Landscape Photography in Orkney – Light, History and Inspiration

Orkney is one of those rare places where time, light and sea intertwine to form something unforgettable. Every headland, every wave-cut cliff, every ruin tells a story that spans thousands of years. For me as a professional landscape photographer, few destinations in the UK rival Orkney for variety, atmosphere and creative challenge.

In this post I’ll take you through my photographic journey around the islands, highlight the best landscape photography spots, offer practical tips, and weave in a touch of island history that makes Orkney so unique.

The Magic of Orkney’s Light

Landscape Photography in Orkney – Sitting high in the northern latitudes, Orkney enjoys long, drawn-out golden hours where the sun barely rises or sets—it simply rolls along the horizon. For photographers, this means soft, directional light for hours at a time.

When clouds drift in from the Atlantic, they filter that light into diffused layers that sculpt the landscape. On my visits, the light shifted minute by minute: one moment a warm amber glow on sandstone cliffs, the next a cool blue wash across the waves.

The three YouTube videos that inspired this article captured that quality beautifully—each scene felt alive with changing mood. It’s what makes photographing Orkney endlessly rewarding.

The Drama of Orkney’s Coastlines

The islands’ coastlines are pure drama, sea stacks, sweeping bays, natural arches and wave-carved sandstone. The Yesnaby cliffs, featured in “Orkney’s Wild Side – Exploring the Epic”, show the full force of nature at work.

As I stood on those edges, the Atlantic wind whipped across my face, and the sound of waves echoed like distant thunder. Photographing here isn’t just about beauty, it’s about capturing motion and power.

Tip: A sturdy tripod and ND filters are essential. Try long exposures between 6–20 seconds to blur the waves into mist and contrast them against the hard geometry of the cliffs.

Orkney’s History Written in Stone

Photography here isn’t only about landscapes, it’s about time. Orkney’s human story runs deep:

• Neolithic era: Sites such as Skara Brae date back over 5,000 years, among the oldest settlements in Europe.

• Norse influence: Viking settlers shaped the islands’ language and place names. Words like ness, holm and wick echo the Norse tongue.

• World War heritage: Scapa Flow became a key naval base in both World Wars.

• Modern Orkney: The islands remain vibrant, blending Scottish and Norse culture with a strong community spirit.

Every photograph you take here is layered with these stories. The landscape isn’t empty, it’s filled with echoes of its past.

Best Photography Locations in Orkney

Here are my top four locations that every landscape photographer should explore.

1. Brough of Birsay

A tidal island accessible only at low tide, the Brough of Birsay offers incredible compositions with its stone causeway leading the viewer’s eye toward the cliffs and sea stacks.

Photography Tips:

• Plan around the tide, access is only possible for a short window.

• Shoot during golden hour for glowing sandstone tones.

• Use a wide-angle lens to include the causeway and the cliffs beyond.

• Foreground interest like rock pools and seaweed textures add scale and depth.

• Use a drone for for that extra special shot!

2. Yesnaby Sea Arch

The Yesnaby coast is one of Orkney’s most dramatic viewpoints. High cliffs plunge into turbulent seas, and the famous sea arch stands defiant against centuries of erosion.

Photography Tips:

• Always stay back from the edge—the cliffs are sheer and the wind fierce.

• Long exposures create a dreamlike contrast between soft sea motion and rugged rock.

• Afternoon and evening light best reveal the cliff textures.

• A telephoto lens helps compress perspective, making the sea arch appear more monumental.

3. Skara Brae and the Bay of Skaill

This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines archaeological wonder with natural beauty. The interplay between the ancient dwellings and the nearby coastline makes it ideal for combining history with landscape imagery.

Photography Tips:

• Arrive early to beat crowds and capture undisturbed light.

• Use an aperture of f/8–f/11 to keep both foreground and horizon sharp.

• Be respectful—stick to paths to protect the site.

• Include the sea in your frame for scale and atmosphere.

4. The Outer Islands – Hoy and Westray

If time allows, venture beyond Mainland Orkney. On Hoy, you’ll find towering cliffs and the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack. Westray offers softer, sweeping seascapes and long beaches that glow at sunset.

Photography Tips:

• Check ferry schedules and plan for overnight stays to capture both sunrise and sunset.

• Carry layers—weather changes quickly.

• Drones can be useful for capturing aerial perspectives, but always respect wildlife zones and flight regulations.

My Orkney Photography Workflow

Planning

• Study maps and tide charts in advance.

• Mark sunrise and sunset directions using a sun-tracking app.

• Choose accommodation central to your chosen locations.

Shooting

• Arrive an hour before sunrise to find foreground interest.

• Bracket exposures to handle the dynamic range of bright skies and dark cliffs.

• Experiment with both fast and long exposures—capture motion and stillness.

Post-Processing

• Adjust white balance carefully to preserve Orkney’s natural tones.

• Apply selective clarity to bring out rock texture.

• Consider panoramic crops for sweeping views.

• Avoid over-saturating skies, subtlety reflects the true character of the islands.

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

Rapid Weather Changes

The weather can turn quickly, embrace it. Rainbows, mist, and shifting light create dramatic storytelling opportunities. Keep lens cloths and waterproof covers handy.

Strong Winds

Bring a solid tripod and hang your camera bag from the centre column for extra weight. In high winds, avoid extending your tripod fully to reduce vibration.

Access and Safety

Always check tide times before crossing to tidal islands. Coastal paths can be slippery—sturdy boots are essential.

A Typical Day Behind the Lens in Orkney

04:45 – Early Start – Drive to location under starlight, ready for dawn colour.
05:30 – Golden Hour – Capture soft light and reflections on wet rock.
08:00 – Breakfast & Review – Download files, note conditions.
11:00 – Explore History – Visit Skara Brae or standing stones for midday context shots.
15:00 – Scout Evening Location – Seek new compositions as light changes.
18:00 – Sunset at Yesnaby or Brough of Birsay – Long exposures and silhouettes.
20:00 – Blue Hour & Reflection – Calm water, lingering glow.
22:00 – File Backup & Planning – Prepare for the next day.

Lessons from Orkney’s Landscape

• Slow Down: Let light and weather guide you.

• Respect the Land: Stay mindful of delicate cliffs and heritage sites.

• Seek Story Over Spectacle: Look for quieter moments—reflections, patterns, mood.

• Return in Different Seasons: Spring greens, autumn storms, winter auroras—all transform the same scene.

Final Thoughts

Landscape photography in Orkney isn’t just about capturing images, it’s about immersing yourself in a place where sea, wind and time coexist.

From the tidal causeway of Brough of Birsay to the soaring cliffs of Yesnaby, from Skara Brae’s ancient stones to the remote stillness of Hoy, Orkney remains one of Britain’s most rewarding destinations for the landscape photographer.

As I continue to return to these islands, I’m reminded that every photograph is a conversation between light and land, past and present. If you ever get the chance, take your camera, your patience, and your curiosity, and let Orkney reveal its magic through your lens.

Further Reading & Links

• Photography Workshops with Gary Gough

• YouTube Channel – Landscape Adventures & Tutorials

• Long Exposure Tutorial

Scotland’s West Coast – A Photographer’s Guide