Loched in? Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Eilean Donan translates from Gaelic as "the island of Donan". Here we see Eilean Donan Castle, majestically overlooking three lochs - Loch Long, Loch Alsh and Loch Duich.

The island was first inhabited over 800 years ago, but the present form of the castle was created between 1912-1932 when the castle was restored from a semi-ruin.

The official website for the castle can be found here:
Eilean Donan Castle

My long suffering girlfriend deserves a special mention here for not throwing me into the loch after I waited an hour and a half for the light to be just right ;)

Post-pro: Curves, Resize, Contrast Mask (19px, 50%), USM on brightness.

P.S. You can now buy prints of this image here

Riz, doreeneden, GrahamB, carper, AndyMcK, iamxa, Vagabond, Guenther, dvm, Xalkida, Galeota, Rockyboy, Didi, digi-mom, cool_s15, kikidi, mogens-j, burdallet, Eagle78, Motrem, CoolDan, Porteplume, Jeppe, RAP, Endy, laxpix, rabani, PixelTerror, manu_itu, anakin, mlopes, archanabhimasen, capthaddock, Facsi, Hoos, rajhema, dream, Scharan, balatrek, rtome, MLINES, snowfalken, MikiM, rasmis, salvator, bebep, Jaune, Charo, Jason_teale, Traveller, jguisado, keribar, gelarsen, tzopitoula, Hormon_Manyer, eyesthetix, Silversnow has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

strangiato (76) 2004-06-22 10:21

This is a beauty Adrain. I love the light, the reflections and the position of the castle. Good job.

doreeneden (1014) 2004-06-22 10:23

Excellent dramatic photo. Very nice colours and nothing to be changed about it in my opinion.

bazal (7898) 2004-06-22 10:23

Hope there is a monster in the loch, and a ghost in the castle. If there aren't there, they should be !!! The place is very scenic and the light treatment of your pict is really nice. Interesting note, in addition. Very nice shot !

Riz (0) 2004-06-22 10:24

great capture Adrian excellent detail and the reflection is amazing love the lighting from the castle. Well captured a (10) in my book!

GrahamB (939) 2004-06-22 10:25

Excellent picture. I love the colours of the castle walls and reflecting in the still water. Great contrast with the otherwise blue/grey scene.

milloup (1829) 2004-06-22 10:30

This seems to be a very popular place with photographers, and this capture is one of the very best I've seen ;-))

Estaban (832) 2004-06-22 10:37

Beautiful photo of Eilean Donan Castle Adrian. The reflection in the water is very strong and clear - I like it very much. The heavy sky and the seaweeds give mysterious atmosphere around the castle. I would like to see the photo of it but without those three lamps around and instead of them few occasional dim lights in the windows.

Very good job and thanks for sharing.
Take care, Estaban.

[4]

kourosh (2368) 2004-06-22 10:37

shot at the right time, just before the sunset. the results is outstanding.
i like the placement of the horizon line in the frame. the lights and colors create a pleasant feeling.

carper (64908) 2004-06-22 10:40

It's realy a great photo Adrian,
Very good colours and what a shot, realy great. Whe I had 4 points I give them to you, very good job

wata081 (54) 2004-06-22 10:57

Difficult to say much except that it is perfect but the clouds did give a hand!

iamxa (2836) 2004-06-22 11:03

Wonderful view of this castle. Excellent photo.
I have change all of my photos with "Elian Donan Castle" by "Eilean Donan Castle". Thanks for explain this.

pem (264) 2004-06-22 11:07

Wow. Amazing, the reflex on the water is just perfect... The sky is great to.. Exellent job.. Congrat.

Vagabond (5797) 2004-06-22 11:10

A fantastic image. Very high definition in a very good composition ..

Guenther (6837) 2004-06-22 11:30

Wow, a magic photo!The light and the reflexions are outstanding. I like especially the light in the far background.

softflower (0) 2004-06-22 11:41

Superbe photo.
Joli reflet sur le lac du chateau et du ciel eclaircie sur la gauche.

[2]

alainh (35369) 2004-06-22 12:09

quelle ambiance !!!
cadrage, reflets et couleurs sont au rendez-vous d'une superbe photo.
bien vu Adrian
alain

cecile (4193) 2004-06-22 12:39

superbe mise en valeur de la pierre par le ciel et les reflets dans l'eau! superbe, bravo

Hanssie (9133) 2004-06-22 12:53

Great to see this several shown picture in this light, very nice is the composition,
nice shot, Adrian !

Piotr (0) 2004-06-22 13:44

Beauty photo, very romantic, good composed and well done :)

Xalkida (11740) 2004-06-22 13:49

Wow! What a photo! Excellent job here Adrian! Piece of art! Very dramatic scene with perfect light!

dopiro (830) 2004-06-22 13:52

Beautiful and crisp.
Good composition and fortunate sky...
Thanks Adrian!

Galeota (10334) 2004-06-22 14:37

Of course..great work. What else could I say..

Rockyboy (20580) 2004-06-22 15:07

The exposure is perfect here and you took the picture at the best moment too. The reflection is splendid, as the cloudy sky and the castle. Really a great one! Bravo, Adrian!

Didi (36136) 2004-06-22 17:13

Grand Sachem, vous ne publiez pas souvent de photos, mais votre portofolio est magnifique.
Spécialement ce paysage Ecossais qui est fascinant.
J'apprécie particulièrement les reflets du castel illuminé sur le loch.
Jolies couleurs du crépuscule.

Big chief, you publish photographs rarely, but your portofolio is splendid. Especially this Scotish landscape which is attractive. I particularly appreciate the reflections of the manor house illuminated on the loch. Pretty colors of the twilight.
Well done.

[3]

dvm (94) 2004-06-24 7:28

Wow, it's my favorite photo of today. Amazing lighthing, colors and composition.

Point next day!!!

Ebbe (9571) 2004-06-24 14:22

A great combination of lightsources and a fine composition with the castle in a strong point.

Out of points.

danbachmann (1684) 2004-06-25 11:06

You've done well here to crop out the dry land on the left as I think the loch was low when this was taken. It's such a lovely bridge, so it's hard to find the right angle.

Taking the picture the sky/water is dark enough that the lit castle makes it look larger than in the day. Good illusion

dominique (11403) 2004-06-27 14:30

Superb photograph, the light is really very beautiful and the powerful reflection, framing is astute, beautiful work .

cool_s15 (4044) 2004-06-29 5:48

Wonderful shot with such a nice reflection. Great exposure with nice colors. Very nice to see!

zto (292) 2004-07-06 16:12

It is amazing what you can do with your camera Adrian. Teh colours seem liek they are on fire. Even the reflection is sharp. The green/orange colour contrast so well with the cold blue. Thsi s pure joy to look at.

Duttan (5) 2004-07-06 16:20

great picture!!! but I would like it to be a bit darker actually

waskahegan (0) 2004-07-12 21:23

Absolutely fabulous colors. The lighting and the low illumination of the sky. Superb.

mogens-j (56) 2004-07-14 15:17

Amazing scenario you captured here Adrian. Very strong colours and great sharpness - you did a wonderful job here. You will have to wait for tomorrow for the points - sorry ;-).

centurion (0) 2004-07-19 10:32

Superb composition and exposure. Good job.

burdallet (0) 2004-07-19 15:10

Ho La La ! Cinematographic ..What a view !!

Eagle78 (1925) 2004-07-21 10:34

WOW...simply amazing Adrian! The place itself creates a great mistery mood...but the light levels here and your compo are simply stunning...a perfect image. Favurite for sure :)

Motrem (2392) 2004-07-28 14:10

La photographie est superbe par le sujet, la lumière, la réflexion, le ciel et l'eau, c'est vraiment très bien composé. Great shot!

CoolDan (2490) 2004-07-31 9:12

Superbe photo, les couleurs sont magnifiques et le contraste des couleurs du château et du ciel se complète à merveille. Le reflet est tout simplement à couper le souffle. Nice shot Adrian.

Lawman (372) 2004-08-14 13:24

This is a great shot of the castle Adrian. I think that enough has already been said here.

Well done.

Rich

Porteplume (3255) 2004-08-14 17:44

Such an atmosphere!
It looks almost unreal... As a decor set for a movie, but I can see how secure your work on the composition was. A Master at work!

Thank you for this beautiful image Adrian...

Jeppe (18623) 2004-08-15 2:36

Great to watch this castle which seems quite familiar to me - its used in several Danish commercial. The mix of different wall colours and reflections the real scoope of this fine capture.

You got the dramatic sky excellent as well - very good job indeed

cgrindahl (6109) 2004-08-22 13:43

Gorgeous capture Adrian. I saw the castle during the day and it was quite magestic. This is breathtaking. Excellent composition with colors and details finely rendered by your excellent equipment. Thanks for sharing.

RAP (1053) 2004-08-31 11:10

Simplemente perfecta Adrian.
La foto que todos queremos lograr :-)
Bellos tonos y contrastes, hermosa reflexion.
Impecable perspectiva y encuadre.
Gracias por compartirla.

Simply perfect Adrian.
The photo that all we want to obtain :-) Beautiful tones and contrast, handsome reflection.
Impeccable perspective and frame.
Thanks for sharing.

Endy (1025) 2004-09-08 23:17

I like a lot this castle at night. But what I find wondeful about your picture is the castle reflection is water. You capture this shot at perfect moment!

France (149) 2004-09-23 19:50

Splendide photo. La nuit n'est pas encore tombée et les nuages à l'horizon ont beaucoup de volume. Le château est magnifiquement mis en valeur par deux éclairages de couleurs différentes. La netteté est parfaite et le reflet superbe.
Le pont n'était il pas éclairé aussi ?

suzums (74) 2004-10-02 9:58

Beautiful capture of the night scene. The clarity of the reflection in the water is outstanding!
The colors are great!

laxpix (656) 2004-10-27 1:07

Beautiful photo with amazing colors. The reflection in the water is so perfect. All the composition give us a mysterious atmosfere. Lovely

Homerhomer (4005) 2004-11-05 23:54

Adrian, this is a fantastic evening shot of a magnificent structure. It is a perfect combination of detail and mistery added by some black portions in the image, fantastic colour, reflections, clouds and helpfull artificial lighting. Composition very well balanced with clearly defined main subject, technically also perfect.
Peter

oliver (62) 2004-11-06 5:36

incredible moment¡¡¡i can see the magic feel of the moment,the very best photo thaq i see en the last time,congratulations

rabani (9421) 2004-11-07 18:38

Red golden glow in a sea of blue. And the bright reflection on the left. Bluish sheen in mystical lighting. Very well composed and exposed Adrian.

PixelTerror (86138) 2004-11-29 4:20

Hi Adrian, I came to that photo following the scan thread in the forum, and I must say, it's a nice piece of convincing argument ! I know Elean Donan only for having seen it in movies (Highlander with Sean Connery), and the view you present is splendid, very well composed, with outstanding colors and showing a superb reflection, I like it very much !

CristianoFontes (281) 2004-12-05 13:31

BEAUTIFUL....

manu_itu (305) 2004-12-07 2:47

Eligible for a poster Adrian. Great shot and superb clarity at 2 secs. All coloured lights and dark blue sky is adding to it's majestic appeal. Kudos!

Janice (4386) 2004-12-07 3:11

This is excellent - the colours, composition and sharpness perfect. Well done...

fantomas (367) 2005-01-12 1:14 [Comment]

Show Comment

jafadabret (39669) 2005-01-23 15:30

Excellente photo. L'atmosphère des châteaux écossais est bien rendue avec ces tons sombres et ses reflets magiques.

Bukalemun (208) 2005-02-12 22:14

This is an exceptionaly great night and location shot. Composition is perfect , exposure even better. Well done.

borax (1561) 2005-02-12 22:22

Pure Beauty... the theme name says it all...

anakin (2775) 2005-02-14 15:05

Esto es fantastico, es todo un derroche de foto, los colores, las luces, el angulo, el paisaje, el reflejo todo es una maravilla. muy bien Adrian muy buen trabajo
well done

caliane (610) 2005-02-14 15:58 [Comment]

Show Comment

Our-Scotland (6) 2005-02-26 9:18

Hi Adrian, thanks for adding this cracking shot to the Scotland - Castles theme!

Your shot is brilliant - unusual tho for not including the bridge! The reflection is well captured and the scene, including the loch heading out of shot on the left, is just great!

All the best, Bruce

johnhopkins (866) 2005-03-01 19:49

Beautiful shot with perfect twilight light. The reflection is very beautiful too.

teta5 (1201) 2005-03-06 3:43

fantastic shot :) and colors.

overcome (1109) 2005-03-10 10:32

Very well capture. I particular love the reflection from the castle. You had done very excellent job.

colinbrenchley (6133) 2005-03-17 18:55

Superb bright patch in the brak in the cluds refelctin g in the water below the castle.

telthebell (710) 2005-04-01 11:16 [Comment]

Show Comment

hampshiregirl (493) 2005-04-02 13:53

Flawless. Perfect composition, lightning, colors and clarity. I love the reflection and dramatic sky. Best wishes!

ydarias (657) 2005-04-22 10:16

Hi Adrian. I like very much your photo beacause technically is perfect. The point of view and compositio are very well, the castle is the center of attention but the environment is very good too. And the exposition is spectacular. Very good photo.

archanabhimasen (270) 2005-05-09 13:22

Its a beautiful shot. The colors and reflection is beautifully captured.

marjan (6081) 2005-06-15 3:16

yes, this is it if someone look for a picturecart. :-)

The_Rock (230) 2005-06-23 7:50

I'd like to have this picture printed on an A3, buy a good frame and hang it in my living room. Thank you for sharing it Adrian.

capthaddock (28640) 2005-07-10 22:29

There cannot possibly a better a photo of this landmark, perfect atmospheric, light and tidal conditions. The best photo I've seen recently on this site, it only needs a lightning bolt in the sky (and its reflection, of course) to make it the best landcsape photo of the 21st century.

PLD_images (7141) 2005-09-25 21:13

Man what a shot!

What to say that hasn't been said except, PERFECTION!

So nicely done!

dolin (15647) 2005-09-26 4:29

Hi Adrian.
Incredible shot....the atmosphere is impressive.
Excellent exposure...the light capture is really good.
Good position of the castle and the sky is marvelous.
Good reflects too.
Very nice shot
Fred

partha (13657) 2005-10-03 15:13

You have done superbly,u have a eye of God.
Keep going

Hoos (134) 2005-10-03 21:27

Nice photo, the reflections are cool and the castle too, seems like a nice place to be...
Juan Jose, Costa Rica

Luciedls (164) 2005-10-31 17:29

Superbe photo: atmosphère garantie. J'aime beaucoup les reflets sur l'eau qui sépare l'image en deux parties. Bravo !

rajhema (1865) 2005-10-31 17:42

Simply superb Adrian. Such a calm place. Atleast the picture shows its a calm place. Fabulous capture

djslim (552) 2005-10-31 17:53

Very clear and exact. I love the reflections. I can also really feel the temperature of the photo. Great job! TFS

frozenjazz (303) 2005-12-02 3:14

Nothing to add, everything has been said: the light is wonderful, the reflection is perfect, the subject is off center, it is rich in details an various textures (wall, silk water, not-so-silk water :) , clouds...).

I love it.

recepyuksel (17786) 2005-12-04 5:19

breathtaking beauty from earth
i love this athmosphere
r yuksel

cherryripe (18973) 2005-12-11 11:38

Hi Adrian
Excellent composition with the beautifully lit castle to the right. I like how the reflection of the castle seems textured. The bright light in the background gives lots of depth.
Nikki

zilinskyi (473) 2005-12-13 11:12

Great job I love it

yogi32 (797) 2006-02-04 16:30

hi Adrian, very good job, wonndrefull sky, really great photo !!! regards Igor

dream (159) 2006-02-11 9:22

Beautiful work! Reflection is great!
Cheers,
Ivica

Scharan (13951) 2006-04-01 21:42 [Comment]

Show Comment

thor68 (5537) 2006-04-18 15:09

sorry i´m late, but with over 300000 photos on TE....
this is an amzing shot, adrian,
glad i "found" it! :-)
i fell in love with eilean donan castle
when i was there in 1990
and it´s always nice to see it again.
very well seen & captured, thor.

balatrek (7419) 2006-05-14 14:26

Hola Adrian,

Fantástica fotografía, colores, composición, definición ... es perfecta, gracias por compartirla con nosotros.

Saludos, José

MLINES (10884) 2006-06-04 17:36

Hi Adrian, What a fine composition. The special light caught this Scottish castle at its best. Well portrayed. Murray.

InasiaJones (20309) 2006-06-06 0:40

Hi Adrian,

Houaaaoooowww! What an incredible shot Adrian! Perfect composition with amazing colors and clarity. I’m already a big fan of the blue hour images, but yours is a pure delight.

I love the reflection and dramatic sky with impressive clouds, even over the mountains in the background. Flawless work of art!

Regards,

André

jmhullot (0) 2006-06-13 3:22

Very nice picture, colours, reflexions in the lake.... Bravo

jjcordier (24674) 2006-07-24 15:26

Incredible shot! A fantastic photo,Adrian!
Best regards
JJ

snowfalken (1108) 2006-08-15 17:14

Excellent picture with brilliant colors! The compostition is perfect and the exposure well handled. I like the nice atmosphere created by the contrast between blue and orange. Outstanding job! Congratulations and TFS!

Regards,
Eddie

devimeuxbe (55865) 2006-08-15 17:41

Hi Adrian

i just dioscover your galery. You didn't post so often but your work is really great.
First your introduction is interesting; Then, this picture nis incredible. Lot of mystery, excellent light; It's typical of the scoltand castle.
Wonderfull.
Bertrand

danielswalsh (13324) 2006-08-30 21:47

Surprisingly Adrian... this is the first time I recall seeing your portfolio. You have some really great stuff!
I actually discovered your gallery after your latest comment on the forum, I like your point of view (sick and tired of seeing photos of flames myself).

Great composition here with the castle off centre, and the whole scene nicely reflected off the water. I like how the reflection is broken up by the floating debris...

Great work Adrian,
- Dan

MikiM (1916) 2006-08-31 9:36

HI Adrian,
There are a lots of things I like very much.
Complamantary colors (orange and blue).
Excellent sharpness.
Some kind of simmetry - but not total.
Some special feeling.
Perfect framing.

First I thought that you used ND Grad filter...

CONGRATS!!

MIklós

Lanaud (621) 2006-09-26 19:40

Lovely..... Hope to see this with mine own eyes one day...

rasmis (291) 2006-10-11 8:03

Hi Adrian, this is a very nice shot indeed. I like the reflections from water and this a good example to them. Beautiful colors and nice composition. Very Well done.

corsicastorm (3224) 2006-10-12 5:24

Un petit bijou !!!

juliasmith (0) 2006-11-18 15:18 [Comment]

Show Comment

flosoup (563) 2006-11-18 15:38

Beautiful image, well captured. The reflections make this photo i think.

salvator (18819) 2006-11-18 15:55 [Comment]

Show Comment

mbhhas (301) 2006-11-18 15:59

ballance and a truly postcard og poster worthy shoot.
the reflections are brilliant.

izfair (203) 2006-11-18 16:01 [Comment]

Show Comment

uccia84 (720) 2006-12-17 17:44 [Comment]

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Olof (135) 2007-02-01 1:19 [Comment]

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zaitochi (176) 2007-02-19 14:02

Hello Adrian,

Great picture. Very sharp and well composed. The landscape is marvelous and the light, the sky, the reflection are really beautiful.
Cheers
Herve

Charo (31671) 2007-03-02 11:29

Hola Adrian
Maravillosa fotografía, por luz, contrastes, reflejos, color...
Enhorabuena por esa captura.
Saludos cordiales
Charo

nivaldo (13103) 2007-03-06 17:33

Hello Adrian,
Colors, light, composition , reflexions are magnificent !!!
You are really an expert !!!
Congratulations!
Nivaldo.

Jason_teale (703) 2007-03-29 6:29

This is a great shot! I am glad that you waited for everything to be just right. The colors and the lights from the castle work well together creating a truly memorable shot. Great work!

RSK (34) 2007-04-06 19:09

Perfect light indeed Adrian, as well as composition,the placement of the castle to the right allows a great view of the Lochs, as well as giving strength to the castle structure.
Ron

eyesthetix (637) 2007-07-20 1:38

hello Adrian,
this is breathtaking.
Very sharp and clean image. The 'blue hour' effect is simply delightful - with the fine details in the clouds, etc.

Well done.
Best regards, Daniel

lucabellincioni (3780) 2007-07-22 11:26

Simply Spectacular! See my last photo on Latium, Italy, there are lanscapes very similar to Scotland!

zumoduvas (1974) 2007-07-22 11:31

Hello Adrian.

Excellent picture, nice composition and colors.

Regards.
Jose Luis.

gelarsen (437) 2007-08-12 18:31

Deep colors, clarity of the image and elements all blend very nicely together to produce this wonderful composition.
TFS
Gary

Hormon_Manyer (354) 2007-10-03 11:04

Hi Adrian,
What else have to be said about a 200+ point photo? I bookmark it as one of my favourites - this tells everything. Tfs and big congratulations, my Friend. Best regards, László

Silversnow (2119) 2008-05-26 11:51

Superb reflections, the light is just perfect and the warm/cold color opposition complements the composition very strongly.

AYDIN (4117) 2008-08-20 7:43

hı Adrian, very nice photo..
Amazing capture.. good reflection..
Congratulations
AYDIN

Dragut (1967) 2009-02-15 1:05

Hi Adrian

So lovely....i've been twice in Scotland.. It's a beautiful country and your picture is a perfect translation of this beauty.

Congratulation to your suffering girlfriend, and tell her ...she's like you a good photographer....

Kind

Longroute (9355) 2009-04-22 9:36

The best photo of this castle I've ever seen. A very incisive photo and a wonderful atmosphere. I was there long ago...
TFS,
Donato

muunal (282) 2009-05-05 4:21

Excellent shot...