Life and work often rush by, bombarding us with constant information and challenges that demand our attention and prioritisation. It's all too easy to overlook the need to pause and embrace the wonders of the natural world around us. Photography compels us to slow down, to observe, and to capture that beauty. Framing a scene through the lens of a camera, compels us to focus on the finer details, take note of the interplay between light and darkness, and admire the subtleties of color and texture. Photography nurtures a sense of mindfulness and a deeper appreciation for the present moment, enabling us to form stronger connections with both ourselves and our environment. Shooting mainly landscapes, animals and people since 2005. Currently on the incredible Fuji X system and glass.
The "Coolalingo" Waterfalls at Glenmalure is one of my favourite places to photograph especially on a dull day after heavy rainfall. Also called "The Secret Waterfalls" or "The Hidden Waterfalls" these three waterfalls create a scene worthy of a fantasy epic. Glenmalure Valley is a 20 km glacial valley carved out during the last ice age by Alpine glaciers. Located in the Wicklow Mountains it is the longest glacial valley in both Ireland and the UK. The shot below was taken with a 1 second exposure at f/13 on ISO 200 with a Fujinon XF 18-55 lens and colour corrected with Serif Affinity Photo 2.
Chase Jarvis said, “The best camera is the one that’s with you.” The photo below was taken on mobile and, while technically it's not a good photo, sometimes capturing the moment is more important than having a perfect image. Although, I will be taking some fancy glass back to recapture the scene.
Photographing animals can be a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of life and of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and its inhabitants. Observing and capturing the behaviours of animals through a lens can offer valuable lessons about adaptation, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Witnessing the intricate dance of predator and prey, the tenderness of a mother caring for her young, and the sheer determination of creatures who must survive in challenging environments can deepen appreciation for the diversity and complexity of life and inspire us to take action to protect and preserve the natural world. Animal photography can teach us about life in ways that we may never have considered before.
By stripping away colour, black and white photography focuses on form, texture, and contrast, revealing a world often overlooked in colour photography. The absence of colour creates a sense of timelessness, highlighting the emotional impact of a scene rather than its literal representation. Black and white photography can be more powerful than colour, allowing the viewer to focus on the true essence of a scene and appreciate its inherent beauty while also offering a distinctive perspective on the world.
Photographs of people tell a story, capture a moment in time, and evoke emotions like no other genre can. People are complex creatures, and capturing their emotions, expressions, and personalities in a photograph can show the beauty and diversity of the human experience and provide a glimpse into different cultures and ways of life. Photographing people, much more so than any other genre, demands that photographers venture out from behind their cameras and interact with their subject. Technical skills alone will not guarantee great images. Photographers must study human behaviour and body language. They must have empathy, anticipate emotions, communicate clearly and create comfortable and relaxed environments to put subjects at ease.
