Grace Dieu Priory Meetup

The priory was founded c. 1239 by Rhosese (or Roesia) de Verdon. The nuns called themselves “the White Nuns of St. Augustine”, and there is thought to be no other houses of their order in the country.

The priory is reputed to be the site of frequent paranormal phenomena, sometimes attributed to the priory’s proximity to the Thringstone Fault, several ley lines and some possible Pagan significance attached to the site.

I would like to say, the few times I’ve been here overnight, Nothing Paranormal, or Otherwise occurred. If anything, it is an outstandingly peaceful place to watch the stars.

Nikon D5300, Sigma 10-20mm Lens

Exif: f4, 25 Seconds, ISO800

 

 

I’ve made it look a lot creepier than it really is here.

Nikon D5300, Sigma 10-20mm Lens

Exif: f10, 25 Seconds, ISO800.

 

After the first time here, i’d always wanted to get a photo of the Milky Way from this location. I thought it would look fantastic. It would be nearly a year before getting out here again.

I decided last month, that their would be a chance to try again. Clouds clearing after 9pm, and not a shred of moonlight till nearly Midnight. Decision made to get out here with a couple of friends to do some star trails.

As per usual, sturdy tripod, Intervelometer, lots of coffee and chocolate hobnobs.

I went out with a friend, Gary who is starting to get a good handle on star trail photography, and hopefully will continue pushing to improve.

Rachel was a first time Trail Photographer and after a quick walk through, she was well away.

My First Milky Way shot from this location. The Summer Triangle is visible with Deneb, Vega and Altair shining Brightest. Nikon D750, Samyang 14mm Exif:f2.8, ISO8000, 15 Seconds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another from a little further back into the ruins and showing the same summer triangle.

Nikon D750, Samyang 14mm Exif:f2.8, ISO800, 30 Seconds

the D750’s performance in these conditions is phenomenal. Little Noise and great clarity.

I think it may be a future venture to take out some more people to teach them how to do this. A Workshop with written guides or something of the like.

There are a number of good spots around the ruins to work from, and all provide different viewpoints and finishes. These two were not of the brightest area of the milky way, which is more visible at certain times of year.

Here is a selection of star trails from the past 2 visits.

Inside the main building looking almost north. Exif f2.8, ISO800, 25 Seconds x 142 shots

A great spot pointing South-East. there is a single shot from this trial which i will put down below later which i really do like.

Exif: f2.8, ISO800, 30 Seconds x 91 Shots  I’ve changed the edit on this a bit to make the stars pop out a little more. An interesting technique that i will do a small guide on in the future.

From my first visit here. A flashgun going off behind the window.

Nikon D5300, Sigma 10-20mm. Exif: f4, ISO800, 30 Seconds x 40 shots

This is one of my favourite startrails from this location. Lots of lightpainting within the structure. You can see where the milky way should be with the density of the stars. Nikon D750 Exif: f2.8, ISO1250, 30 Seconds x 43 Shots.

I would urge you to go here, in the day or night, as the ruins are very nice anyway. They are used frequently by Wedding Photographers.

I think in the whole scheme of things I better start putting together some proper workshop guides for creating star trails and milky way shooting.

A single shot from the trail.

I loved the way the clouds spread over the ruins forming a large burst.

Exif: f2.8, ISO800, 30 Seconds

I now have a store for Prints and anything else. Look at the top of the page and click on Shop. If you want to email me for a custom order, or something not in the shop drop me an email.

Finally, have fun and stay safe, and enjoy shooting.

Any suggestions for future blog posts, drop me an email. I will at some point be going into more detail on future posts.

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