Photographing Brodie Castle
Photographing Brodie Castle is a regular haunt for me as I live quite close to the location. Each visit unveils a new layer of character and beauty that I never noticed before. The ever-changing seasons, weather, and light cast their enchanting spell over the landscape, revealing captivating images that continue to inspire me.
Whether it’s the vibrant colors of spring, the golden hues of autumn, or the serene tranquility of winter, each moment captured through my lens tells a unique story and often makes me appreciate the magic that lies within.
One of my favourite areas on the estate has to be the Shrubbery Garden where pathways bordered with wild grass and flowers wind through the garden revealing a new visual surprise with every turn.
Carefully stepping off the pathway ensuring I didn’t damage the flora underfoot I captured this shot when the daffodils were in full bloom.
Bending my knees brought the line of vision down giving emphasis to the daffodils in the foreground and helped lead the eye through the trees to the castle.
To create interest I used the trees to frame the people in the distance arriving at the castle door. A cloudless sky during the afternoon threw shadows over the scene adding more interest.
Shrubbery Garden Daffodils photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-T3. LENS: XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR. EXPOSURE: 1/480s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 37.6mm
With the spotlight on Red Acer photograph I framed the Acer tree to the left between two trees making sure I captured the sunbeam from the right leading the eye along the grass highlighting the Acer.
Spotlight on Red Acer photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-H1. LENS: XF35mmF2 R WR. EXPOSURE: 1/125s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 35.00mm
Why I revisit photo locations
Whenever possible I try to revisit locations that I have already photographed and is an important part of my photography journey. On returning to a location I most always find new subjects, ones that I never noticed before or perhaps thought was not worth the effort.
Living near Brodie Castle makes it a definte goto destination for me where I take a camera and wander around the impressive grounds and its stunning turreted castle, which has been the Brodie clan ancestral home for over 400 years.
Looking at the location with fresh eyes and thoughts it’s remarkable what catches your eye when taking time to absorb the surroundings. Different light, changed weather conditions along with the season all add to how a landscape or seascape portrays itself.
The mood I am in when visiting also generates a different perspective on how I view the surroundings and often dictates what type of photographs I decide to take. The more I relax when taking my time walking and observing the easier it becomes to find a subject to photograph.
Springtime at Brodie Castle
Discovering the castle grounds at any time of year is enjoyable, however, springtime seems to hold an extra touch of magic.
As nature awakens from its slumber, the vibrant colours of blooming bluebells and daffodils create a picturesque scene when wandering through these impressive grounds.
The western approach from Swanspond to the castle is bordered by mature trees and hundreds of daffodils display their splendour, inviting me to capture the enchantment through a camera lens.
Springtime at Brodie Castle is a truly captivating experience that inspires in awe of nature’s beauty.
Springtime at Brodie Castle photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-T3. LENS: XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR. EXPOSURE: 1/220s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 16.00mm
Photographing Brodie Castle at Summertime
Summertime at the Castle photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-H1. LENS: XF16-55mmF1.4 R WR. EXPOSURE: 1/500s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 16.00mm
The Cottage photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-H1. LENS: XF16mmF1.4 R WR. EXPOSURE: 1/500s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 16.00mm
Both the above photos were shot handheld with a 35mm prime lens which is small and stylish, the lens was built to resemble the classic 35 f/2 Leica Summicron lens. I always have this lens in my camera bag, it’s light in weight, versatile and used properly can produce tack sharp images. If you would like to learn more about this lens watch this Dan Bailey video.
The photographs have been reduced drastically in quality to lessen the web page load time, the quality and detail in the original photos is excellent. If you click on either photo you will get a slightly better rendition of the image.
Photographing Brodie Castle at Autumn
Autumn at Brodie Castle photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-H1. LENS: XF55-200mm f3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. EXPOSURE: 1/125s. APERTURE: f/5. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 55.00mm
Brodie Castle at Autumn is a delight to photograph approaching from Swanpond on the west pathway you get a stunning view of the tree lined avenue that takes you to the estate grounds. Get it on the right day the colours are stunning with deep reds, shades of orange and brown combined with the honey coloured castle.
I took the above photograph from the fence bordering the road with a 55 to 200mm lens in 16:9 format to compress the scene.
Always Look Above
When out walking with my camera I try to get into the habit of looking behind and above just incase I have missed a photo opportunity.
In this instance whilst walking along the west pathway away from Swanpond and heading towards the castle I managed to remember to look upwards, I have a terrible habit of forgetting to look to the sky, more so when there are trees.
I noticed that the low sun was hitting a large and impressive Scots Pine which happens to be one of my favourite species of trees, an added bonus was the distant moon.
Having a Prime 55mm on the camera I thought I would have a bash and see what I could capture. Prime lenses make you work for the shot as it’s all about where you stand.
Moving around, back and forward with my eye on the screen I finally found a composition that I liked capturing the morning sun hitting the tree and highlighting the wonderful warm colour of the trunk that this species is noted for.
All this against a clear blue sky with a bright shining moon.
Sunlight on a Scots Pine photograph: CAMERA: Fujifilm X-H1. LENS: XF55-200mm f3.5-4.8 R LM OIS. EXPOSURE: 1/125s. APERTURE: f/8. ISO: 200. FOCAL LENGTH: 55.00mm