After plate upon plate of every type of local seafood we could find, we set off from the beautiful Kimberley Inn, hearts and bellies full, in search of seals and stunning scenery. Neither proved hard to find; moments after arriving a bob of grey and white curious little faces broke the surface and sat a while, holding still against the tide, watching. Of course, this was the perfect time to bring out the Gearing tripod to aid our capture of such a beautiful moment. The skies were swirling and stormy, the wind whipping the ocean froth, creating a mysterious and moody atmosphere which contrasted so beautifully against the happy little seals. The beach was a mix of sand and stone, difficult to walk upon but no trouble for the tripod. Removing the rubber caps to reach the tungsten tips, the tripod became remarkably stable in the unstable ground.

After a quick leg adjustment, the camera was attached and we were snapping away while the seals swam and danced, teasing us as they ducked, came close, then far and began the cycle again. It wasn't just the seals that took centre stage of the camera lens that day - the dramatic skies behind them offered photographic opportunities that we just couldn't miss. 

We walked the length of the bay and back, stopping every now and then to snap a shot. Be it of family, four legged friends or the crashing waves onto the shore, the Gearing tripod was there to capture it all. Five miles trudging through wet sand with a tripod on your back might sound like a daunting feat, but weighing only 1.6kg we didn’t need to share the load once. In the midst of 2020, undeniably the most challenging year many of us have ever faced, being able to escape England and find some peace and tranquility in rural Scotland was a luxury and a privilege I will forever be grateful for. I am just glad I had a piece of kit as sturdy and reliable as the Gearing tripod to keep me company through it all.