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As the title suggests, I'm going to Scotland in July on a Photography Trip, for the first part I don't need to talk to you about, as I've confirmed everything for that 
However, after that - I'm looking to photograph the Buachaille Etive Mor waterfall. But - I have several issues:
a) Is there any water there in July?
b) Will the sky be too uninteresting (no it always rains - so no blue skies )
c) What equipment should I bring?
d) What else in the area including Glencoe, is great to photograph?
Thanks for all the help 
Jonah
My son's girlfriend lives near Glencoe and they were both there last week - no water in the waterfall in early June. But this is Scotland and anything could happen between now and the time of your trip. The same comment applies to your concerns about the sky. The weather can change in minutes and so you should be prepared for anything - from clear blue to utterly leaden and everything in between. Because of this I would suggest you bring a fairly wide range of equipment so you can respond to whatever the weather presents you with. If the weather/lighting is poor then wait a while. It is likely to change soon but remember if it's not raining it's because it has just finished or is just about to start.
On your last point - don't worry. You will be in the midst of some of the most spectacular scenery you can imagine. Around every corner there is scenery to take your breath away. Just enjoy it.
Quote:
d) What else in the area including Glencoe, is great to photograph?
Thanks for all the help
Jonah
I've just posted a shot of Loch Etive taken from the old pier at the end of the road through Glen Etive from the A82. If the light conditions are good it's a stunning spot. That evening there was no breeze so the water was like glass and the early evening light created a stunning, serene setting.
Saying that, first time I drove down there it was peeing down and I could barely see the road never mind consider getting out the car.
Alas, coffee filters are the only things fine enough to keep them out 
a) Is there any water there in July
Not likely, just a trickle if it has been dry. I wouldn't be too fixated on photographing the waterfall Jonah for a few reasons apart from it being the popular obvious choice, I think there are better views of the Buachaille from further back with better perspective. It will be very green in July and you will have lost all of the more appealing reds and yellows for that area, the light will be very harsh from anytime after sunrise if the skies are clear, about 4:30 am!. It isn't a very good sunset place as the Sun sets behind it.
b) Will the sky be too uninteresting (no it always rains - so no blue skies )
Depends, if there is clear skies the light will be harsh very quickly, if grey leaden then no real light to emphasize the relief. The best combination is somewhere between 50 and 75% cloudy sky and sunrise but you'll need to set the alarm for 3:30 
c) What equipment should I bring?
Usual landscape gear, tripod, filter, polariser might be good but most important of all is Avon Skin-so-Soft dry oil moisturiser. You will be able to get it from the petrol garage in Glencoe or order off the internet before you go. It is the only stuff that is effective against the midges in my opinion.
d) What else in the area including Glencoe, is great to photograph?
Loch Leven at sunset looking towards Glen Coe.
The Three Sisters in Glen Coe.
Glen Etive and Loch Etive, although I have to say it never really does anything for me when I have a ganders down there. Always seems a long drive with big expectations but ultimately disappointing vantage points.
Rannoch Moor, Loch Ba, the other lochan at the side of the road looking towards the Black Mount.
Loch Tulla Pines around Victoria Bridge area.
Glen Orchy, I think this glen has more potential than Etive which I'm gonna explore more myself when Autumn comes.
For all the above though July could be summed up as greens, harsh light if no cloud and blue skies (ocassionally). The best of the sunsets which can be fab are away from Glen Coe towards the coast and lochs of Leven and Linnhe
Have a good trip.
John
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