This image made in 1995 is probably my favourite of all time. Shot on film and printed many times by hand in the darkroom, it’s tones and textures and line make for a captivating print. Sadly the bridge is no longer there but this image always brings back great memories of the beginning of my photographic journey and always suggested a path ahead !
This image made in 1995 is probably my favourite of all time. Shot on film and printed many times by hand in the darkroom, it’s tones and textures and line make for a captivating print. Sadly the bridge is no longer there but this image always brings back great memories of the beginning of my photographic journey and always suggested a path ahead !
I had thought about this image for many years before I finally got to make it. I was in the UK, in the lake district and felt no connection at all. I quickly changed plans, rebooked a ferry and drove through the night to get to Mayo. The morning was overcast and stormy and Downpatrick Head deserted. It was perfect for a series of uninterrupted 3 minute long exposures, blurring the surf and clouds to contrast against the rock with it’s own time reference stamped in the rocks.
I had thought about this image for many years before I finally got to make it. I was in the UK, in the lake district and felt no connection at all. I quickly changed plans, rebooked a ferry and drove through the night to get to Mayo. The morning was overcast and stormy and Downpatrick Head deserted. It was perfect for a series of uninterrupted 3 minute long exposures, blurring the surf and clouds to contrast against the rock with it’s own time reference stamped in the rocks.
Before I began properly exploring the landscape of Kerry and before I had my began my photographic journey, I came to this little park close to where I lived in the town of Kenmare, almost every day. Soon I was bringing my camera here too and have been doing so for nearly 30 years now. It's not very big and there are only a handful of images to be made here.. but with different seasons and varying light I love looking at the familiar and making something new.
Before I began properly exploring the landscape of Kerry and before I had my began my photographic journey, I came to this little park close to where I lived in the town of Kenmare, almost every day. Soon I was bringing my camera here too and have been doing so for nearly 30 years now. It's not very big and there are only a handful of images to be made here.. but with different seasons and varying light I love looking at the familiar and making something new.
Heading out in bracing stormy conditions can be daunting but also exhilarating and rewarding. I always put safety first and get to know an area well before I come back in rough weather and work in a spot that is relatively danger free ! I love the drama of the crashing waves against these black rocks on the shores of Coulogh Bay in Eyeries.
Heading out in bracing stormy conditions can be daunting but also exhilarating and rewarding. I always put safety first and get to know an area well before I come back in rough weather and work in a spot that is relatively danger free ! I love the drama of the crashing waves against these black rocks on the shores of Coulogh Bay in Eyeries.
Fallen Branch
Sometimes you search very hard for perfection, other times it just presents itself to you in absolute serenity.
I was close to a popular walking route in Killarney National Park when I spotted this branch that had dropped into the water, and as I waded waist deep into the freezing water, passers by thought I’d probably lost my marbles !On rare perfect foggy mornings like this you can’t pass up these opportunities even if you have forgotten your waders !
I spent quite a while staying perfectly still while my body slowly started to go completely numb but I had to wait for a little more light and for the ripples I made to subside.As it happened I ended up making a long exposure of this beautiful scene which added to the quiet peaceful feel of the scene.
Fallen Branch
Sometimes you search very hard for perfection, other times it just presents itself to you in absolute serenity.
I was close to a popular walking route in Killarney National Park when I spotted this branch that had dropped into the water, and as I waded waist deep into the freezing water, passers by thought I’d probably lost my marbles !On rare perfect foggy mornings like this you can’t pass up these opportunities even if you have forgotten your waders !
I spent quite a while staying perfectly still while my body slowly started to go completely numb but I had to wait for a little more light and for the ripples I made to subside.As it happened I ended up making a long exposure of this beautiful scene which added to the quiet peaceful feel of the scene.
New Road , Kenmare
More details from the other side of our pretty buildings .. maybe not so pretty, but they do have a story to tell too ! Love working with these
New Road , Kenmare
More details from the other side of our pretty buildings .. maybe not so pretty, but they do have a story to tell too ! Love working with these
Parnell Place , Kenmare
Tucked in behind the hustle & bustle of the shopping streets ( normally).. are rows of ridiculously pretty houses with a real splash of colour.
Always loved wandering around down the back of town and at this time finding these images I move slowly and look again at the less obvious.
Parnell Place , Kenmare
Tucked in behind the hustle & bustle of the shopping streets ( normally).. are rows of ridiculously pretty houses with a real splash of colour.
Always loved wandering around down the back of town and at this time finding these images I move slowly and look again at the less obvious.
Shrubbery Avenue, Kenmare
Down the back again. I started photographing here last summer and I loved working in the beautiful early morning light which is what makes most of these images. Light, lines and textures .. all often overlooked but they are the basic ingredients of the photography I love to make out in the bigger wilder landscape.
Shrubbery Avenue, Kenmare
Down the back again. I started photographing here last summer and I loved working in the beautiful early morning light which is what makes most of these images. Light, lines and textures .. all often overlooked but they are the basic ingredients of the photography I love to make out in the bigger wilder landscape.
The Square & Courthouse, Kenmare
Made this morning .. after I noticed Mick had moved his van !! I first photographed this last July but nice to come back and refine the composition a little. The sun still hadn't cleared the trees so dappled light on this colourful row.. with hopefully some of these opening up again soon.
The Square & Courthouse, Kenmare
Made this morning .. after I noticed Mick had moved his van !! I first photographed this last July but nice to come back and refine the composition a little. The sun still hadn't cleared the trees so dappled light on this colourful row.. with hopefully some of these opening up again soon.
Murty's - New Street, Kenmare
The location for many a great night, but long since closed.. this easily overlooked old bar tucked away on New Street in Kenmare was once the hub of nightlife in Kenmare. You'd almost forget it's still there.. until the streets empty and cars are gone and we get to look again with new light on familiar places.onths !
Murty's - New Street, Kenmare
The location for many a great night, but long since closed.. this easily overlooked old bar tucked away on New Street in Kenmare was once the hub of nightlife in Kenmare. You'd almost forget it's still there.. until the streets empty and cars are gone and we get to look again with new light on familiar places.onths !
Just outside Kenmare this little collection of houses along with it's own 1916 memorial seems to be frozen in time. Most of the buildings empty but somehow surviving.
Just outside Kenmare this little collection of houses along with it's own 1916 memorial seems to be frozen in time. Most of the buildings empty but somehow surviving.
New Road , Kenmare
This old building's days are surely numbered.. but I've always admired and wondered what it was back in the day, an old workshop apparently.
Lovely textures and colour on another one of these glorious mornings that we've been having for the last two months !
New Road , Kenmare
This old building's days are surely numbered.. but I've always admired and wondered what it was back in the day, an old workshop apparently.
Lovely textures and colour on another one of these glorious mornings that we've been having for the last two months !
Red Sheds, Kenmare
Not really a lockdown image, because I made this last year at the very start of this project when things were nostalgically very different . I went back recently but just got pretty much the same result so I've reposted the original.
Red Sheds, Kenmare
Not really a lockdown image, because I made this last year at the very start of this project when things were nostalgically very different . I went back recently but just got pretty much the same result so I've reposted the original.