Hugh Maxwell Photography

Home
Hugh Maxwell Photography

Award-winning Scottish landscape photographer based in Darvel, East Ayrshire.

Capturing natural light to create memorable images at www.hughmaxwell.co.uk
No NFT's!

20/03/2026

When I first spotted this amazing looking tree high up on the moors I knew it would be the perfect subject for a black and white photograph. No blue skies for this image as I wanted it to be moody, dark and atmospheric, reflecting this tree's survival against the relentless and unforgiving elements of nature. So I returned when the weather was absolutely terrible. Strong winds were blowing from the south, leaden clouds raced overhead whilst hail showers drifted across the open moors. It was brutal conditions but someone the light was incredible. Perfect conditions to showcase the contorted, twisted outline of this magnificent tree battered by countless storms but still surviving to tell its story and living its life. I will share the black and white images soon.

17/03/2026

The fantastic cliff-top ruins of 16th-century Greenan Castle near Alloway in South Ayrshire. Late afternoon sunlight and a low tide provide the opportunity to photograph some wonderful reflections in the pools of water. Every visit to this location is different and I'm constantly amazed at the incredible variety of images that are possible. The air was filled with the smell of salty brine carried on a cold wind but that's what I love about being at the coast. Enjoy the photographs.

08/03/2026

Some wonderful news to share! I'm delighted to say that one of my images titled 'Golden Ripples' was shortlisted by the Expert judge in the final 'Open' category of the International Amateur Photographer of the Year 2025 competition, APOY, run by Amateur Photographer Magazine. Normally, I just enter the landscape category but I thought I would also enter a few images into the final round of this competition. The image is a personal favourite, which I've shared before, and was taken three years ago on the South Ayrshire coast near Ayr.

05/03/2026

Thousands and thousands of little crocuses. Their fantastic colours beautiful to see amongst the trees. What a wonderful way to spend an hour or so in the warm spring sunshine walking along the paths at Corsehill Gardens in Ayr, South Ayrshire. These beautiful little flowers have definitely brightened up my day and I hope they do the same for you. Enjoy the photographs.

27/02/2026

Tranquillity, minimalism, simplicity, reflection and mindfulness. All words that have been in my deepest thoughts recently whilst working on these images. Photography is about finding the beauty in things that other people might not notice and these old wooden posts, decaying in the sea, caught my eye. Each post appearing to have its own individual character. They are all high-key, long exposure images. Is this the start of another monochrome project, perhaps, one that will give me an excuse to visit the coast more often. Let's see! They were taken at Saltcoats in North Ayrshire and can you spot the seagull in one of the images! Enjoy the photographs.

25/02/2026

The feeling of disappointment is real, very real. I had entered, what I thought were my very best images taken throughout last year, into the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. Today, I received the standard email to say not a single image had made the shortlist in any of the categories I entered. I was totally gutted even though I know the standard is exceptionally high and I'm aware the decisions of the judges is subjective. A lot of hard work went into capturing the views and it's doubtful I could have taken them any better in the conditions I experienced.

I want to make it clear this is a respected and well run competition and I have the utmost respect for the judges. I'm also confident the shortlisted and eventual winning images will all be worthy of inclusion in the book and exhibition. I offer my congratulations to all the photographers but it doesn't change how I'm feeling. It's important for me to also share the low moments and not just the highs. The feeling of disappointment is still very raw and will be for sometime to come I'm sure. It does make you sometimes question your own ability and if the effort is all worth it!

I go out with the camera because I love photography and that will never stop. Neither will sharing my images for other people to enjoy. My confidence has taken a real blow for now but I'm determined to hold my head up high and push on. I'm super confident there will be more highs to share soon so in the meantime, I've attached some of the images that didn't make the shortlist. Enjoy the photographs.

22/02/2026

A golden sunset in the west, with the snow-covered mountain peaks on the Isle of Arran, the Sleeping Warrior, visible across the ocean. The old wooden pier at Portencross in North Ayrshire, now no longer used, makes the perfect foreground.

20/02/2026

At first I thought it was snow, such has been the recent cold northerly weather, but no, imagine my surprise to discover it was snowdrops. A wonderful spectacle. A carpet of beautiful little flowers, scattered randomly amongst the trees, bringing colour and life to the dormant, almost bare, landscape. The air at this time of year is still cold and full of dampness, but when the sun shines, you can instantly feel its golden warmth. The excited noisy chatter from the birds in the trees was an unexpected joy to hear. A new season is beginning and warmer times are nearly upon us. I was at Fullarton Woods, near Troon in South Ayrshire and also Auchans near Dundonald in East Ayrshire. Enjoy the photographs.

13/02/2026

The Lynn Falls near Dalry in North Ayrshire definitely showcase nature at its most beautiful and it's easy to see why a mill once existed in this small glen many years ago. The Caaf Water crashes down onto the rocks below with such deafening force you can't hear yourself think. So much raw energy and motion. A precarious scramble down a very steep tree-lined banking, definitely not recommended for the faint hearted, leads to the waterside. Absolutely worth it for these views.

08/02/2026

I've slowly been working on a project which I've titled - Tree Symbols. I'm always drawn to trees when out exploring with the camera and I wanted to combine this with my love for black and white photography. Trees are symbols of life with each one having its own unique story to tell. Black and white makes the most of the dramatic light but also reveals more of their wonderful bare structure and character. These are the first five with many more to come and I hope you enjoy the photographs.

06/02/2026

Snow showers drifted across the landscape creating a winter wonderland. I was standing still enjoying the beauty of it all, my body at rest, my mind completely focused on the beautiful view laid out before me like an artist's painting. In my mind I could see the delicate brushstrokes on the canvas capturing the subtle hues and the amazing light. Every tree has a story to tell and I'm so glad I was able to capture this one looking magnificent wearing its winter coat in the countryside near Newmilns in East Ayrshire.

30/01/2026

It was cold, Arctic cold, I could feel it on my face as I looked at the wonderful winter scene laid out before me. Hills covered in deep snow as far as the eye could see. Picture postcard perfect at the head of Glen Afton near New Cumnock in East Ayrshire. As the sun slowly drifted down to the horizon, the scattered clouds took on a soft pink hue which reflected off the water in the reservoir. Nature was putting on a spectacular show and I had a front row seat to watch the performance. It was so beautiful I felt my spirit soar high amongst the rosy clouds. Red sky at night, Shepherd's delight or in my case, Red sky at night, photographer's delight. Enjoy the photographs.

Address

Ayrshire

Website

https://www.hughmaxwell.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hugh Maxwell Photography posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Photography Service?

Country:

City: