A recent trip to the Isle of Skye gave me exactly what I had hoped for: dramatic scenery, fresh air, and a useful reminder that I can occasionally overthink absolutely everything.
Anyone who knows me knows I like a plan, and this year's Me, Myself and Olly (MMAO) trip was no exception. The problem was that my plan had become less of a guide and more of a military campaign. I had nearly 50 possible locations marked out across the island, complete with thoughts on when to visit them and what light might work best. The sunrise locations were particularly ambitious, mainly because I do not, under any reasonable definition, do early mornings.
For the first couple of days, I went from one location to the next, camera in hand, diligently ticking things off. On paper, it looked productive. In reality, I was starting to experience Skye through a checklist of other people's recommendations rather than actually enjoying being there. I wasn't really seeing the island. I was chasing approved viewpoints like I was trying to complete a particularly scenic treasure hunt.
By the end of the second day, it clicked. One of the main reasons for going all that way was to help shake me out of a photography rut, yet somehow I had built a plan that was doing the exact opposite. I had turned something I love into homework with nicer weather. That realisation was the nudge I needed.
The truth is, I don't go somewhere in order to take photos. I go for a walk, notice things, and photograph whatever catches my eye. That might sound like the same thing, but for me the difference is huge. One approach is about hunting for shots. The other is about being curious enough to find them.
So I changed tack and simply explored the island. I still visited a few of the well-known honey-spot locations, but only if they happened to be on the way, rather than because my spreadsheet had issued a direct order.
In that sense, the trip was a real success. It reminded me what actually sparks my interest and what I naturally enjoy photographing. It just so happens that a lot of that is landscape, mostly because that is where I do most of my wandering about pretending not to be lost.
I came home with around 600 photos on my camera, which feels like a healthy mix of inspiration and a future editing problem. I've already done a first pass and put together this year's MMAO album, and I may well go back through them later and add a few more. 
So, you can see what photos I like enough to make them public here. Enjoy and remember to come back, there may one day be a few more 😊