Getting back into photography at Kirkstall Abbey

First Photoshoot in 10 Years

Photography has been a passion of mine ever since studying it in college. Back then, I’d often grab my camera and head out exploring without any real plan — just to see what I could discover.

But over the past ten years, life got in the way, and photography slowly took a back seat. Recently, though, I decided it was time to return to something that had always brought me joy. So, I dusted off my old gear and took a trip to Kirkstall Abbey to see if I still enjoyed it.
Spoiler: I absolutely loved it!

Discovering Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is a Grade I listed site — the remarkably well-preserved ruins of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1152. It sits in Kirkstall, Leeds, surrounded by spacious parkland that hosts community events throughout the year. As I quickly discovered, it’s also a wonderful spot for an afternoon of photography.

Dusting Off the Gear

Since my old Canon EOS 40D has sadly retired, I borrowed my partner’s Canon EOS 500D. It had been a while since it was used, so after a bit of TLC I packed it up and turned my attention to my lenses.

I’ve always loved my collection — a solid mix for almost any situation:

• Sigma 10–20 mm for those sweeping wide angles
• Canon 17–40 mm L as my reliable mid-range
• Canon 50 mm f/1.8, because everyone needs a nifty fifty
• Canon 70–200 mm L for telephoto work

I also own a Sigma 50 mm macro, but foolishly left it at home — a decision I’d later regret.

Back Behind the Lens

A short bus ride later, I arrived. The day was warm, with moody clouds hanging overhead — perfect for some atmospheric shots. I wandered the grounds first to get a feel for the space before picking my lens of choice.

A few visitors were enjoying the park, but it wasn’t crowded — ideal, since I was there to capture the ruins, not the people.

Soon I felt completely at home again, camera in hand. The Abbey is such a lovely place to explore, full of textures, lines, and light. I spent time working on composition and framing, especially with my wide-angle lens, trying to capture both the scale and stillness of the ruins.

Although I stayed outside for most of the shoot, I did get a sense of the interior through the open arches. The structure is incredibly well preserved, and next time I visit, I’d love to explore more closely and capture some of the architectural details.

Missed the Macro (Almost)

As I mentioned, I regretted leaving my macro lens behind when I spotted a few ladybirds wandering across a log. Still, I persevered with my Canon 17–40 mm and managed to get some shots I was happy with.

Falling Back in Love with Photography

This trip reminded me exactly why I fell in love with photography all those years ago. I used to get so caught up trying to make every shot perfect that I’d forget to actually enjoy the process.

Now, I feel much more relaxed — focused on the experience rather than perfection. Picking up my camera again felt like reconnecting with an old friend, and I can’t wait for my next photography adventure.