Deans Brae Bridge

Nestled into the wooded gorge of the Water of Leith, the single graceful arch of Dean’s Brae Bridge connects the north and south of the Dean Village area. The Water of Leith slides over a low weir and under the stone bridge with Holy Trinity Church rising through the wall of trees behind. The shot requires working your way along the river bank from the pedestrian footbridge further upstream and crouching low at the water’s edge close to the weir.

Spring through autumn suit this scene best, when foliage frames the arch. The biggest challenge here will be to wait for the steady stream of people that linger on the bridge above to move out of the frame. A tripod with a polariser and ND filter will be needed to smooth the water in the composition and deepen the sky. Setting the camera low for foreground boulders can help create depth.