Beginning of October and time for a road trip. Was heading to Somerset but along the way decided to stop off at Stonehenge in Wiltshire.
Stonehenge Walking Guide
Was using the OS circular walks guide for Somerset and Wiltshire. So parked up in nearby Amesbury and followed the footpaths to Stonehenge.
With OS maps online installed on my phone it was easy to stay on course taking in Salisbury plain the Wiltshire countryside.
Stonehenge Viewpoint
Coming in on Stonehenge this way gives you a unique viewpoint but a bit chaotic with the A303 running parallel and the many visitors.
Was getting good afternoon light though, with the clouds and sun breaking through creating a spotlight effect on the ancient stone circle.
Stonehenge dirt track side view
There is a dirt track roads that runs down the left side of the stone circle. Although had to cross the very busy A303 to get there. You can park on this dirt track, there were a few campervans and cars here.
Gives you another good viewpoint of the stone circle. Was shooting exclusively with 70-200mm lens at this subject distance. Just a case of waiting for the sun to come out and light up the stone circle.
Up Close
Needed to get up closer now to the ancient stone monument. Following the dirt track down takes you to the main entrance. But entry was £21. There is a footpath around the edge that you are free to take and take photos from.
Couple of good viewpoints of Stonehenge up close. Just had to wait for the light and no people. Lucky late afternoon week day not to many people with it closing to last visitors around 4:30pm.
You can take this footpath anytime so would be good for dawn and dusk and just park up on the dirt track not far away. These first walks were more about scouting out the location, making a mental note of the best viewpoints, where to park etc.
Good subject, good light
Stonehenge makes a good subject and focal point, filling the frame with the stone circle using a telephoto lens is probably the best composition. Good light helps to make a great photograph. Golden side light would be great coming in from a sunset to the west maybe.
Wiltshire First Visit
Good stop off at Stonehenge on the way to Somerset. Now added Wiltshire to my English counties visited and photographed. Took the walk back to Amesbury and had a pint. Plan is in the future to exclusively walk and photograph around Wiltshire for a few days maybe making nearby Salisbury my base.
Check out the Wiltshire Landscape Photography gallery.