Stourhead ‘Early Light Photography’

The fog lights of one’s car are like putting up the Christmas decorations: initially you’re excited that you get to use them, but the novelty soon wears off. But as the A303 became more and more misty, I knew that my annual pilgrimage to Stourhead for the ‘early light photography’ event was going to be slightly different this year.

I visit Stourhead regularly, but visiting at the crack of dawn is always a bit different – the light is of course better due to golden hour (if the sun does come out), but it’s also quieter. Having said that, it did feel as though it was somewhat busier this year – every 50 meters someone was packing a Canon 5d. Despite this though, (and despite the fact that I felt more and more poorly as the day progressed), I really enjoyed the day and the fog was certainly a dramatic addition.

Here are my top tips for making the most of your early morning trip to Stourhead…

1. Get there before sunrise

Honestly, the early start is the whole point. I try to make sure that I get there as early as possible, which is usually 7:30. You get the place to yourself (mostly), the light is soft and moody, and as it’s autumn you might catch mist drifting off the lake around the trees and bridges like I did. And don’t pack up the moment the sun pops up – there’s plenty of spots that actually need a bit more light to make the most of, especially in the woods.

2. Slow down and wander the lake

It’s tempting to dash between the classic (cliched) spots, but you’ll get more interesting shots by taking your time. Walk the full loop, poke down the smaller paths (there are some spots on the raised forested side that people never seem to explore), and look for foregrounds and reflections. Moving just a few metres can totally change a frame. Respect the fences of course, but you’re allowed to go to the water’s edge in plenty of locations. Try shooting through branches, or use the temples as focal points for your composition.

3. Don’t wait for perfect weather

Blue skies aren’t really what the day/morning is about. Overcast days make the autumn colours richer, and a bit of mist or drizzle adds mood and depth. If the weather looks rubbish, go anyway (just keep a lens cloth handy). Some of the best shots come from days you’d normally write off. On my recent visit, the weather report was dreadful and I nearly stayed in bed – I’m glad I didn’t.

4. Switch to a longer lens

Wide shots are the obvious go-to (on the Fujifilm XH2 I took the 16-55 and there were some spots that the 16mm was perfect), but some of the best frames are the smaller ones. Pick out a single tree, shoot the leaf textures, or use a longer focal length to stack and compress the layers of the landscape – this is especially true for shots of the temples; often they’re more impressive if you can remove distractions from the shot. Mixing wide and tight gives you a much more varied set from one visit.

5. Have a loose plan, then ditch it

A quick look at the grounds beforehand helps, and a few spots in mind is plenty. But don’t get so caught up ticking off viewpoints that you miss what’s right in front of you. The light changes fast, and sometimes the best shot is round a corner you’d normally walk straight past. Everybody will gather around the lake, but don’t forget to walk up the hill and check the house out too.

One last thing…

Stourhead has been photographed to death, so don’t stress about recreating the famous shots. Let them inspire you, then try to come away with something that feels a bit more like your take on the place.