Share this photo on Twitter Share this photo on Facebook

Devil's Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria

Posted by
Ian Bramham (Manchester, United Kingdom) on 2 September 2011 in Landscape & Rural and Portfolio.

A wonderful medieval stone bridge that I photographed last weekend during a joint photoshoot with John Leech and Alexring:
John Leech
Alexring

History of the bridge according to Wiki:

Built around the year 1370, the legend has it that the Devil appeared to an old woman, promising to build a bridge in exchange for the first soul to cross over it.
When the bridge was finished the woman threw bread over the bridge and her dog chased after it, thereby outwitting the Devil.
Several large stones in the surrounding area, including the Great Stone of Fourstones, are ascribed to the Devil's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it.

NIKON D700 121 second F/5.6 ISO 200 35 mm (35mm equiv.)

Like what you see here and are interested in photographic composition?.....the blog section of my website now has a complete set of 5 articles covering my personal approach to the subject: Ian Bramham Photography - Blog

For purchasing high quality archival prints of any of these photos you can send me an email by clicking here or by going to my website Ian Bramham - Fine Art Photography where prices are listed in the gallery sections under each individual photo.

Hans ter Horst from Ruislip, United Kingdom

I love these long exposures and started experimenting with them myself after watching the 'Hokkaido' video on Michael Kenna's website. Your take on long exposures is different from his, but equally good these days. Since I have been following you here on AMinus3, I think you have made an incredible progress.

2 Sep 2011 6:18am

@Hans ter Horst: Hi Hans,

Yes, that Hokkaido video of Michael Kenna in action is bewitching isn't it! Thank you for the comment about my photos. I'm pleased you think I'm still improving as sometimes I have my doubts. Making any kind of 'progress' with my photography is certainly getting harder and harder.

This photo is a good case in point as I feel I should somehow have done better with the photos I took of this bridge as the weather and light was ideal with a very interesting sky. Long exposures like this one aren't always the answer and I nearly posted this 1/2 second exposure instead which John Leech prefers:

http://www.ianbramham.com/photo_8400428.html

Fascinating sky isn't it on the alternative version with the shorter exposure....if only it had been symmetrical it would have looked like a pair of horns - very appropriate for a 'Devil's Bridge'.

Richard from Ellemford, United Kingdom

Simply stunning! It's perfect!

2 Sep 2011 6:41am

@Richard: Thanks Richard!

Sergei Z from Türi, Estonia

Very beautiful with smooth water and long exposure.

2 Sep 2011 8:44am

@Sergei Z: Thanks Sergei!

Ralf Kesper from Attendorn, Germany

This is also very nice.

2 Sep 2011 8:45am

@Ralf Kesper: Thanks Ralph!

Stefanie from France

Lovely!

2 Sep 2011 9:02am

@Stefanie: Thanks Stefanie!

Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal

So still, its like a mirror!

2 Sep 2011 9:36am

@Ana Lúcia: Thanks Ana!...the stillness is a result of the 2 minute exposure time.

janina from Melbourne, Australia

Interesting history...does that mean that, in the olden days, construction was viewed as the Devil's work? Great shot! ^)^

2 Sep 2011 10:10am

Curly from South Shields, United Kingdom

Tough choice Ian, but I think you got it right. Plenty of drama in the shorter exposure, but overall the smoothing of the longer exposure creates a far more serene mood.

2 Sep 2011 12:13pm

foto forte from Phoenix, United States

Absolutely gorgeous, Ian....you know, though I like the other image, I prefer this one:) Beautiful work, as always!

2 Sep 2011 4:40pm

Daryl Johnson from New Malden, United Kingdom

Strong tones, good use of that reflection.

2 Sep 2011 10:03pm

Ralph Jones from Detroit, United States

Beautiful.

3 Sep 2011 12:22am

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

of the three versions...this is the one. It's the glossy depth of tone that does it.
good work Ian.

3 Sep 2011 7:46am

Marie LC from Entre montagnes et Bretagne, France

Simply stunning ! The reflections in this beautiful monochrome are beautiful

3 Sep 2011 9:41am

Roland Theys from Belgium

Great photo!

3 Sep 2011 6:02pm

Oleg from Podolsk, Russian Federation

This picture makes my imagination go back to the Middle Ages!

3 Sep 2011 6:13pm

Trina from Pennsylvania, United States

Great image! Like the mood created by the longer exposure.

4 Sep 2011 2:23am

DULCIE from Danville, CA, United States

I love the way the bridge frames the trees, but most of all, the attention goes to the serene reflection of the scene in that peaceful water. It looks like a photo of an earlier time :-)

5 Sep 2011 1:27am

saeed from Tehran, Iran

Your photography remind me classic master of photographer's works

8 Sep 2011 4:00pm

Dhaval from Princeton, United States

This is too much artistic... Good job Ian.

1 Oct 2011 12:46am

NIKON D700
121 second
F/5.6
ISO 200
35 mm (35mm equiv.)