Visiting Islay with My 85mm Lens

As both a landscape and portrait photographer, I'm accustomed to carrying multiple lenses to cover different focal lengths and shooting scenarios. However, for this trip to Scotland's whisky island, I made a deliberate decision that would transform my entire approach to photography.

The Decision to Go Minimal

The decision to travel with only an 85 mm lens (the Sony FE 85 mm F1.8) was not entirely creative; it was born out of practical constraints. A telephoto lens would have been too heavy for my hand luggage, and there was not enough space to carry multiple lenses. However, instead of viewing this as a limitation, I embraced it as an opportunity to challenge myself as a photographer.

This constraint brought back memories of the discipline required during the film era, when each frame counted and photographers had to think more carefully about their compositions. Restricting myself to one focal length meant that I had to consider each shot carefully, moving my position rather than simply zooming in or out.

Journey to the Whisky Isle

Our adventure began in Glasgow, where we caught the Citylink bus to Kennacraig. We then took a two-hour Caledonian MacBrayne ferry ride to Port Ellen, enjoying the scenic views along the way. The ferry journey itself offered countless photographic opportunities; the 85 mm lens allowed me to capture interesting elements of the seascape and isolate fellow passengers against the dramatic Scottish coastline.

We spent three nights at a charming bed and breakfast, which was perfectly located for exploring the island's diverse landscapes and world-renowned distilleries. The location of the accommodation proved ideal for both sunrise and sunset photography, with easy access to Islay's rugged coastline.

Exploring Islay Through an 85mm Lens

On our first day, we rented electric bikes from Islay E-Wheels and cycled to the renowned Ardbeg Distillery. The dedicated cycle lanes that ran alongside most of the route made cycling both safe and enjoyable, and there were plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos of the island's unique features.

We joined a small group of six at Ardbeg for the distillery tour, which allowed our guide to thoroughly explain every step of the whisky-making process. This intimate setting was ideal for both portrait photography and detailed shots of the distilling equipment. The 85 mm lens was ideal for these conditions, enabling me to capture the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Islay's whisky heritage.

After the tour, we moved on to the historic Kildalton Cross and the unspoilt Claggain Bay. The almost deserted beach at the bay proved ideal for a private photoshoot. Here, the 85 mm lens really came into its own, enabling me to take intimate portraits of my wife against the dramatic Scottish coastline and achieve that beautiful background compression which makes subjects stand out from their surroundings.

The Distillery Trail

The next day, we strolled along the tranquil route linking the Laphroaig and Lagavulin distilleries. Free from crowds and distractions, this peaceful path gave me ample opportunity to experiment with different compositions and the unique perspective of the 85 mm lens on landscape photography.

Rather than capturing the sweeping grandeur of Islay with a wide-angle lens, the 85 mm lens prompted me to seek out guiding lines that structured the landscape. Roads cutting across the moors, ridgelines tracing the hills and pathways disappearing into the distance all became visual anchors. These elements added depth and created a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer into the scene rather than overwhelming them with scale.

The Creative Advantages of Constraint

Using an 85 mm lens exclusively on this trip provided me with numerous technical and creative advantages, transforming my approach to photography:

Technical Considerations

Throughout this journey, the Sony A7III paired beautifully with the FE 85mm F1.8 lens. This combination provided excellent image stabilisation, which was crucial when shooting handheld in Scotland's often windy conditions.

"By challenging the idea that '85mm is only for portraits', you can discover new dimensions to your photography and combine landscape and portrait approaches seamlessly."

Beyond Traditional Categories

This trip taught me that the distinction between landscape and portrait photography is not as clear-cut as we often assume.

Rather than attempting to capture sweeping vistas, I found myself drawn to more intimate scenes: the texture of weathered stone, the interplay of light and shadow on distillery buildings and the way morning mist clung to Islay's rolling hills. I found these detail-focused compositions often proved more compelling than traditional wide-angle landscape shots.

Lessons for Every Photographer

This experience reinforced several important principles that apply to all areas of photography:

Embrace limitations: Creativity is often fuelled more effectively by constraints than by unlimited options. By removing the option of different focal lengths, I had to find creative solutions within the 85 mm perspective.

Slow down and observe: With only one lens, I spent more time studying each scene and looking for the best vantage point, rather than simply changing lenses. This resulted in more thoughtful and carefully considered compositions.

Quality over quantity: Instead of shooting everything in sight, I became more selective. I focused on scenes that truly spoke to me, working them thoroughly.

Technical mastery: Using one lens extensively helped me to understand its characteristics better, enabling me to use its specific optical properties more efficiently and creatively.

Conclusion: Freedom Through Constraint

My mid-August trip to Islay showed me that photographic constraints can be liberating rather than limiting. Using just the Sony FE 85mm F1.8 lens meant that I could approach landscapes and portraits with a fresh perspective. It forced me to slow down, think carefully and engage more deeply with this remarkable Scottish island.

With its quiet roads, spectacular coastline, welcoming distilleries and rich cultural heritage, Islay itself provided the perfect backdrop for this creative experiment. The island's relaxed pace fostered the considered approach that single-lens photography requires.

If you specialise in landscape photography, portraits or any other genre, I would highly recommend experimenting with using just one lens for your next photographic project. This will hone your observational skills, enhance your technical understanding and potentially transform your entire approach to creating images.

Working with the 85mm lens taught me that the most profound creative growth doesn't always come from acquiring more tools, but from learning to recognise the full potential of the tools we already have. In a world of endless options, remarkable freedom can be found in the beauty of constraint.