Calton Hill Silhouettes

This vivid silhouette of Calton Hill’s distinctive skyline is taken from The Crags in Holyrood Park. Nelson Monument and the National Monument of Scotland are instantly recognisble against the ribbons of orange and red that fade into the sunset sky. The Firth of Forth and Fife coastline stretch out in the distance. A moderate ascent is rewarded with sweeping views at any time of day or night. Sheer drops and uneven ground mean that caution must always be taken – especially at night.

This composition presents a balance quandary. Adhering to a strict rule of thirds here would result in an image that is top-heavy with sky, or foreground-heavy with too much dark area. As the sky at sunset is so integral this type of shot, a balance must be struck. Zooming in to around 150mm+ ensures the monuments’ presence in the frame. All seasons work well, though summertime means sun sets further north and the fading light is more balanced in the centre of the frame.