Zeno Watson

I was very fortunate to photograph Jim Griffith and Jolade Olusanya’s ascent up Ben Lomond, in Scotland.

Jolade who is also photographer and film-maker from London, had never been up a Scottish mountain before. I decided to focus on Jolade and document his experience

Jolade, who lives in London was use to the flat level, ultra busy environment of the big city. So to escape to fresh open air of the Scottish Highlands was something his mind, body and soul embraced.

The higher we climbed the views just got better and the sense of scale became more apparent and respected.

The more Jolade climbed the colder it became, the visibility drastically being reduced. The air thick in fine water droplets. This is was us walking through the clouds but did not know it, as we thought it was just fog/mist.

Jolade’s dark dreads became almost white, capturing the moisture from the air.

Our thighs at this point were like jelly and mood a little low from the exertion and not being able to see much.

However…

About three quarter’s of the way to the summit, the thick white clouds began to dissipate. A pastel blue sky began to appear the saturation intensified. The light becoming so bright Jolade could not fully open his eyes. It was just like when you wake up first thing in the morning light, but he soon adjusted.

We all kept on walking, with the tones of our voices lifting, bigger smiles and a new energy.

We realised that we were all just above the low cloud line. Taking photos in all directions.

Jolade embracing the mountain fresh air, the view of the clouds beneath him. His legs recovered and standing strong, his mind reflecting on his inner journey.

We kept walking in awe. The Scottish mountains poking through the clouds ahead of us.

As we turned the corner and looked up, We could see Jim sitting at the summit, taking in the views in the background and the large Black Raven just in front of him.

This was Jim’s view…

When Jolade and I arrived Jim had our lunch all prepared, spicy pasta and a vista to die for.

Looking north and seeing such mountains as Ben Vorlich and Ben Nevis poking through the clouds.

Jim at the edge of a large drop, the sense of scale almost over whelming.

Jolade proud yet humbled by over coming his challenge.

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