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Alex Metcalfe

Adventure & Mountain Sports Photographer
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Notes From the Road


Three mountaineers descend across a snowy plateau as the sun sets in the Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland.

Newsletter • January 2022

Alex Metcalfe January 31, 2022
 
 

Ach! Greetings from bonnie Scotland!

I hope you all had a great Christmas. Thankfully it was a little less dramatic this year with no COVID lockdowns imposed in England. Little sis even made it home for the first time in two years!

As I write this Storm Corrie is battering the east coast of the UK with many homes across Scotland and NE England without power. I’d like to lie and say I’m writing by candle light and cooking on a stove, but the power is still running in Elgin. With the amount of wind farms I’ve seen here I’m not surprised.

So, I finally moved to Scotland and now happily ensconced on the East coast. I can’t believe I didn’t move sooner. I’m six miles from the sea and 20 miles from the Cairngorm Mountains. The outdoor fun potential here is limitless. I’ve come up here for a few months to shoot winter projects for Montane and Olympus and prepare for a guiding qualification.

I’m also stoked to say that I’ve been asked to join Montane’s team as part of their ambassador program and will be working closely with them moving forwards.

This month I’m sharing the perfect song to chill out to, a book to get the most of your climbing and why you should study art.


What I’m Reading

Chasing the Ephemeral - Simon Richardson

If any of you know anything about Scottish Winter climbing, you’ll know how notoriously fickle it is. Being in the right place, at the right time, is critical.

Simon Richardson reveals his simple strategy for success with a detailed analysis of the tactics and tools Scottish Winter Climbers must utilize to ensure the best chance of a great climb.


Music I’m Diggin

A friend recently recommended English singer songwriter Michael Kiwanuka to me after we wrapped up a shoot. He’s been on repeat ever since. With a blend of acoustic guitar and soulful voice he’s the ideal music to chill out to.

Love & Hate, Hero and Cold Little Heart are some firm favourites


Who I’m Following

Jon Gupta

Jon Gupta is one of the UK's most promising up and coming mountaineers with an impressive track record of big ascents from all corners of the world. He currently holds the Guinness World Record organising and guiding the quickest completion of the Seven Summits.

Follow him here.


Gear I’m Loving

Olympus OMD EM1 MKIII + M.Zuiko 8-25mm PRO Lens

For the 2021 Kyrgyzstan expedition Olympus sent me their latest camera and lens, the OMD EM1 MKIII & M.Zuiko 8-25mm to test it’s capabilities in the extreme environment of the Tian Shan Mountains. Unfortunately, due a series of logistical problems the kit didn’t arrive in time

I finally got a chance to use the gear out on the hill this week in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The camera and lens handled beautifully in the snow and gave me no issues in -20 degree winds!

One of the things I love about the OMD Systems is their small size, light weight and weather sealing.

The perfect tool for outdoor adventure and travel.


What I’m Watching

In a bid to further my photography I’ve recently been studying classical pieces of art to understand how artists so skilfully capture their subjects through colour, form and composition. Being successful as a photographer comes from a balance between technical know-how and artistic vision.

The above video is from a fantastic channel on the Tube called Great Art Explained that breaks down famous works of art in fifteen minutes.

In the below video art educator Tavis Leaf Glover shows how to illustrate why the dominant lines and complimentary shapes created by movement and contrast are so appealing to the human eye.


Quote I’m Pondering


I’m going for my first bout of winter climbing this weekend, hopefully some skiing too if the snow gods are kind.

Whatever you do, have a good one,

Alex


Know someone that may find this newsletter useful? Feel free to share and forward on!

It’s thirsty work creating these newsletters. If you think I’ve earnt one, you can buy me a virtual coffee below. Hold the sprinkles though.

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Further Reading
Newsletter • March 2022
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Newsletter • March 2022
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Newsletter • February 2022
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Newsletter • February 2022
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Newsletter • January 2022
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Newsletter • January 2022
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In Newsletter Tags 2019, January, 2022, Newsletter
← Newsletter • February 2022Kyrgyzstan Expedition 2021 Trip Report →

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Past Posts

Featured
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) 2023 Photography Competition Results
Sep 13, 2023
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) 2023 Photography Competition Results
Sep 13, 2023
Sep 13, 2023
January Talks: Expedition to Tajikistan
Jan 7, 2023
January Talks: Expedition to Tajikistan
Jan 7, 2023
Jan 7, 2023
Expedition to Tajikistan 2022: The Plan
Jun 22, 2022
Expedition to Tajikistan 2022: The Plan
Jun 22, 2022
Jun 22, 2022
Newsletter • March 2022
Mar 31, 2022
Newsletter • March 2022
Mar 31, 2022
Mar 31, 2022
Newsletter • February 2022
Feb 28, 2022
Newsletter • February 2022
Feb 28, 2022
Feb 28, 2022
Newsletter • January 2022
Jan 31, 2022
Newsletter • January 2022
Jan 31, 2022
Jan 31, 2022
Kyrgyzstan Expedition 2021 Trip Report
Dec 12, 2021
Kyrgyzstan Expedition 2021 Trip Report
Dec 12, 2021
Dec 12, 2021
Newsletter • December 2021
Dec 6, 2021
Newsletter • December 2021
Dec 6, 2021
Dec 6, 2021
Newsletter • June 2021
Jul 1, 2021
Newsletter • June 2021
Jul 1, 2021
Jul 1, 2021
First Front Cover With the OWPG
Jun 11, 2021
First Front Cover With the OWPG
Jun 11, 2021
Jun 11, 2021

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