Sea swimming has become ever more popular during lockdown in many places including Shetland! Some choose to wear wetsuits (me!) and some not!  I have joined in as a result of fascination with photos appearing on Instagram from Alison Moore in the Orkney island @alisonisland, they are magical with gorgeous colours and sea life. Exactly what I have been thinking about painting over this next winter. So i decided to explore how challenging it would be for me to take my own photos. Having never been in the sea before I had a lot of concerns and things to learn.   I bought a 5mm thick Neoprene wetsuit with hood & boots from my local sports shop, which was great to be able to try on before buying, also a simple pair of goggles and snorkel. Luckily I had an a camera suitable for underwater to practice with (Go pro hero 3)

I chose the beautiful beach of Meal at Burra for my first dip, to even get into the water was the goal.  At Meal there is always waves, which became fun but not the best for keeping still to take photos!  Delighted with being able to get into the water and not feel cold, I was hooked!

I have experimented with different beaches around Shetland to find the perfect spots for me, always with one eye scanning for the dreded Orca.