Guide to Photographing Loch Ard

Following on from my recent guide to photographing Coniston Water in the Lake District, I thought I'd wander through my back catalogue of photographs and add some brief guides to other photogenic locations that I have visited recently.

A brief photographic guide to Loch Ard in Scotland.

Thanks to David Mould who put together a detailed and informative 'Photographers Guide to Loch Ard' - I discovered this excellent guide in time to make one more early morning trip over to this location.

The shot here was taken looking East down the lock to the 'Sunrise' (sadly hidden by cloud on this September Morning) It is possible to park in the handy carpark next to the village hall. There is easy access to the edge of the loch.

A photographers Guide to Loch Ard

Loch Ard at dawn

Photographer of the Month

One of my photos has just been featured on Chris Shepherd's excellent photography site. :)

St Pauls and Millenium Bridge at dawn

Chris' site contains some exceptional and inspirational photography and is well worth a visit

Chris Shepherd

Guide to Photographing Coniston Water - Location C

Morning Light

At the North end of Coniston Water the road that runs along the East side of the Lake loops around the top of the Lake and leads back South and on into Coniston Village. 

Just after you start heading South from the North of the Lake and before you reach Coniston Village, you will see two small buildings nestled amongst a glade of trees to your left.

There is a gate adjacent to the road here and in the early hours of the morning when the road is quiet it is possible to park next to this gate (although your vehicle will be partially in the road)

A better option is the Pay and Display car park at the North edge of the Lake.

The scene to the left can be taken from the waters edge behind the buildings and in the right light (early morning) could be stunning. You can see from my photograph that I was 'blessed' with a clear sky which is not ideal... but at least the waters of the lake were still.

Early Light on Coniston Water

This view North East over the water was taken from the same location. The Morning light coming through the trees makes for a nice effect.

Guide to Photographing Coniston Water - Location B

There is a photogenic wooden Jetty located approximately half way up the road on the East Side of Coniston Water. A woodland car park adjacent to this spot which makes it easy to stop for a while and enjoy the view.

The Photographs shown here were both taken at dawn but this location can work well at either dusk or dawn. The Jetty faces West, if the sunset is interesting this can make for a spectacular scene.

I chose to shoot from this spot at dawn as the forecast was for clear skies. I figured that the dawn light on the distant mountains might help to create an interesting scene. Location A is an alternative location for dawn but works better if the forecast is for a more interesting (cloudier) sky

Coniston Water at dawn