Old Pier Ocean Terminal

The skeletal remains of an old timber pier stand weathered next to Royal Yacht Britannia and the Port of Leith Distillery. Its cross-braced legs and broken decking lead the eye towards the sunset in the distance. Free parking is available nearby at Ocean Terminal and the pier is easily accessible right next to the new Leith Distillery building.

This sunset shot is hard to come by in the sense that the sun only sets into the frame this far north for a matter of weeks each year before moving gradually out of the frame again. The rustic pier leading the viewer into the distance is an age-old composition that works well all year round and in varying conditions. The modern docks to the right and buildings of Western Harbour in the distance to the left contrast the weathered pier structure well. Go super-wide if you can to get everything in but keep the camera as horizontal as you can to reduce distortion of the distant elements. A long-exposure subject smooths the water to silk, especially if it’s already a calm night.