July 5th 2024.
Karl Oparka is an avid photographer who has captured stunning images of 70 waterfalls across Scotland, from the Highlands to the Southern Uplands. However, what is surprising is the lack of information available about these hidden wonders. In his self-published book, "Chasing Waterfalls," Karl shares the breathtaking beauty of these waterfalls that he has been capturing since the start of the pandemic.
When asked about his background and how he got into photography, Karl reveals that in his previous life, he was a Regius Professor of Plant Sciences at Edinburgh, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II. Photography has always been a significant part of his work, and he has authored over 250 scientific publications throughout his career. Even now, his two main passions remain landscapes and macro imaging of flowers. From skating ducks to individual pollen grains, Karl has captured it all in his travels over the years.
But it was during the lockdown that Karl's fascination with waterfalls truly began. His son was looking for a Christmas present for him and thought of getting him a book on waterfalls. However, after an extensive search on the web, he couldn't find anything on Scottish waterfalls. This sparked the idea in Karl's mind to create his own book. With his wife's help, he started exploring waterfalls close to home in Angus and Perthshire, but their radius soon expanded to cover falls from Assynt in the Scottish Highlands to the Central Lowlands and Southern Uplands.
When asked about the number of waterfalls in Scotland and how many he managed to photograph for his book, Karl reveals that a survey conducted in 1986 suggested there were over 200 waterfalls in Scotland. However, for his book, he could only capture 70 of them, barely scratching the surface. He believes that there are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Karl shares that what he loves most about waterfalls is the unique atmosphere they create when you get up close to them. And with long exposure photography, they become even more magical, with their cascading waters taking on a spectrum of hues. He also adds that while the bigger waterfalls may not always be the most photogenic, some of the smaller, unnoticed ones can be extremely picturesque and stunning.
When asked if it was challenging to gain access to these waterfalls for photography, Karl explains that he was recovering from back surgery when he started this project. So, he chose falls that were easily accessible on foot and not too far from car parks. To help readers locate these waterfalls, each image in the book is accompanied by a thumbnail map showing its location.
Some of the stunning waterfalls captured by Karl for his book include the Bonnington Linn in Lanarkshire, Crawton Waterfall in Grampian, Falls of Allt da Gobh in Perth and Kinross, the Black Spout in the Highlands, the Fairy Pools in Skye, and the Falls of Dochart in Perth and Kinross. But there are many more waiting to be discovered and admired.
If you're interested in exploring the hidden wonders of Scotland, Karl's book, "Chasing Waterfalls" is a must-read. It not only showcases the beauty of these waterfalls but also serves as a guide to their locations. Don't miss out on the latest issue of Scottish Field, where you can read more fascinating stories about Scottish culture, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest issues.
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