Shahbaz Majeed - Scotland in Photographs

Image: supplied

This book would not have been possible without the support of my family and especially my wife, Shazia, and my dad, Abdul, always encouraging and supporting me. Many a time I have spent days away pursuing my passion (or obsession if you will) and my wife has always been understanding. This book is evidence for her that I have not just been parked down the road having a nap in the car.

My dad, who is extremely proud of my achievements, still doesnt understand why I go to the lengths I do to get these pictures but supports me anyway. Thanks Dad for everything and yes, I will come round later and show you how to set the alarm on your phone, again.

My little girls, Aena and Aiza, are still young and so dont often understand the reasons for the time I spend away, but when they are older I hope this book will be a way for them to be a part of the journeys that they missed. That said, my older daughter has plenty of comments towards the images she sees, ranging from genius to downright strange. Some of my favourites, to name a few:

Is that where the dinosaurs live? [Trotternish Ridge, Isle of Skye]

Thats a silly place to leave your boat. [Bowling Harbour, Clydebank]

Daddy, why are the stars like that? Cant they spell my name? [Abernyte]

I have a great deal of gratitude to all at Amberley Publishing but especially Alan Murphy for his professional guidance in producing this book and for choosing me to author this publication. You sir, are awesome.

To my friends, teachers and colleagues at the University of Dundee, my alma mater, for supporting me throughout my fantastic years as a student and then as a member of staff. I am very proud of having attended this great institution and while I may not be as famous as some of our other alumni, rest assured I am working on it!

Dundee Photographic Society ( www.dps-online.co.uk ) has played a large part in my photography. Joining the society was the best decision I ever made, as it gave me the opportunity to see a large variety of images from across the spectrum and especially from those that have been taking images for a long time. It really allowed me to learn a lot in a relatively short period of time and for that I will always be thankful.

Although too many to name, you all know who you are from my friends and fans on social media, to those who have bought my work in some form or another or attended my training courses to improve your own photography. The marketing folk, the publishers/editors, image buyers that have used my work for everything from books to television, to billboards and currency, I am proud of every single feature.

Not forgetting all those that will come to know of me in the future this is also for you! If you dont like my work for whatever reason, then this is obviously not for you. Not thanking the trolls, who sometimes comment Ive lived there all my live and it looks nothing like that. Life is too short.