Glenfinnan Viaduct Photo Tutorial | Easy Step by Step for Photos with NO People

For this Glenfinnan Viaduct photo tutorial, you need a tripod. No exceptions. If you’re using your phone, a phone tripod will do the trick but if you’re using a DSLR/mirrorless camera, a sturdier tripod will be needed. I have this phone tripod and this camera tripod and both are affordable and sturdy! All photos and videos in this tutorial were taken on my iPhone 11, so you don’t need any fancy and expensive equipment here!

The best part about these tips is that you do not need to get there super early – in fact, I got there about 20 minutes before the train arrived and was still able to get these amazing photos! (Getting there early for parking is another issue).

There are a number of viewpoints to see the viaduct from: below, above and in line with the top of the viaduct! The busiest viewpoint is from above but any location is absolutely stunning. In order to stack your photos/videos, you’ll need to make sure that wherever you stand, there are no people/heads ABOVE the rail track. It makes it much easier to edit your photos and videos. Read on for an easy step-by-step Glenfinnan Viaduct photo tutorial to get no people in your shots!

Read more: Glenfinnan Viaduct Tips to Visit and Take the Best Photos

Step 1: Decide where YOU want to stand.

Walk along the designated path and find a location you like best. Once you’ve found somewhere to set up, put your phone on your tripod and take a few test shots. I took the test shots below and noticed a) I was too close (my head was in the way of the train), b) I was too far left and wanted to be closer to the camera. You may end up walking up and down the trail to find the perfect location! Figure out your position before the train arrives.

If you’re taking a day tour, like this one, you’ll still have plenty of time to pick a spot! You should arrive about 15-20 minutes before the train goes by.

Step 2: Set up your tripod and don’t touch it.

Once you’ve decided where you’ll want to stand for Step 4, leave your tripod in place. Do not move it! I always second guess myself and want to move things around but you have to trust yourself here. The most important part of this is to leave your tripod in the exact same spot, to make editing easier. Make sure it’s at the right height and your camera is at the right zoom.

PRO TIP: Changing from video to photo on your iPhone changes the focal length. This is important to note because you want the photos and videos for all steps to be at the same focal length. If you do decide to take a video of the train and then photos of yourself, make sure to change the photos to be 9×16 format, not 4×3.

Step 3: Take a video of the train travelling along the viaduct.

You’ll hear the train whistle so start recording! The train takes about 45 seconds to travel from the farthest point to the nearest point.

Step 4: Wait about 10 minutes until the crowds clear out to take a photo/video with no people.

Once again, DO NOT MOVE YOUR TRIPOD. Keep it in the exact same position. Wait for about 10 minutes for the crowds to clear, and then step in front of the tripod in the position you picked in Step 1 and take a few photos! Try changing your pose, standing still, changing your outfit or dancing – whatever tickles your fancy.

Step 5: Combine in CapCut.

You might have to play around with the speed of your videos, but import the photos/videos in CapCut and use the overlay and masking tools to stack the photos/videos for the perfect composition! See below for my composition.