Bite-Size Blog Post #65 - Back to Kilchurn

19 Apr

Third Times a Charm

Kilchurn Castle is one of those classic Highland locations. I’d probably go as far as calling it a bit of a honeypot. It’s easy to shoot, compositions come together without too much effort, and it’s just a fantastic subject, an ancient ruined castle on the edge of a loch with mountains behind. What’s not to like?

So why do so many people, myself included, keep going back? It’s simple really, the conditions are always changing. On this trip I’ve already photographed it twice. The compositions haven’t changed much, but the conditions have, and that completely alters the feel of the images.

There are plenty of variables here. Snow on the mountains, mist drifting across the loch, or a sky full of colour and texture. But the one thing I’m always hoping for is a still loch. That glassy surface, with a clean reflection of the castle, is what really brings it all together.

Heading out for a third visit, it was looking promising. The cloud cover looked good and a recent snowfall had added a bit more character to the scene. There was a bit of wind forecast, but that doesn’t always rule out the chance of calmer spells.

When I arrived, two out of the three lined up. A great sky and snow on the mountains, but the breeze never really dropped enough for any consistent reflections. I did get a short window where the loch settled, but not when the light was at its best.

Was I disappointed? Not really. For the third time in as many weeks I spent a hour on the edge of the loch watching the scene change as the sun came up. It’s a special place, and even if I’d got exactly what I had in mind, I’d still be planning another visit.

And that’s exactly what I’ll do.