonderful addition to this beautiful cottage which sits in the extensive grounds around the main hotel.

ISLE OF ERISKA LILAC COTTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

This is another shot of the conservatory recently added to Lilac cottage one of two holiday cottages availailable at this fine establishment .Camera used was a nikon D3X with 14-24mm f2.8 nikon lense.

FACES OF GREAT CHARCTER SCOTLAND

This face was a common sight in the Benderloch area before he passed away.Much missed in the village Michael Strathern had a great face and character.For these kind of shots best use medium telephoto lenses such as 150-200mm .also check out http://www.benderloch.com/ for local interest.

MORE SCOTTISH FACES BY DENNIS DEC 09

Dennis spotted these lovely people, who are brother and sister, working their field at the pier head,Onich,North ballachulish some years ago. It was a very high impact colourful portrayal of the couple,who wore bright coloured clothes set amongst the stark yellow of the daisies.Their home overlooks Loch Leven and the Glencoe hills.

NEW CANVAS PRINT RANGE BY DENNIS HARDLEY

For the first time Dennis and his son Tony have produced a range of super size stretched canvas prints which feature his work.These cover Local scenic views ,trains on the west highland line ,Cal Mac ferries sailing in the spectacular scenery around the scottish islands.Now for sale at Mathesons furniture store and House and Home,both in Oban.These also include Abstract art by Dennis.

ANOTHER GREAT CHARACTER FACE FROM DENNIS

Heres another lovely lady with a great face and personality pictured here in a Chester Gallery.This is Melenie Todd from the Wirrel in Cheshire. Each day of our life we meet hundreds of people that share the same space and time with us,enjoy and appreciate them.

KILCHURN CASTLE CANVAS PRINT RANGE

I remmember standing on the shore of Loch Awe for a few hours in freezing conditions getting this shot of Kilchurn Castle.First of all I had to paddle out into the loch,them wait for 20 minutes for the water to re-settle and then wait for the afterglow to hit the clouds.www.scotphoto.com and http://www.twitpic.com/

GLENCOE FROM RANNOCH MOOR

This picture of Glencoe from Rannoch Moor is another picture from my new range of large stretched canvas prints launched this week. I can remmember taking this,I was bloody Frozen,especially my finger tips,It was the wind chill.But I was pleased with the shot.also at www.twitpic.com

GLENCOE WATERFALLS,NEW CANVAS PRINT RANGE

A few friends of mine are going to Glencoe at the weekend so I promised to post a favourite of mine on my blog,so here it is taken from a treacherous gully especially when the waters in full flow.This one is one of the pictures in my new stretched canvas range.www.scotphoto.com.

TODAYS CHARACTOR FACE BY DENNIS

Today s face has two world wars etched onto it,an amazing lovely charactor from Barra,I found "Calum"on the jetty in castlesbay many years ago.For candids and indeed portraits a fast long lense works best,throwing the background out of focus.

FOOD SHOOT AT LOCH MELFORT HOTEL ARGYLL

Dennis Hardley was asked to photograph food at the Loch melfort Hotel and Bistro.Head Chef "Colin MacDonald" produced this impressive looking plate of Seared island scallops,chille+herb Cus Cus,sweet potatoe puree.Dennis shoots food with a passion ,and sometimes gets to eat it as well.

LOCH MELFORT HOTEL FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Here is another example from "Colin MacDonald," head chef at the Loch melfort hotel which was shot a few days ago by photographer dennis hardley.This time its "Pan-fried Argyll venison loin,red cabbage,parsnip+Vanilla puree,choc juice and yummy yummy doesnt it look good.More of Dennis,s food samples on www.scotphoto.com

LOCH MELFORT HOTEL FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Just look at this dish it so lends itself to photography,

Head chef "Colin MacDonald"produced some fine dishes from the hotels varied menu.This was taken by Dennis with a canon EOS1Ds MK3 with a 24-105 canon lense using natural daylight and bounced flash.Its a "Granny-smith parfait, Choc sorbet with apple doughnuts with Honeycomb"

Well done "Colin"

INTERESTING CHARACTOR FACES BY DENNIS

First of all,as promised here is another of my favourite charactors that i have captured over the years.Spotted this interesting gentleman in my home town of runcorn when visiting one year.

These people are simply gems from the cameramans perspective.and especially with a name like"Mr Truelove" an unbelievable capture.I was a happy chappy that day.

FACES OF SCOTLAND BY DENNIS HARDLEY

Two

As promised each day I am posting another of my charactor pictures captured over the years.If you follow my blogs you will have noticed the wide variety of subject matter of interest to me as a professional photographer,so why not go back through my blogger postings today.Here are two young ladies chatting in Inveraray.

PEOPLE PICTURES 3 BY DENNIS HARDLEY

As promised here is another of my charactor shots sorry about missing a day due to commutor failure .This time its a wonderful lady from a croft near Salen.

PEOPLE PICTURES BY DENNIS HARDLEY

As promised here is the second picture from my People portfolio,I found this lady "Jeannie Gibson" in a potatoe field on the island of Mull near Bunessan.I was immediately drawn to the charactor of this person and thought she would make a great picture.This was many many years ago now,but confirms my longstanding interest in people.More at http://www.scotphoto.com/ Another picture will be posted tomorrow.

People pictures.DENNIS,S FACES, CANDIDS ETC

For the next few days Dennis will post some of his favourite charactor shots on this blog site.Since becoming a professional photographer in 1974 I have always had a strong interest in photographing people and especially those with interesting faces or Charactor.After all its people that make the world tick.My first picture is this one of Harold MacMillan taken at a wedding in Argyll.www.scotphoto.com

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE USA NOV 09

My son and partner "TONY" is as we speak in the USA,in fact he is in Nashville Tennessee.He has taken some shots with his canon so a selection of these have been uploaded for all to see.
Its very hot and dry out there 75degrees.The beautiful colours of late Fall in this pic towards the city from Bicentennial Mall. www.scotphoto.com

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE USA NOV 09

I mentioned that my son Tony was in Nashville as we speak,its 75 degrees and very sunny.He has got some photographic work to do in Chattanooga but meantime he prowling around Nashville with his gear.Here is another shot This time its of the Symphony Hall.

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE USA NOV 09

Here is Another picture taken by my son tony who is in Nashville at present .He is using a canon EOS1D MK111 with 16-35 f2.8 lense and a 28-135. This is a view towards Nashville from across the cumberland river.By the way its 75 degrees there today and has been all week.

CONNEL BRIDGE SUNSET ARGYLL

Here is one of the pictures in my new stretched Canvas range,taken with a long lense and with a dramatic blue cast.see the whole range at www.scotphoto.com/prints.html

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE NOV 09

Its certainly wet out there but waterfalls make great subject matter,take a look at this shot in Glencoe.I managed to get deep down into a gully to get this image with a 12mm Sigma lense +tripod of course.Shutter speed at 15th /sec.Its one of the pictures featured in my new canvas range due out soon. Im also listening to "Spotify" on line music,its fab.Im into Sinatra,Erroll Garner,Little Richard,Count Basie and Bill

Haley.

OBAN LIFEBOAT IN ACTION

Here is another dramatic shot taken by my son Tony of the Oban lifeboat bow-on in rough seas off the coast of Kerrera.Taken once again on a canon EOS1D Mk3 with a 16-35 f2.8 lense a very high speed.and Yes,the camera did suvive the salt water,but Tony,well that was another matter but he had every confidence that he would be rescued if he fell overboard.

OBAN LIFEBOAT IN ACTION

Dennis works closely with his son and partner "Tony" who is absolutely a photographer in his own right,so I thought I would show two great shots taken by Tony depicting the Oban lifeboat in action.We all take our hats off to these brave crews who would respond to a call out regardless of the conditions.Taken with Canon EOS1D Mk111 at 2000th of a second.

LATEST ABSTRACT ART CREATION NOV 09

For those interested in abstract art,here is another of my recent creations called"lily" I just love the azure blues combined with the deep red of the stigma.Lots of both Assymetrical and Symetrical patterns I feel.What do you think? For more of these check out www.scotphoto.com/newabstractart.html

RECENT SUNSET OVER CAL MAC FERRY NOV 09

Arriving back into benderloch the other evening I spotted this shot which was approx 2-3 miles away.It was the Ferry operating between Oban and Mull heading towards Craignure silhouetted against the sunset.Shot on a Nikon D3X with a 70-300 nikon lense set at 300mm The outline of Mull is also visible.www.scotphoto.com ( always have the camera with you even though it had been raining all day.

Dennis Hardley,s new Canvas print range Nov 09

Another of my favourite recent pictures is this one of Eilean Donan castle taken after sunset when the floodlights came on. This and many of my favourites,many of them Local will be available before christmas on 80x60cm canvas prints.Keep a look out for these.See the rull range on www.scotphoto.com/prints.html.