Scotland Through A Lens: Orcadian Magic with Kendra Towns

Canadian photographer Kendra Towns showcases the ever-changing beauty of the islands she now calls home in this month’s Scotland Through A Lens.

How long have you been taking pictures, and how did you fall in love with photography?

I’ve been taking photos since I was a child. My dad is also a photographer, so there was usually an old camera lying around for me to experiment with. I loved using disposable cameras as a kid, capturing everything from my stuffed toys to my friends and family. I still vividly remember going through seven rolls of film during a two-week trip to France when I was 13.

Photography has always gone hand in hand with travel for me, something my family and I have always loved. I’ve now been to over 30 countries, and I’m passionate about capturing the beauty of a place through its landscapes, architecture, nature and people. Photography is like a visual journal of my travels. Each image is a memory frozen in time, often deeply meaningful. I love telling the stories behind my photos, and I think that’s a big part of what draws me to photography.

You live in Orkney now. When did you move there, and how does it inspire your photography?

My mum is originally from Orkney, so the islands and Orcadian culture have always been a part of my life. I grew up in Ottawa, Canada, but we visited often, and I even spent a summer working in Kirkwall while I was at university. Every trip to see my grandparents felt like coming home, there was always this overwhelming sense of rightness and comfort. I just knew I would end up living here one day.

In 2014, a couple years after graduating from university and right after losing my retail job when the store closed, I took a summer job in England. After that, I came to Orkney for what was meant to be a six-month visit — and I never left. I found a job, built a community of friends and family, and recently bought my first home here.

Initially, I shared photos of Orkney on my Instagram just to show my friends back in Canada what my new home looked like. A lot of them thought I was mad for moving somewhere so small and remote. I simply wanted to share the wild beauty of this place with them. Over time, that evolved into something bigger, a way to showcase Orkney and grow as a photographer.

What are some of your favourite landscapes on the islands to capture?

Orkney’s dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches are probably my favourite subjects. Yesnaby, Marwick and Birsay on the West Mainland draw me back time and again with their towering, rugged coastlines. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs is something you can’t truly capture in an image — it has to be experienced. The cliffs have a way of making you feel small, like you’re standing at the edge of the world.

The light on the west coast at sunset is particularly magical, especially during the long summer evenings. The golden rays light up the red sandstone cliffs, often topped with sea pinks, in a beautiful warm glow. The cliffs are also the best place to photograph some of Orkney’s birdlife, including my favourite, the puffin.

Orkney also boasts countless beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character. I think the beaches on Sanday are among the best. The white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters are a dream to photograph. If it weren’t for the ever-present wind and chilly water, you could almost believe you were somewhere in the Caribbean.

For you, what makes a great picture?

For me, a great photo is all about light and composition. Lighting can absolutely make or break an image, and it’s a tricky skill to master — especially when you’re at the mercy of the weather. Orkney’s light can be incredible, but each outing is a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Composition is equally important. It’s about guiding the viewer’s eye and holding their attention. Whether someone is scrolling through social media or browsing a shop, something has to catch their eye. I try to look for leading lines, visual balance and small details that help make a photograph compelling.

Do you feel you get to show people a side of Orkney they might not otherwise see?

Absolutely. Most visitors to Orkney only stay for a day, maybe a bit longer if they’re not on a cruise or bus trip. That’s barely enough time to scratch the surface. Living here year-round allows me to capture Orkney in all its moods — the shifting seasons, changing light and quieter, hidden corners that visitors might never find.

It also means I can photograph aspects of island life that tourists rarely get to experience, like the solstice at the Ring of Brodgar, or the Ba games on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Because I didn’t grow up here, I think I have a unique perspective. I tend to notice things that lifelong locals might overlook or take for granted. Everything still feels new and special to me, and I think that comes through in my photos.

Do you have to be patient to get the best shots?

Patience isn’t really my strong suit. I’m very glad we’ve moved on from film to digital, because I definitely don’t have the patience to carefully line up every shot to save film. I like being able to take a few quick shots and move on, especially since I do a lot of my photography while walking or hiking.

That said, if I have a specific image in mind, I will return to the same place again and again until I get the light and framing just right. Even after 11 years, there are still a few shots I haven’t quite nailed yet, so maybe I do have some patience. Or maybe I’m just stubborn.

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