Gavin Ritchie

Gavin is a landscape photographer who spends most of his time exploring new places and immersing himself in some of the most beautiful parts of Perthshire. He likes to explore the stunning landscapes and captures the moment when the light is just right.

When he's not taking and editing pictures, he's cooking, strolling around the Perth Farmers Market, enjoying a breakfast at Gloagburn Farm Shop or a tasty delicacy from Aran Bakery in Dunkeld. It's no wonder he loves Perthshire so much!

Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

So far I’ve been hassled by farmers with guns, gently moved along by MOD police, been cut off by the tide and consumed by midges!

What signals the start of your days off?

A nice long lie - till about half 7! Once the house is tidied and the rest of my day is free I’ll most likely set off in the car to go and explore with the family to enjoy a breakfast out and find a new scenic walk.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I think people who knew me when I was in school would be surprised to know that 1. I’m in business for myself and 2. That business is in a creative industry. I don’t think many would have guessed that at the time! Nowadays I think people would find my newly found fondness of cooking surprising.

So far I’ve been hassled by farmers with guns, gently moved along by MOD police, been cut off by the tide and consumed by midges!

What is at the top of your bucket list?

Many of my bucket list items are photography related - like most photographers I imagine. Those range from remote areas of the Highlands to phenomenon such as the Northern Lights. Apart from those I would love to see bears and orca while touring around Canada, stay in a bothy and fly in a Spitfire!

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

I used to spend summers working on a campsite and although a lot of that was cleaning toilets (the showers were worse) it was actually a tremendously fulfilling job. Apart from that, I have to say that McDonalds kitchens are pretty tough places to work at times.

Who or what inspires you?

There are too many photographers out there who inspire me to name them all. I think it’s probably clear from my work that Scotland is what inspires me most. Furthermore, having moved to Perthshire in the last year I have found it abundant with inspiring places. Over the years I have also found music by Runrig an easy way to tune myself into the landscape when I’m out and about.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again?

One day I would go back to is a day I spent last autumn with my dad in Glen Affric. I spend so long waiting for elements of a picture to come together at the right moment. On this particular morning the waiting paid off in a massive way. The beautiful scene was complemented by stunning autumn conditions, dark clouds, strong light and even a rainbow! I recall skipping around the hillsides in a state of pure glee.

To contrast that, I remember another day with my dad on Rannoch Moor that was so peaceful and slow paced, we stood taking in the stillness of the loch watching the best light I’ve ever seen seep across the moor in front of us. Both of these moments I’d love to live again.

What’s the best part about your job?

I tell people it’s my job to go and see the most beautiful parts of the country at times when they look their best. I would say that’s the best part of my job and the thing that gets me most excited to go out.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are….

Family, wilderness and magical light

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Check out our #SmallCityGallery featuring some of Gavin's stunning pictures here >>>

Find out more about Gavin Ritchie Photography on his website here >>>