Woodchester Park…

Inspiration for a shoot can come in many forms, whether it be a brain wave, an Instagram post or just driving down the road and seeing a glimpse of a shot zoom past. In this instance it was a video on YouTube. Realizing the location was not far away, we grabbed our boots and headed off without any really plan apart from to find the Boathouse.

Sometimes the lack of planning is the best route as surprises come around every corner, although I was not prepared for the walking distance to find ‘the shot’ I wanted. What I thought would be a gentle stroll down from the car park turned into a seven mile slog.

I knew I wanted the Boathouse shot on 6x6, so the Kiev 88CM was the obvious weapon of choice for the day, however I overlooked the lack of light and didn’t take a tripod! A rookie error that is made more times than we care to admit.

The National Trust Woodchester Mansion is an unfinished Victorian mansion house built between 1857-61 when work stopped before it was completed due to lack of money. It is set in the beautiful Woodchester Park in Gloucestershire which suits a grey moody day as much as any.

Kiev 88CM - Ilford HP5

With shots of the Mansion secured it was off down the valley in search of the Boathouse. The walk followed the edge of the valley though grazing flocks of sheep, up steep wooded trails and eventually to the lakes, where we sat and watched otters playing and waterfowl feeding. Apparently there are five lakes strung down the valley but we cut across what looked like a dam wall knowing that the light was fading and it was a few miles back to the car.

Kiev 88CM - Ilford HP5

Eventually there it was… Shot from the quaint wooden boardwalk hugging the edge of the lake - the shot I wanted! Unfortunately you can tell I left the tripod at home as the image is not particularly sharp, but that’s what you get!

Built in the 19th Century by the Ducie family, who had purchased the estate in 1847, to enjoy some time on the water. It is such a cute little building perched on the edge of the lake - a stark contrast from the grandeur of the main house a stones throw away.

The park is a great photography location any time of year, I imagine it looks incredible in full Autumn glory and stunning in the snowy winter like a gift that just keeps giving. It has something for everyone.

Kiev 88CM - Ilford HP5