Deep secrets are revealed at the Smith

Jun 26 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

THE fascinating world beneath the waves has been brought to life by Gargunnock diver Elaine Whiteford in a unique exhibition of underwater photography now running at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

It’s Elaine’s first solo exhibition and 50 of her photographs feature in the show, which is supported by PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Bright and vivid images reveal the amazing colour and variety of the underwater world of Scotland and other countries.

Elaine is an experienced photographer and diving instructor, and writes for a range of publications including The Scots Magazine, Scottish Wildlife, Diver, The Undersea Journal and The Sea. She is also a contributor wildlife photographer to the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Her work has featured in a number of exhibitions, such as the Royal Photographic Society's Projected Image Exhibition, the Edinburgh International Exhibition of Photography and the Scottish Parliament's Biodiversity Exhibition – but her first solo show has thrilled her.

“I am absolutely delighted to have the first showing of the exhibition here in Stirling. It's a great opportunity to share some of the sights that not many people can experience for themselves,” said Elaine.

“Forty of the photographs on display were taken in Scottish waters, many of them in the west coast sea lochs which are easily reached from Stirling. I am lucky to have some fantastic dive sites just up the road. In just over an hour I can be getting into the water at Loch Long and exploring amazing cold water reefs.”

The idea for the exhibition came to Elaine a couple of years ago as her image library was developing and she was seeing more of her photographs published in an expanding range of magazines.

“People seem really interested in seeing what is below the surface and are usually amazed at the colour and variety of the marine life in Scotland. I approached the Smith with my portfolio and they offered me a slot this summer.”

Since last appearing in the Observer, Elaine's images and articles have featured in many publications and she has become a contributor wildlife photographer for the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Her work is promoted by a Bristol based nature picture library, which also represents a number of wildlife photographers of national and international renown.

As well as writing about and photographing the marine world, Elaine also undertakes commissions.

“One of the strangest things I've been asked to do was photograph kelp for a wildlife artist who was painting a picture of otters underwater. The artist wasn't a diver but wanted photographs on which to base his painting, which is where I came in.”

The exhibition at the Smith runs until September 6 and Elaine hopes to be able to take it to other Scottish galleries in time.