Loch Ness Photography
Candid, Documentary Photography all around Loch Ness
loch ness photography sessions
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous lochs, located right in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, and just a short drive from Inverness. Although it’s often primarily known as the home of ‘Nessie’ Scotland’s official ‘secret’ monster – the area around Loch Ness offers some of the most beautiful and accessible areas in which to capture portraits to remember your time in Scotland.
Created from a glacial valley, the steep sides of Loch Ness mean that there are limited opportunities to get direct Loch side access, although there are sections where being able to get lochside to capture images is possible – local knowledge helps here!
Likewise, there are many areas around the Loch that offer a wide range of landscapes and backdrops to capture some of the beauty of Scotland in a photography session – whether you’re coming as a family looking for some vacation family portraits to commemorate your time in Scotland or whether you are looking to celebrate a wedding, elopement or vow renewal at Loch Ness.
Loch Ness Family Portrait Sessions
Loch Ness is a great location for families looking to capture some family photos on their holiday in Scotland. Located just a short distance from Inverness, and on the way to Glencoe and The Isle of Skye – the Loch is passed by tourists looking to explore Scotland all year round.
I usually offer family portrait sessions at Loch Ness between the months of April to October when the Scottish weather is a little more predictable – and the available daylight makes the days a little longer.
All portrait sessions are shot outdoors – making use of some of the natural backdrops that the area around the Loch has to offer. Family photo sessions also usually take place in a couple of different locations at or near the loch, providing a range of different backdrops to celebrate the best of this beautiful part of Scotland and making the most of what the combination of unique Scottish weather and different seasons provide.
Loch Ness Weddings – An ideal spot for Elopements, Vow Renewals and Intimate Weddings
The range of intimate quiet spots around the Loch make it a great location for couples looking to elope, renew their vows or host an intimate wedding. Similarly the same things that make it a great place to get married also mean it’s a great location for couples just looking for a few days rest and recuperation – no celebrations needed!
There are a range of great accommodations in the surrounding areas, including many holiday apartments in The Highland Club, a converted Benedictine Abbey on the shores of the Loch. Hotels such as The Lovat and holiday apartments like Shoreland Lodges are also recommended.
The areas around the Loch offer a wide variety of backdrops for capturing photographs, and it’s my pleasure to spend time driving clients around some of my favourite locations, while capturing photographs of you both to be able to look back on your trip.
For couples that have a little more time to spend, a trip to Loch Ness can also be extended to some other locations, including driving up to the south end of the Isle of Skye and back for couples that have a day to spend.
Loch Ness Photography
capturing you in the landscape of the loch
Loch Ness Photography FAQS
Here’s a list of some of the questions that I am asked most frequently, if you have others, I’d love to hear from you.
How to get to Loch Ness
Loch Ness can be reached by car or Public transport, although having access to a car is normally recommended to help make the most of exploring the local area.
Regular bus services via Scottish Citylink pass by the side of the Loch, a timetable can be found here. Additional local bus services are also available. For car hire in the Scottish Highlands, we recommend Focus Vehicle Rental.
Visiting the village of Fort Augustus
The village of Fort Augustus is located at the south end of Loch Ness where the Loch connects back into the Caledonian Canal. Although Fort Augustus can be a busy village in tourist season, it’s also one of the places where being able to get a quiet loch side spot is possible and a gateway into exploring some of the surrounding landscapes.
Visiting the village of Drumnadrochit
The village of Drumnadrochit is a busy village location approximately 20-30 minutes away from Inverness and is perhaps best known as the stopping off point for visitors to Urquhart Castle. The castle is a great spot to see for visitors looking to get a real Scottish castle experience although it’s worth noting that as a popular tourist attraction it can be particularly busy with visitors.
There are a range of cafes and visitor attractions in the village and for those with time to explore, a road trip to Cannich and The Great Glen is recommended – particularly in the autumn months.
The east side of Loch Ness
As the A82 road travels along the west side of the loch it is the much busier route, but a trip along the east side of the loch is recommended for those with time to explore. Taking in a more rural road, the east side of the loch rises up through hillsides and along other lochs such as Loch Tarff.
Can we shoot pictures at Urquhart Castle?
In short, yes.
The castle is owned and operated by Historic Scotland, so while it may be possible to shoot photographs at the castle, permission may need to be sought from Historic Scotland first, with the possibility of a fee likely to have to be paid, or entrance tickets purchased to access the castle grounds.
It’s also worth knowing that the castle can get very busy with tour groups and tourists, so while it can offer some interesting photo locations it’s also likely to be very busy during the peak tourist months of April – October and can be more challenging to access clear views of the castle without the obstruction of other visitors.
Can we take a cruise on the Loch?
Taking a cruise on the Loch is a great way to take in more of the surrounding landscape, and possibly get to meet Nessie the famous Loch Ness Monster! Loch cruises are available via Cruise Loch Ness or Jacobite Cruises.
Visiting Dochgarroch
Passengers picking up a boat trip on Loch Ness have the option to depart from a couple of points, including Dochgarroch Lock on the Caledonian Canal.
You might also want to check out the excellent An Talla pre or post cruise, where a range of food and drink options are available, along with a store selling a range of local produce. An Talla also has some friendly neighbouring Highland Cattle.
Where are some good places to eat in and around Loch Ness
How long do we need to allow for a photo session at Loch Ness
Timings would vary depending on the kind of photo session you would like to have at Loch Ness and the number of people involved. Usually for family portrait sessions I recommend allowing between 90-120mins which would give us some time to explore a couple of spots loch side at Fort Augustus and a location further up the lochside into the hills.
What do we do if the weather isn’t great?
Scottish weather can be a little unpredictable, which is all part of its charm!
I normally recommend having a little timing flexibility where we can, to allow a moving timetable if the weather forecast suggests it might be needed. Similarly, I have a few locations picked out that still allow for great photos to be captured even if the rain is present.
If you are planning to stay for a night or two, I’d also recommend checking out options for The Highland Club. Their indoor cloistered area is a great back up option in the event of wet weather and is available exclusively for guests staying at The Highland Club.
Photography at Loch Ness
With beautiful views and a range of great locations along the lochside, there’s a range of great opportunities for photography at Loch Ness. Explore some of the options below. Don’t see what you had in mind? Get in touch!
Wedding Photography
I photograph a range of weddings each year, in a relaxed and candid style.
Family Portraiture
My family portrait sessions are mostly based outdoors, on location. I have a range of landscapes that I frequently photograph in, to help capture you and your family at your most natural.
Elopements and Couples Sessions
I welcome visitors from all over the world who choose to come to Scotland to capture images.
Where should we stay when visiting Loch Ness?
There is a range of accommodation options available around the Loch, and some of the neighbouring towns and villages.
Some of those options include The Lovat at Fort Augustus or The at Drumnadrochit. The Visit Inverness Loch Ness website also has a great range of accommodation options.
For a really unique place to stay, I’d highly recommend The Highland Club at Fort Augustus. Once a Benedictine Monastery, The Highland Club now houses a range of private apartments in beautiful grounds right on the shore of Loch Ness.
As a gated estate, you’ll have direct access to Loch Ness, without the crowds, as well as a range of on site facilities that includes a heated indoor swimming pool and a range of family friendly activities.
For guests staying at The Highland Club, the indoor cloisters area makes a great option for indoor photo sessions all year round, with lochside access and beautiful landscapes also just a short distance away.
Get in touch
Make an enquiry
I’d be glad to hear from you. Phone numbers are not essential, but help to confirm contact details.