To me, this image represents the human spirit. The spirit of kindness.
Scarista beach is on Harris, a remote island with some of the most pristine beaches in the United Kingdom. It was around 6am. First light. I had scouted this location thoroughly with the concept of capturing the soft morning light and extended shadow of myself as the low sun was rising. Having launched the drone, the scene was looking good. I moved closer towards the water to refine the composition, adjusted my settings, got everything looking right, and *click* I went for the first shot of the day.. but I got nothing. There was no memory card in the drone. Being an older model a few years back, there was no warning or error message. At that moment its location came to me; it was still at home on my desk. I descended the drone and packed it all up - it had been an unproductive mission. Being so remote, there was nowhere to buy a new card, and no opportunity for a same day or even next day delivery.
I headed back for breakfast feeling pretty despondent, and relayed my woeful adventure to our host who happened to have her daughter over for a visit. Turns out her husband also has a drone, and she figured he'd be willing to let me borrow his memory card.
After a quick phone call & drive back to her home, she returned with a card, and with that act of genuine kindness came the ability to finally capture some aerial beach shots.
Faith in humanity and mood restored, by now it was 11:30am, and so we set off for Scarista again, this time as a family. I was then able to capture this image at around midday, a shot that subsequently went on to win the seascape category of the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. It generated international press coverage across major news outlets, was exhibited in various locations across Scotland, and generated numerous print sales.
I look back on this day with fond memories now, and the most important thing despite the lesson learnt is to remain grateful for the ones around you who support you and love you, and for the kindness of good-hearted people who graciously offer you their help. The human spirit.
About the artist: Johnathan Conlon is a published, award winning photographer specialising in landscape & aerial imagery.
Licence: extended editorial.