Castles in the Cold
Snowy Surprises: Tales of Winter Adventures
Hey everyone! How's it going?
If you think that planning a photography session guarantees a smooth experience, think again! In this post, I'll share a recent adventure around capturing castles in winter that transformed potential disappointment into a delightful surprise, all while capturing the magic of castle ruins in a winter wonderland.
From Sunrise to Castles in Winter
The winter season kicked off with a spectacular display of steady snowfall along the northeast coast. Eager to capture the magic of the moment, I set out with high hopes and a camera in hand.
The night before, I diligently checked the forecast and set my alarm for an early start, hoping to capture cloud inversions at sunrise. However, as I drove towards the target area, it became evident that the inversion I anticipated wasn't in place. Not to be deterred, I decided to shift gears and head to the coast for a sunrise shoot. Little did I know, Mother Nature had other plans.
Finding Beauty in Wintery Castles
Clouds heavy with snow dominated the coast, dashing any hopes of a sunrise. Undeterred, I noticed some of these same heavy clouds had ventured inland, dropping flurries over the hills between Alnwick and Rothbury. Seizing the opportunity, I redirected my journey to Edlingham, where a 13th-century ruined castle awaited.
What could have been a disappointing morning turned into a photographic boon. The snow-laden clouds passing over Edlingham Castle dusted the landscape with a light white frosting, creating an ever-changing canvas of light and color.
Photography Tips: Finding the Right Shutter Speed
Balancing the need for movement and detail, I found that a shutter speed of approximately 1/50th of a second worked best. This setting conveyed the sense of snowflakes in motion, adding a dynamic element to the winter scene.
Exploring Edlingham Castle in winter
Edlingham Castle is a fascinating ruin.
The solar tower, with one wall cracked all the way to the ground and leaning over, added a touch of mystery to the scene and I couldn't help but wonder how long it would remain standing.
My original plans to photograph this place were once centered around a spot of astrophotography so this was a great opportunity to explore the ruins off script and just, pardon the pun, chill.
Capturing the Moment
Following the fresh snowfall, the rising sun illuminated breathtaking clouds over the sea. Eager to capture the spectacle, a slow detour along icy country roads revealed an unexpected opportunity – sunlight filtering through roadside trees cast enchanting highlights on a stile and signpost leading into a snow-covered field beyond. Unable to resist, a quick stop resulted in another stunning photograph of a castle in winter.
Discovering Hidden WInter Gems
Serendipity took over as I decided to explore the surroundings. This led to the discovery of Mitford Castle, a hidden gem cloaked in winter's embrace. The warm hues of the brickwork stood out against the snowy backdrop, offering a captivating contrast that begged to be photographed.
A Troll Bridge and Winter Wonderland
Venturing further into the castle's grounds unveiled an unexpected delight – a charming troll bridge spanning a gentle burn encircling the castle mound. The juxtaposition of historical ruins and nature's wintry touch created a scene straight out of a fairytale, providing an opportunity for captivating photograph.
Flexibility in Photography:
Mitford Castle stands as a testament to the importance of adaptability in landscape photography. By embracing spontaneity and being willing to change plans, I stumbled upon an event filled with unexpected beauty. These experiences with winter castles remind me that sometimes, the most remarkable scenes are found when I deviate from the planned path and let nature guide my lens.
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