Sports enthusiast Donald Ford has made his name photographing some of Scotland’s finest golf courses.
Now the Carnoustie-based lensman has turned his spotlight on the beauty of the Aberdeenshire landscape.
Accountant-turned photographer Mr Ford’s new book contains more than 60 images which depict the north-east in all its glory, from the snow-topped mountains of Deeside to the spectacular coastlines of Kincardineshire and the Moray Firth.
In between, he captures the lush rolling farmland, great empty skies, rich autumn colours and sparkling granite towns and villages which combine to create the essence of the region.
The hardback volume – A Photographic Celebration of Aberdeenshire – has been a labour of love. He hopes it will appeal to those who share his admiration for the north-east and visitors looking to get off the beaten track.
“I brought out a similar collection of photographs of Angus, which did very well, and Aberdeenshire was the natural choice this time round,” he said.
“It’s an area I’m very fond of and I keep coming back to it and finding something new every time.”
Picking a favourite place is tough. Deeside is among the most beautiful corners of Scotland at any time of year, hence its popularity with tourists – but he is also drawn to the less obvious charms of the Moray Firth and the Buchan coastline.
“That north Aberdeenshire coast is just wonderful and it never seems ever to be busy,” he said.
“I don’t suppose it attracts the tourists as much as some other areas, and that means you can quite often visit a place and have it all to yourself.
“There is nothing better than coming across a surprise – one of these wonderful little corners that you have never stumbled across before – and Aberdeenshire is just great for that.”
Mr Ford gave up his career in accountancy in 1991 and, with the support of his wife Carol and other members of the family, turned his passion for photography into a successful business, working initially from home and using a mobile gallery to take his portfolio around Scotland.
He is best-known for his landscape and golf calendars, which sell more than 25,000 copies every year and are sent all over the world.
He has also published a number of books, including A Photographic Celebration of Angus, as well as diaries and greetings cards.
A Photographic Celebration of Aberdeenshire is available from the website www.donaldford images.com and will shortly be available in several outlets around Aberdeenshire, including The Old Bakery, St. Cyrus; Glenesk Retreat, near Edzell; Clatterin’ Brig, near Auchenblae; and Peel Farm, near Kirriemuir. Price: £17.75.
