The question on many minds captivated by the legendary creature of Loch Ness is, When Was The Nessie Photo Taken that has recently sparked renewed excitement? While making waves in 2023, these intriguing images actually capture a sighting from 2018. Photographer Chie Kelly, 51, initially hesitated to share her photos, fearing public skepticism. However, with the recent surge of interest and the largest Loch Ness hunt in 50 years underway, she decided to unveil what many are calling the “most exciting” Nessie photographs ever seen on the surface.
The captivating encounter occurred on August 13, 2018. Chie Kelly and her husband, Scott, were enjoying lunch at the picturesque Dores Inn, situated on the banks of Loch Ness in Inverness, Scotland. Armed with her Canon camera, Kelly was initially photographing her husband and their daughter Alisa, then five years old. It was during this casual family moment that something extraordinary caught her eye in the loch.
Chie Kelly's 2018 Loch Ness Monster sighting photo taken at Dores Inn, Scotland, showing a dark, serpent-like shape on the water surface.
Kelly recounts spotting a creature approximately 200 meters from the shore. Describing its movement from right to left at a consistent pace, she noted, “It was spinning and rolling at times. We never saw a head or neck. After a couple of minutes, it just disappeared and we never saw it again.” This detailed observation provides a vivid picture of the mysterious event that unfolded in front of her lens.
Despite capturing what many believe to be compelling evidence of Nessie, Kelly chose to keep the photos private for five years. Her apprehension stemmed from concerns about potential ridicule. It was the extensive media coverage of the renewed Loch Ness search that ultimately convinced her to share her experience. This context highlights the social pressures and stigma sometimes associated with Loch Ness Monster sightings, and the courage it took for Kelly to come forward.
Steve Feltham, a renowned Loch Ness Monster hunter who has dedicated over three decades to unraveling the mystery, has lauded Kelly’s photographs. He stated, “These are the most exciting surface pictures [of Nessie] I have seen. They are exactly the type of pictures I have been wanting to take for three decades. It is rare to see something so clear on the surface.” Feltham’s endorsement from a seasoned expert adds significant weight to the credibility and importance of the 2018 Nessie photo.
Veteran Nessie hunter Steve Feltham, pictured against the backdrop of Loch Ness, who has spent thirty years searching for the elusive monster and validates the clarity of the 2018 Nessie photo.
While the photos offer no definitive scale to ascertain the creature’s exact length, Kelly estimated the visible parts to be less than 2 meters in total. She initially considered more conventional explanations, such as otters or seals, but dismissed them because they never saw a head emerge for air, and the movement was unusual. “It was making this strange movement on the surface,” she explained. Adding to the mystery, she noted the absence of sound and the presence of “strange shapes below the surface” in the dark water.
Kelly’s sighting, now brought to light, contributes to the long and fascinating history of Loch Ness Monster encounters. The recent “Quest Weekend,” a large-scale search event involving volunteers and advanced technology, underscores the enduring public fascination with Nessie. With over 1,148 sightings officially recorded in the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, the legend continues to intrigue and inspire exploration.
Historical image from 1934, often cited in Loch Ness Monster discussions, depicting a long neck and small head, symbolizing the long-standing mystery of Nessie.
Despite the challenges and often elusive nature of evidence, the quest to understand what, if anything, inhabits the depths of Loch Ness persists. Chie Kelly’s 2018 photographs serve as a compelling reminder of the enduring mystery and the captivating allure of the Loch Ness Monster, fueling ongoing debate and wonder. These images, finally public, offer fresh impetus for believers and skeptics alike to ponder the question: what secrets still lie beneath the surface of Loch Ness?
