Black Church Rock, Devon: A Photographer's Location Guide

Located along the rugged North Devon coastline, Black Church Rock is a stunning natural landmark that offers photographers the opportunity to capture dramatic, moody images of one of the most imposing rock formations in the area. With its massive arch and the tidal movement around it, this spot provides countless compositions that can transform throughout the day, depending on the light and weather conditions. In this photographer's location guide, we'll explore how to get to Black Church Rock, the best time to visit, the ideal gear for capturing its beauty, and some recommended techniques for making the most of your shoot.

Getting There: A Challenging But Rewarding Hike

Reaching Black Church Rock requires a bit of effort. The rock formation is situated in a remote part of the North Devon coast, and visitors must embark on a 20-minute hike from the nearest car park. The trail takes you through a dense forest, where the path can be tricky, especially as you approach the rock. Some sections of the path can be slippery, and mud can make things even more challenging depending on the weather.

Wear sturdy, grippy shoes—especially if you plan to get close to the rocks or walk through the tidal areas. For photographers, this is essential as you'll want to focus on your compositions without worrying about slipping. Also, avoid damaging the natural environment while navigating around barnacles and sea urchins on the rocks.

There are a few different routes to approach the rock, with one option being a more direct route through a farm and a small field. While this path is faster, it could be more scenic. For those seeking a more picturesque journey and forest walk, the longer route via the forest offers a beautiful walk, but it's more time-consuming. Either way, the hike is worth it once you reach Black Church Rock.

Best Time to Photograph Black Church Rock

Timing is everything when photographing Black Church Rock. The location's beauty changes dramatically depending on the time of day, tide conditions, and the ever-shifting light. One of the key aspects to consider is the tide schedule. It's best to visit around low tide, as this gives you access to the rocks along the shoreline and allows for more creative compositions. However, timing your visit correctly is crucial—too much of the tide coming in can make access to the rock difficult and limit your photographic options.

The best time to shoot is early morning or late evening, especially during the golden hour when the light is soft and warm. At sunrise, the archway of the rock can create dramatic silhouettes, and the early light can make the sky glow with rich colours, especially if there are clouds, to add texture.

The blue hour just before sunrise can also offer moody shots, perfect for photographers who want to capture a darker, atmospheric feel. If you're after striking images of the rock with the light coming through the arch, aim for sunrise, though be aware that sometimes clouds may obstruct the sun. Even so, the changing light throughout the day ensures that there's always something to capture.

Recommended Gear for Black Church Rock

When photographing Black Church Rock, it's important to bring the right gear to get the most out of your visit. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor will allow you to shoot in low light and capture wide-angle shots better; for smaller sensors, ensure you have a wide lens if possible and use a tripod to keep your ISO low. You'll want to bring a versatile lens to cover a range of compositions. A 24-70mm lens is ideal, as it allows you to capture both wide shots of the entire rock formation and closer, detailed images of the textures in the rock and surrounding landscape.

For those who prefer more specific focal lengths, a 16-35mm wide-angle lens is excellent for emphasizing the scale of the rock and the surrounding coastal landscape. This lens is handy for wide, sweeping shots that capture the magnitude of the formation and the dramatic skies above. Conversely, a 70-200mm telephoto lens will help you isolate specific details in the landscape, focusing on distant textures or unique compositions.

Given the conditions, a polarizing filter is highly recommended. This will help reduce reflections off wet rocks and enhance the colours in the sky and water, making the overall scene pop. A graduated ND filter can also help balance the exposure between the bright sky and the darker foreground. A tripod is essential, especially for long exposures, and a remote shutter release will help you avoid camera shake, particularly during low-light conditions or long exposure shots.

Photographic Compositions

Black Church Rock offers a variety of compositions to explore. When shooting, take advantage of the natural lines and textures the rock formation creates. The iconic archway can serve as a natural framing element for your compositions. Position yourself beneath the arch and shoot upwards to capture the imposing scale of the rock formation, including the sky and any dramatic cloud formations that might add to the mood.

When shooting wide-angle, be mindful of the elements in your frame. Use the lines of the shoreline and rocks to lead the viewer's eye towards the rock formation. Experiment with low-angle shots to emphasize the height and depth of the arch. Try framing the arch so it stands prominently against the sky, creating a sense of scale and awe.

Long exposures can be a powerful technique here, especially if you capture the movement of clouds or water. Since the rocks are often slick with moisture, using long exposures to blur the water around the rocks can create a dreamlike effect. The motion of the clouds can add a sense of dynamism to the sky. You'll often see subtle light changes at sunrise or sunset, so don't be afraid to shoot multiple frames as the light shifts.

A panoramic approach is also worth considering for larger scenes. The coastline and the arch provide ample opportunity to stitch together multiple images to create wide, sweeping landscapes. Ensure you have a steady tripod, and use the correct exposure settings to keep your images consistent across the shots.

Post-Shoot Considerations

After your shoot, be sure to take the time to review your images and assess how the light, composition, and mood came together. Many shots you'll take at Black Church Rock, especially those involving the sky or long exposure water, will require post-processing. Editing can help bring out the details in the sky, enhance the contrast, and sharpen the textures in the rocks and water.

Final Thoughts

Photographing Black Church Rock in Devon is an experience that will challenge your technical skills and reward you with spectacular images. From its towering rock formation and dramatic archway to the ever-changing light conditions, this spot offers endless possibilities for photographers of all levels. Whether you're capturing sweeping coastal landscapes or intricate details in the rocks, there's always a new perspective to explore. With the right gear, timing, and creative approach, Black Church Rock can become a standout addition to your landscape photography portfolio.

Make the trek to this remarkable location, and take the time to explore different compositions, light conditions, and perspectives. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - Wall Art and Framed Prints and our North Devon Landscape Photography

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography