Photography is unique because it allows us to explore the unknown and relive history. We may take thousands of pictures of significant landmarks in our lifetime. The stories behind the photos and their unique perspectives are what make them so special. New images are constantly bringing new life to historical destinations.
We spoke with travel photographer and PhotoShelter Member Jeremy Flint to get behind the scenes of his recent photo assignment. He was able to capture Stonehenge, as well as some of the staff that helped to protect the ancient monument.
Before entering the guest post, let’s learn more about Jeremy and his career. We also want to express our gratitude for Jeremy sharing this unique inside look at a once-in-a-lifetime assignment.
Jeremy is a travel enthusiast who loves to capture the beauty and culture of places. His award-winning photography reflects his fascination with cultures, traditions, and humanity.
Jeremy’s work can be seen on his PhotoShelter website, as well as in magazines such as National Geographic Traveller and BA Highlife. His photography has also appeared in Discover Britain Magazine, Outdoor Photography Magazine, Scotland, This England Magazine, and Digital Photographer. Visit the PhotoShelter Website to see more of Jeremy’s work. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Jeremy Flint behind the camera
This is a direct quote from Jeremy Flint.
In a recent photoshoot, I was asked to capture Stonehenge, one of Britain’s iconic landmarks. The custodians also were part of the shoot. It was a dream to be given this assignment and to have the opportunity to photograph a place that I had always wanted to.
A Brief History of Stonehenge
Before I pick up my camera, it’s important to me to learn about the history of the place. This will help you to better understand Stonehenge and provide inspiration for your shoot.
Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire’s heart, is a majestic neolithic circle of stones and one of the most impressive monuments of all time. Since their construction in 2500 BC, the stones have been standing proudly on Salisbury Plain. These pillars, which are striking in appearance, show off the creativity and achievements of our ancestors. The pillars were assembled by 100 people, each of whom lifted the stone. They then used mortise-and-tenon joints and tongue-and-groove joints to connect them.
The larger stones of the outer ring of the stone circle are believed to have been brought from Marlborough Downs in the area, while the smaller bluestones from Preseli Hill in Wales were used for the inner ring. Amazingly, the stones were shaped with basic tools like hammerstones.
This incredible feat of engineering was fascinating to me, and I wanted to give it justice in the pictures I made.
Light & Shadow: No Matter the Weather
Even if you don’t photograph it, Stonehenge is a magical place. After seeing so many images of Stonehenge on social media, I wanted to create my unique version. I was very excited about the shoot and left in anticipation.
I enjoy working with light on location and incorporating it into compositions. On arrival, however, it rained heavily, and I was worried that the shoot would not go ahead. As the clouds of rain passed over and the sun appeared, I could capture the sun’s rays breaking through the stones. My creative juices flow when I witness and capture these unforgettable moments. I am grateful to have been there at this decisive moment.
Despite the bad weather, the limited time available on the site before visitors arrived, and the busy road with endless traffic in the background, I overcame the challenges of the shoot.
Natural light is my preferred lighting method when I am a travel photographer. Stonehenge wasn’t an exception. Photographing the scene when the sun was lower in the sky added atmosphere and exciting shadows, elevating the picture.
Documenting Devoted Staff
English Heritage owns the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. It is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument that has legal protection. The stones are not accessible, and they can’t be touched, so I was cautious about shooting around them.
This is unsurprising, as there are 10,000 visitors daily in the summer months and almost 1 million annually. A roped fence surrounds the stones to preserve their condition. This also helps maintain the site’s peaceful conservation.
A dedicated staff and volunteers, including a permanent security team, guard the stones. My second assignment was to photograph and meet these guardians, such as Heather Sebire, the Curator of Stonehenge. She is responsible for maintaining the stones, and she reports the condition of the rocks to UNESCO each year to maintain its World Heritage status.
I wanted to photograph these guardians of one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks in the context of the stones. It was an honor to take their photos inside the circle.
Jeremy’s Go-to Gear
Canon has been my go-to brand for many years, but I recently switched to mirrorless cameras. I used a Canon R5 with a Canon RF 24mm lens for the shoot. This is a great lens that offers excellent optical quality, zoom capability, and versatility.
It was a combination of a Gitzo GT2542LS and a Manfrotto 405. My tripod was essential to keeping everything stable when the light was softer and luminance limited.
You can feel the wonder and history of this place while standing amongst its stones. It is a magical monument that evokes awe and mystery. Walking in prehistoric people’s footsteps who lived here 4,000 years ago was terrific. I felt honored to take on the job and share my vision for this British icon and the custodians.
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