Daily Blog
A Grey day
23rd February 2010 - 0 comments
23rd February 2010 - 0 comments
I had no opportunity to get out with the camera today. As it happens it was a very grey and a bitterly cold day here in Mayo.
So today I am posting a few photographs that have all been taken within the last three weeks but on different occasions, Each has been “shortlisted “ for use on the day they were taken but were not posted because they did not fit with the theme of the other pictures posted on that day, I hope this makes sense !



So today I am posting a few photographs that have all been taken within the last three weeks but on different occasions, Each has been “shortlisted “ for use on the day they were taken but were not posted because they did not fit with the theme of the other pictures posted on that day, I hope this makes sense !



mayo has big skies!
22nd February 2010 - 0 comments
I had very little opportunity to get out to photograph today. When I did it was too early in the evening for really exciting light. It was a lovely day and it looked like we were going to have a great evening with a strong possibility of a good sunset. I just had to make do however and was disapointed not to be able to stay out for the evening.
There was a great sky while I was out, I have included two pictures, one shows a big expanse of sky and in the other I have picked one cloud sidelit as it crosses the summit of Croagh Patrick.
22nd February 2010 - 0 comments

I had very little opportunity to get out to photograph today. When I did it was too early in the evening for really exciting light. It was a lovely day and it looked like we were going to have a great evening with a strong possibility of a good sunset. I just had to make do however and was disapointed not to be able to stay out for the evening.
There was a great sky while I was out, I have included two pictures, one shows a big expanse of sky and in the other I have picked one cloud sidelit as it crosses the summit of Croagh Patrick.

Fading Light
21st February 2010 - 0 comments
21st February 2010 - 0 comments
Today was very foggy and very cold. I met up with one of my night class groups for a practical landscape session. The plan was we were to photograph a sunset.
We met at 3.30 pm and left the studio around 4. We started the afternoon by doing some portraits experimenting with the lighting and taking pictures in a tunnel on a local railway walk, before setting off for the more challenging landscape session.
I say challenging because it was bitterly cold and foggy . we stopped first at Rossbeg were the sun was setting behind Croagh Patrick , which was for the most part hidden by fog and low cloud.
We then went to the coast and fought to make the most of the fading light. I have to say we had a great time and everybody did really well to stick with the cold.

We did not get a sunset, but we will just have to try again!
We met at 3.30 pm and left the studio around 4. We started the afternoon by doing some portraits experimenting with the lighting and taking pictures in a tunnel on a local railway walk, before setting off for the more challenging landscape session.
I say challenging because it was bitterly cold and foggy . we stopped first at Rossbeg were the sun was setting behind Croagh Patrick , which was for the most part hidden by fog and low cloud.
We then went to the coast and fought to make the most of the fading light. I have to say we had a great time and everybody did really well to stick with the cold.

We did not get a sunset, but we will just have to try again!
Never mind the weather.
20th February 2010 - 0 comments
20th February 2010 - 0 comments
I failed to get up on time again this morning so was restricted to a very small window of time in the evening. As I left the gallery this evening it was snowing. On any other occasion I would have gone home but not wanting to miss a day on the blog I decided to just go and do as I had planned. so I headed for the beach at Mullranny to try some time exposures in the fading light.
Going out in all weather to take photographs for this blog has really helped me appreciate ,its not how much light is present i.e.how bright it is but rather its the quality of the light that counts.
This picture was taken a full hour after the sun had gone down and was a thirty second exposure! I was delighted with the result, but my fingers were so cold when I got back to the car I had trouble firstly finding the car keys and secondly putting them into the lock on the car door!
Going out in all weather to take photographs for this blog has really helped me appreciate ,its not how much light is present i.e.how bright it is but rather its the quality of the light that counts.
This picture was taken a full hour after the sun had gone down and was a thirty second exposure! I was delighted with the result, but my fingers were so cold when I got back to the car I had trouble firstly finding the car keys and secondly putting them into the lock on the car door!
As the curtain came down....
19th February 2010 - 0 comments
19th February 2010 - 0 comments
I had a busy day in the studio today photographing for the catalogue again. This evening I make a quick trip to Ross na Rubble near Newport were there are spectacular views of Clew Bay.
The sun set as clouds seemed to be coming in from every direction, it was almost as if the cloud was acting as curtains closing from both sides. I had to work very quickly with the camera before the sun was completely overwhelmed by clouds. It was amazing as most of the sky was very dark.

The sun set as clouds seemed to be coming in from every direction, it was almost as if the cloud was acting as curtains closing from both sides. I had to work very quickly with the camera before the sun was completely overwhelmed by clouds. It was amazing as most of the sky was very dark.

sunrise missed
18th February 2010 - 0 comments
18th February 2010 - 0 comments
Sunrise was at 7.50 this morning and I had promised myself I would be at Kinlooey Lough in plenty of time . The alarm went off at 6.45 but I convinced myself that it did not look like it was good enough for a colourful sunrise and I decided to stay in bed. I had no reason to come to that conclusion it was not as if I had even looked out of the window.! Anyway I got out of bed at 7.45 and looked out the window and the colours in the eastern sky looked amazing. I cursed myself for not getting up, I had missed the sunrise but decided I should nip out for a picture anyway, I was in the studio at 9am and would not get another chance today.
I drove out by Croagh Patrick but the weather closed in and I was caught in a shower. I began to drive back into Westport and the weather cleared as quickly as it had closed in and I had time to take this panorama picture before starting work in the studio at 9am!

This evening I was invited to Achill to present prizes in the Achill Photographic Competition. St Colemans Care Home organise the competition, the winning photographs are used for a Calender which St Colemans use for fund raising. We had a lovely evening , its always nice to be with other photographers ,the pictures were great and will make a wonderful calendar.
I drove out by Croagh Patrick but the weather closed in and I was caught in a shower. I began to drive back into Westport and the weather cleared as quickly as it had closed in and I had time to take this panorama picture before starting work in the studio at 9am!

This evening I was invited to Achill to present prizes in the Achill Photographic Competition. St Colemans Care Home organise the competition, the winning photographs are used for a Calender which St Colemans use for fund raising. We had a lovely evening , its always nice to be with other photographers ,the pictures were great and will make a wonderful calendar.
A few moments of Magic 17.02.10
17th February 2010 - 0 comments
17th February 2010 - 0 comments
Today I spent the day teaching. I met Michael at 7.15 am for a day of one to one tuition. We decided to meet early in the hopes of starting with a practical landscape session and needed to be on location at a lake near Westport by 8.45 to photograph the sunrise. There wasn’t one! We had the session anyway but the weather was very overcast and cold so there were no good pictures taken.
We went back to the studio to work on photoshop and on indoor flash photography. At about 5pm we noticed the weather was brightening up and so made a quick dash to Rossbeg to get the sun setting behind Croagh Patrick. When we arrived there were big black couds over Croagh Patrick and it looked like we might be unlucky for the second time today and Michael would be going back to Galway with no “Image of Mayo” but as the sky cleared and the sun set there were a few moments of magic.
Michael decided to try a panorama and took six shots which we then stitched in photoshop to create the picture below, aren’t those clouds great? The perfect end to the day. We had to work very fast when photographing the sunset as the light levels were dropping very fast and as soon as the sun disappeared the temperature plummeted

Here is Michaels picture.
Of course posting Michaels picture dosent get me off the hook so here is a picture I took yesterday , it shows Croagh Patrick taken from the Louisburgh Direction, once again it was the sky that attracted me.

We went back to the studio to work on photoshop and on indoor flash photography. At about 5pm we noticed the weather was brightening up and so made a quick dash to Rossbeg to get the sun setting behind Croagh Patrick. When we arrived there were big black couds over Croagh Patrick and it looked like we might be unlucky for the second time today and Michael would be going back to Galway with no “Image of Mayo” but as the sky cleared and the sun set there were a few moments of magic.
Michael decided to try a panorama and took six shots which we then stitched in photoshop to create the picture below, aren’t those clouds great? The perfect end to the day. We had to work very fast when photographing the sunset as the light levels were dropping very fast and as soon as the sun disappeared the temperature plummeted

Here is Michaels picture.
Of course posting Michaels picture dosent get me off the hook so here is a picture I took yesterday , it shows Croagh Patrick taken from the Louisburgh Direction, once again it was the sky that attracted me.

Dramatic light 16.02.10
16th February 2010 - 0 comments
16th February 2010 - 0 comments
This morning I made a quick trip to Doolough there were moments on the way when the light was amazing, the picture below was made just before reaching Doolough.

When I got to Doolough the cloud cover was very thick and the dramatic lighting I was hoping for and which I had photographed only minutes earlier disappeared completely. I could only stay fifteen minutes or so and the light did not change.
This evening I led my digital photography nightclass this was our fourth week and we started to use photoshop.. The group took this picture of my son Barry and enhanced with the crop tool, levels, unsharp mask, and a Gradient Map conversion to Black and White and a little repair to close the gate! I am sure you will agree there is a big difference with the picture as it came out of the camera and with the final product. I think it is one of the great things about digital photography, the photographer has complete control from when the camera shutter is opened to the final print being produced. The improvements you see here are very simple to do , the whole process took about five minutes.

I am sure you will agree there is a big difference with the picture as it came out of the camera and with the final product. I think it is one of the great things about digital photography, the photographer has complete control from when the camera shutter is opened to the final print being produced. The improvements you see here are very simple to do , the whole process took about five minutes.

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Silver lining 15.02.10
I just could not get up early this morning, still recovering from the drive and that defeat in Croke park yesterday. I then had a busy day in the gallery, I went out to the car to get something when the sky above looked great i took a couple of quick pictures and never saw the bird in this one.

This evening I had an evening class and we decided to do some portraits, here is one of the picture taken. It shows Emmet who is a participant on the course.

I decided to convert the photgraph into Black and White.

When I got to Doolough the cloud cover was very thick and the dramatic lighting I was hoping for and which I had photographed only minutes earlier disappeared completely. I could only stay fifteen minutes or so and the light did not change.
This evening I led my digital photography nightclass this was our fourth week and we started to use photoshop.. The group took this picture of my son Barry and enhanced with the crop tool, levels, unsharp mask, and a Gradient Map conversion to Black and White and a little repair to close the gate! I am sure you will agree there is a big difference with the picture as it came out of the camera and with the final product. I think it is one of the great things about digital photography, the photographer has complete control from when the camera shutter is opened to the final print being produced. The improvements you see here are very simple to do , the whole process took about five minutes.

I am sure you will agree there is a big difference with the picture as it came out of the camera and with the final product. I think it is one of the great things about digital photography, the photographer has complete control from when the camera shutter is opened to the final print being produced. The improvements you see here are very simple to do , the whole process took about five minutes.

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Silver lining 15.02.10
I just could not get up early this morning, still recovering from the drive and that defeat in Croke park yesterday. I then had a busy day in the gallery, I went out to the car to get something when the sky above looked great i took a couple of quick pictures and never saw the bird in this one.

This evening I had an evening class and we decided to do some portraits, here is one of the picture taken. It shows Emmet who is a participant on the course.

I decided to convert the photgraph into Black and White.
Heartbreakers........ and on Valentines Day 14.Feb 10
14th February 2010 - 0 comments
14th February 2010 - 0 comments
Todays pictures are from Dublin and not from Mayo! My son Barry is on the Kiltimagh Football Team. Today they played in the All Ireland Junior Football Final at Croke Park.
It was a great match and the Kilimagh lads played their hearts out.

They were the better team for most of the match and were ahead by two points with only a couple of minutes to two go, when the unthinkable happened Castlegregery scored a goal.

This picture shows the goal.
Kiltimagh fought back scored a point and the match went to extra time.

Unfortunatly Castlegregory proved the stronger in the second period of extra time and the Mayo team lost by two points, As you can see Kiltimagh who play in blue and white had plenty of support.

Despite the disapointment on the day everybody felt proud of the team, who have had a great year.
It was a great match and the Kilimagh lads played their hearts out.

They were the better team for most of the match and were ahead by two points with only a couple of minutes to two go, when the unthinkable happened Castlegregery scored a goal.

This picture shows the goal.
Kiltimagh fought back scored a point and the match went to extra time.

Unfortunatly Castlegregory proved the stronger in the second period of extra time and the Mayo team lost by two points, As you can see Kiltimagh who play in blue and white had plenty of support.

Despite the disapointment on the day everybody felt proud of the team, who have had a great year.
Sometimes... you just have to get your feet wet . 13 Feb 10
13th February 2010 - 0 comments
13th February 2010 - 0 comments
Another sunny day in Mayo but again I only had limited time to get my pictures. In the morning I decided the sky looked great and so I would nip down to Rossbeg here in Westport and photograph Croagh Patrick .

My son Barry says I should change the name of the Gallery from Images of Mayo to Images of Croagh Patrick! I think he is a little unfair but when you live next door to the Reek it is vary hard to ignore, and it is very photogenic !
The tide was out and I had taken a few pictures when I saw this swan appear, I had never seen a swan there before and I immediately wondered how I could photograph it with Croagh Patrick in the background. I left my tripod and Camera bag were it was set up and walked about 150metres to my right, I walked to the waters edge but could not line the swan up with the mountain. I needed to be in the water, I was only wearing trainers but decided there was nothing for it only to wade in. So I did, the swan then co operated by turning back towards the mountain and the picture was in the bag. Despite the sun the water was freezing but I think it was worth it.

This afternoon I took time off to watch the match between France and Ireland. At half time I looked out the kitchen window and could see there was a very interesting sunset. Patricia was making coffee, I decided I would stay and watch the match. “Call yourself a photographer” my daughter Grainne teased. We decided half time was ten minutes long we could nearly be back, so Grainne and I grabbed our cameras and made a quick dash in the car to a good vantage point. The sky was spectacular, we grabbed a few pictures and returned to see Ireland Crash against the French. The pain of the defeat was softened by the knowledge that I had a sunset in the camera. Thanks Grainne for getting me to go out!

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Huge Skies 12 Feb 10
The sky looked amazing today it was so blue and the clouds so white. The clouds also appeared to be so high that to make a feature of the clouds in the photograph and include the land I had to go very wide angle.

Croagh Patrick and Clare island both look small under a huge sky.

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The rising sun. 11th Feb 10
Once again another lovely day here in Mayo and once again I had little or no opportunity to go out with the camera. I was travelling between Claremorris and Kiltimagh around 8.10 am. I was travelling from East to West and was very aware of the sun rising behind me.I wondered where could I grab a picture for todays blog, when I remembered the graveyard at Kilcolman. Gravstones always face east so I knew I could get a Silhouette of a cross. But it was easier said then done. firstly I had to find a cross that lined up well with the low lying sun, then lining the sun up with the cross in the camera meant sitting on the ground which was heavy laden with frost.I also had to be very careful not to look directly at the sun through the lens as it would be very easy to damage my eyes. The sun was still very low, and I had no time to wait for it to rise further so I just had to take the picture even though the cross appears very short.

The second picture shows the graveyard with the sun behind me.

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Just on time. 10th Feb 10
Today was a lovely day in Mayo but Ihad little opportunity to use the camera. I had an evening class at 6.30 pm and dashed out at 5.30 to get todays photo. I was just too late to capture a sunset but the colours were really nice after the sun had dropped behind Croagh Patrick.

A few clouds in the sky would have added greatly in this scene. Im just never happy!! My wife Patricia would tell you, I so often come back from taking pictures and will report that I was to early, to late or it was to bright, to dark, to windy, to wet, to cloudy or not cloudy enough! Still I figure that when I get the absolutely perfect picture I will have to give up.
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Freezing on Bertra. 9th Feb 10
I was up early this morning but the sun stayed in bed, even though there was low cloud there was a clarity about the light I intended to go to Carronisky Beach but stopped for a quick look at Bertra. Bertra is much calmer then carronisky, with very small gentle waves.

I ended up spending at least an hour and a half on Bertra. By the end I could not operate the camera my fingers were so cold . My feet were also wet as I had done my own impersonation of King Canute, standing in the water trying to photograph a wave as the tide came in and one wave brought the water over the top of my boots!

I love photographing water and beaches, part of the attraction is that you never now how the waves are going to break so even when you get a picture it is hard to leave because the next one might be better!

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Flash Photography 8th Feb 10
This morning was very dark and grey so I got no pictures before starting in the studio.Finished in the studio this evening at 6.15 which was too late even for a good twilight shot, also I had to start my Monday night evening Class at 6.30 pm.
This evening in the evening class we did a class on flash photography. We started by just becoming familiar with using the flash on camera, my son Barry agreed to model. Monica Flanagan who attends the class kindly agreed that I could use her pictures to demonstrate what we did.
In the first picture Monica used the flash pointing straight at Barry the picture is slightly over exposed but you can see this type of flash provides a harsh unflattering light.

In the second picture Monica has bounced the flash off the ceiling this is much more flattering, but the eyes are still quite dark.

In the third picture Monica has pointed the flash almost backwards into the corner of the room above and behind her own head, This has resulted in a very flattering light in which the eyes are really well lit.

Flash can be very effective if used properly. Taking the flash off the camera increases greatly the creative potential.
In this fourth picture Monica has lit Barry with one canon Speedlight fired from the next room, through a sheet pinned to the doorway! Its a very interesting light that suits a male portrait very well.
I am not sure what people thought when I started to pin a sheet to the doorway but everybody was amazed at what we could achieve with just one light and a sheet!
Thanks to Monica for the use of these photographs, of course if I am to maintain my own resolution to put up a picture every day I am posting this Panoramic picture of Lough mask that I took in December.

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A Grey Day 7th Feb 10
Well the forecasters got it right , it was a grey day. I woke this morning to low cloud and cold wind, even the most dedicated photographer is allowed to say ah well and go back to bed on a Sunday morning! So thats what I did. There was no sign of things improving all day, I had to drive to Kiltimagh to take my son Barry football training, I did not put the camera in the car and so when the sun did just peep through the cloud briefly, I had no camera! By the time we came home the sun was gone again and it got really cold. So I decided I would see what pictures I had that could be used for today. I came upon these two pictures with skies so different to today I thought I should use them. They were taken on a sunny day in December! Hard to believe ,but true. Taken on the road to Doolough the first picture required very carefull exposure and post processing.
As you can see the contrast levels between the sky and the valley are very high. Some people would use HDR for a picture like this, I always feel HDR looks false. In this case I have exposed to the right of the histogram, making sure I have kept the highlight detail and then used 6 levels adjustment layers to in effect burn and dodge different parts of the image. I find using adjustment layers much more controllable then simple burning and dodging and always teach this method to people on my nightclasses and digital Photography workshops, most people I find are afraid of layers , but it is really simple.
Anyway I digress if you are not a photographer, sorry for boring you!
The second picture was much easier, but I love the clouds.
Freezing on Bertra. 9th Feb

My son Barry says I should change the name of the Gallery from Images of Mayo to Images of Croagh Patrick! I think he is a little unfair but when you live next door to the Reek it is vary hard to ignore, and it is very photogenic !
The tide was out and I had taken a few pictures when I saw this swan appear, I had never seen a swan there before and I immediately wondered how I could photograph it with Croagh Patrick in the background. I left my tripod and Camera bag were it was set up and walked about 150metres to my right, I walked to the waters edge but could not line the swan up with the mountain. I needed to be in the water, I was only wearing trainers but decided there was nothing for it only to wade in. So I did, the swan then co operated by turning back towards the mountain and the picture was in the bag. Despite the sun the water was freezing but I think it was worth it.

This afternoon I took time off to watch the match between France and Ireland. At half time I looked out the kitchen window and could see there was a very interesting sunset. Patricia was making coffee, I decided I would stay and watch the match. “Call yourself a photographer” my daughter Grainne teased. We decided half time was ten minutes long we could nearly be back, so Grainne and I grabbed our cameras and made a quick dash in the car to a good vantage point. The sky was spectacular, we grabbed a few pictures and returned to see Ireland Crash against the French. The pain of the defeat was softened by the knowledge that I had a sunset in the camera. Thanks Grainne for getting me to go out!

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Huge Skies 12 Feb 10
The sky looked amazing today it was so blue and the clouds so white. The clouds also appeared to be so high that to make a feature of the clouds in the photograph and include the land I had to go very wide angle.

Croagh Patrick and Clare island both look small under a huge sky.

===================================================================================================================================================================================
The rising sun. 11th Feb 10
Once again another lovely day here in Mayo and once again I had little or no opportunity to go out with the camera. I was travelling between Claremorris and Kiltimagh around 8.10 am. I was travelling from East to West and was very aware of the sun rising behind me.I wondered where could I grab a picture for todays blog, when I remembered the graveyard at Kilcolman. Gravstones always face east so I knew I could get a Silhouette of a cross. But it was easier said then done. firstly I had to find a cross that lined up well with the low lying sun, then lining the sun up with the cross in the camera meant sitting on the ground which was heavy laden with frost.I also had to be very careful not to look directly at the sun through the lens as it would be very easy to damage my eyes. The sun was still very low, and I had no time to wait for it to rise further so I just had to take the picture even though the cross appears very short.

The second picture shows the graveyard with the sun behind me.

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Just on time. 10th Feb 10
Today was a lovely day in Mayo but Ihad little opportunity to use the camera. I had an evening class at 6.30 pm and dashed out at 5.30 to get todays photo. I was just too late to capture a sunset but the colours were really nice after the sun had dropped behind Croagh Patrick.

A few clouds in the sky would have added greatly in this scene. Im just never happy!! My wife Patricia would tell you, I so often come back from taking pictures and will report that I was to early, to late or it was to bright, to dark, to windy, to wet, to cloudy or not cloudy enough! Still I figure that when I get the absolutely perfect picture I will have to give up.
================================================================================================================================================================================
Freezing on Bertra. 9th Feb 10
I was up early this morning but the sun stayed in bed, even though there was low cloud there was a clarity about the light I intended to go to Carronisky Beach but stopped for a quick look at Bertra. Bertra is much calmer then carronisky, with very small gentle waves.

I ended up spending at least an hour and a half on Bertra. By the end I could not operate the camera my fingers were so cold . My feet were also wet as I had done my own impersonation of King Canute, standing in the water trying to photograph a wave as the tide came in and one wave brought the water over the top of my boots!

I love photographing water and beaches, part of the attraction is that you never now how the waves are going to break so even when you get a picture it is hard to leave because the next one might be better!

========================================================================================================================================================
Flash Photography 8th Feb 10
This morning was very dark and grey so I got no pictures before starting in the studio.Finished in the studio this evening at 6.15 which was too late even for a good twilight shot, also I had to start my Monday night evening Class at 6.30 pm.
This evening in the evening class we did a class on flash photography. We started by just becoming familiar with using the flash on camera, my son Barry agreed to model. Monica Flanagan who attends the class kindly agreed that I could use her pictures to demonstrate what we did.
In the first picture Monica used the flash pointing straight at Barry the picture is slightly over exposed but you can see this type of flash provides a harsh unflattering light.

In the second picture Monica has bounced the flash off the ceiling this is much more flattering, but the eyes are still quite dark.

In the third picture Monica has pointed the flash almost backwards into the corner of the room above and behind her own head, This has resulted in a very flattering light in which the eyes are really well lit.

Flash can be very effective if used properly. Taking the flash off the camera increases greatly the creative potential.
In this fourth picture Monica has lit Barry with one canon Speedlight fired from the next room, through a sheet pinned to the doorway! Its a very interesting light that suits a male portrait very well.
I am not sure what people thought when I started to pin a sheet to the doorway but everybody was amazed at what we could achieve with just one light and a sheet!
Thanks to Monica for the use of these photographs, of course if I am to maintain my own resolution to put up a picture every day I am posting this Panoramic picture of Lough mask that I took in December.

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A Grey Day 7th Feb 10
Well the forecasters got it right , it was a grey day. I woke this morning to low cloud and cold wind, even the most dedicated photographer is allowed to say ah well and go back to bed on a Sunday morning! So thats what I did. There was no sign of things improving all day, I had to drive to Kiltimagh to take my son Barry football training, I did not put the camera in the car and so when the sun did just peep through the cloud briefly, I had no camera! By the time we came home the sun was gone again and it got really cold. So I decided I would see what pictures I had that could be used for today. I came upon these two pictures with skies so different to today I thought I should use them. They were taken on a sunny day in December! Hard to believe ,but true. Taken on the road to Doolough the first picture required very carefull exposure and post processing.
As you can see the contrast levels between the sky and the valley are very high. Some people would use HDR for a picture like this, I always feel HDR looks false. In this case I have exposed to the right of the histogram, making sure I have kept the highlight detail and then used 6 levels adjustment layers to in effect burn and dodge different parts of the image. I find using adjustment layers much more controllable then simple burning and dodging and always teach this method to people on my nightclasses and digital Photography workshops, most people I find are afraid of layers , but it is really simple.
Anyway I digress if you are not a photographer, sorry for boring you!
The second picture was much easier, but I love the clouds.
Freezing on Bertra. 9th Feb
Older Blog 31St Dec- Jan 4th
25th January 2010 - 0 comments
25th January 2010 - 0 comments
4th Jan Another Cold Morning
January 4th, 2010
by admin
The cold snap continues. When I got out this morning it was overcast and I was not sure if the sun would show. I decided to visit one of my favourite locations anyway , because you can never be sure what the light and the weather will do. I said a little prayer of thanks as the cloud cleared and the sun burst through . I often bring students from my workshops here, as it is very close by and is an unusual view of Croagh Patrick. I happily spent 2 hours taking a number of photographs. Things change so quickly, I was fascinated by the little cloud that appeared over Croagh Patrick . I took a picture checked the exposure on the camera screen , looked up to take a second picture and the cloud was gone! Half an hour later there was no blue in the sky at all . There is talk of snow, lets hope so!
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
3rd Jan Tripod returns
January 3rd, 2010
by admin
In the middle of the night I suddenly remembered where the tripod was. I had stopped on the road in Glenheist on my way back from Crossmolina on Jan 1st. I had used the camera on the tripod and then decided to get a quick picture without it. Admiring the picture on the screen on the camera I placed the camera in the car and drove home, leaving the tripod fully extended on the side of the road. To lose the tripod would have been serious enough put it had a panorama head from “Really Right Stuff” which cost more then the tripod. So I headed off hoping against hope that the tripod would still be there, of course it wasn’t ! I was devastated. Then I travelled 500metres from the spot and stopped to take a picture. A car passed by and stopped , an elderly gentleman, who I had met about 4 killometeres up the road when I was photographing on the 1st Jan stepped out and beckoned me to come to him. He informed me that the “man up the road has your tripod, he’s in the second house on the right”. Can you believe it!! Pat did indeed have my tripod and had advertised it on local radio that morning. He had left it where I had left it for 24hours and brought it in last night as the frost was so bad!
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
2nd Jan 2010 Flat Battery
January 2nd, 2010
by admin
Today I decided to visit Ballintubber Abbey. I am often asked for pictures of the abbey and knew that the light would be right in the early morning. I arrived at about 8.45am and discovered I had no tripod in the car. This was a surprise to me as I always have it with me. I thought maybe I had left it in my wife Patricias car and went to work without it. I had to wait half an hour for the sun to be high enough in the sky to light the abbey. I took a few pictures and decided I could wait a while longer and see what developed, I was hoping to get a few clouds in the sky. I went back to the car to warm myself up and discovered I had left the lights on! Fortunately a couple of local people came to my rescue and one of them got me started using the jump leads I keep in the car. ( its not the first time I have left the lights on!) It was such a relief to get the car going I forgot I was meant to be waiting for cloud cover and went home.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
New Years Day 2010
January 1st, 2010
by admin
It was very hard to get up this morning. However the photographers voice in my head kept saying “ its a lovely morning the light is fantastic”, “call yourself a photographer, get out there”. I responded several times with , I’m too tired, its too cold, the roads are too dangerous. But I ran out of excuses and as the snooze went on the alarm for the third time I dragged myself out and set off for Crossmolina. Somebody who had visited the Gallery in Westport had suggested a location to photograph Nephin. I phoned a photographer friend ,Monica, who lives in the area and arranged to meet. The roads were appalling all the way and the journey took a lot longer then it should. I was pleased with the photograph of Nephin which I did as a Panoramic, though I think a half hour earlier would have been more interesting.
As I left Crossmolina to go home I spotted a tree backlight so stopped to explore. The photograph which includes Nephin was taken with a 200mm lens and I had to walk across two fields to get the composition I wanted to isolate the tree from others around it.
This picture made it a worthwhile, trip and was my reward for listening to the photographer in my head !
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Once in a Blue Moon
December 31st, 2009
by admin
On new years eve I went to my friend Michaels house to photograph the partial eclipse of the moon. It was a very cold night and our view was frequently blocked by cloud and snow showers. I didn’t mind to much as we simply covered the cameras with plastic shopping bags and went into the warmth where Michael practiced his skills with the frying pan.
Coincidently we actually had a “blue moon”. This is when a full moon happens twice in a calendar month, apparently this only happens 41 times in a century! Hence the phrase “once in a blue moon”.
Well the moon wasn’t actually blue but it was very bright and so I decided I would try and photograph Croagh Patrick by moonlight. As I had left my cable release at home I was not able to use the Bulb setting on my camera. So the longest shutter speed I could use was 30seconds. I was delighted with the result ,the exposure was 30seconds at f5.6 taken at about 9pm.
I did dash home and get the cable release but the cloud came in and Croagh Patrick disappeared from view.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 30th, 2009
by admin
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
newer posts »
rss Entries or Comments got Mojo?
New Additions
Black and White Gallery 1
Black and White Gallery 2
Colour Gallery 1
Colour Gallery 2
Cards
January 4th, 2010
by admin
The cold snap continues. When I got out this morning it was overcast and I was not sure if the sun would show. I decided to visit one of my favourite locations anyway , because you can never be sure what the light and the weather will do. I said a little prayer of thanks as the cloud cleared and the sun burst through . I often bring students from my workshops here, as it is very close by and is an unusual view of Croagh Patrick. I happily spent 2 hours taking a number of photographs. Things change so quickly, I was fascinated by the little cloud that appeared over Croagh Patrick . I took a picture checked the exposure on the camera screen , looked up to take a second picture and the cloud was gone! Half an hour later there was no blue in the sky at all . There is talk of snow, lets hope so!
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
3rd Jan Tripod returns
January 3rd, 2010
by admin
In the middle of the night I suddenly remembered where the tripod was. I had stopped on the road in Glenheist on my way back from Crossmolina on Jan 1st. I had used the camera on the tripod and then decided to get a quick picture without it. Admiring the picture on the screen on the camera I placed the camera in the car and drove home, leaving the tripod fully extended on the side of the road. To lose the tripod would have been serious enough put it had a panorama head from “Really Right Stuff” which cost more then the tripod. So I headed off hoping against hope that the tripod would still be there, of course it wasn’t ! I was devastated. Then I travelled 500metres from the spot and stopped to take a picture. A car passed by and stopped , an elderly gentleman, who I had met about 4 killometeres up the road when I was photographing on the 1st Jan stepped out and beckoned me to come to him. He informed me that the “man up the road has your tripod, he’s in the second house on the right”. Can you believe it!! Pat did indeed have my tripod and had advertised it on local radio that morning. He had left it where I had left it for 24hours and brought it in last night as the frost was so bad!
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
2nd Jan 2010 Flat Battery
January 2nd, 2010
by admin
Today I decided to visit Ballintubber Abbey. I am often asked for pictures of the abbey and knew that the light would be right in the early morning. I arrived at about 8.45am and discovered I had no tripod in the car. This was a surprise to me as I always have it with me. I thought maybe I had left it in my wife Patricias car and went to work without it. I had to wait half an hour for the sun to be high enough in the sky to light the abbey. I took a few pictures and decided I could wait a while longer and see what developed, I was hoping to get a few clouds in the sky. I went back to the car to warm myself up and discovered I had left the lights on! Fortunately a couple of local people came to my rescue and one of them got me started using the jump leads I keep in the car. ( its not the first time I have left the lights on!) It was such a relief to get the car going I forgot I was meant to be waiting for cloud cover and went home.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
New Years Day 2010
January 1st, 2010
by admin
It was very hard to get up this morning. However the photographers voice in my head kept saying “ its a lovely morning the light is fantastic”, “call yourself a photographer, get out there”. I responded several times with , I’m too tired, its too cold, the roads are too dangerous. But I ran out of excuses and as the snooze went on the alarm for the third time I dragged myself out and set off for Crossmolina. Somebody who had visited the Gallery in Westport had suggested a location to photograph Nephin. I phoned a photographer friend ,Monica, who lives in the area and arranged to meet. The roads were appalling all the way and the journey took a lot longer then it should. I was pleased with the photograph of Nephin which I did as a Panoramic, though I think a half hour earlier would have been more interesting.
As I left Crossmolina to go home I spotted a tree backlight so stopped to explore. The photograph which includes Nephin was taken with a 200mm lens and I had to walk across two fields to get the composition I wanted to isolate the tree from others around it.
This picture made it a worthwhile, trip and was my reward for listening to the photographer in my head !
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Once in a Blue Moon
December 31st, 2009
by admin
On new years eve I went to my friend Michaels house to photograph the partial eclipse of the moon. It was a very cold night and our view was frequently blocked by cloud and snow showers. I didn’t mind to much as we simply covered the cameras with plastic shopping bags and went into the warmth where Michael practiced his skills with the frying pan.
Coincidently we actually had a “blue moon”. This is when a full moon happens twice in a calendar month, apparently this only happens 41 times in a century! Hence the phrase “once in a blue moon”.
Well the moon wasn’t actually blue but it was very bright and so I decided I would try and photograph Croagh Patrick by moonlight. As I had left my cable release at home I was not able to use the Bulb setting on my camera. So the longest shutter speed I could use was 30seconds. I was delighted with the result ,the exposure was 30seconds at f5.6 taken at about 9pm.
I did dash home and get the cable release but the cloud came in and Croagh Patrick disappeared from view.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
December 30th, 2009
by admin
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
newer posts »
rss Entries or Comments got Mojo?
New Additions
Black and White Gallery 1
Black and White Gallery 2
Colour Gallery 1
Colour Gallery 2
Cards
older blog 5th jan to 14th jan
25th January 2010 - 0 comments
25th January 2010 - 0 comments
Always Check your Camera
January 14th, 2010
by admin
This morning we were greeted with more fog. I decided to photograph the church in the Mall in Castlebar
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I was pleased with the picture but was disappointed when I got home and discovered I had left the camera set on 1000iso. This is a setting I would very rarely use as the quality of photograph is reduced the higher the iso. I often tell people on my courses to always check their cameras ,before you set off to take pictures, make sure everything on your camera is reset correctly. Well now you know why ! Do as I say not as I do!!
The fog lifted quickly so I decided I would take a trip to Lough Fiach and get some reflections of the lovely sky that was developing, in my minds eye I saw fog lifting off the lake also. On arrival at Lough Fiach there was no fog, and the slight breeze that was developing ment no reflections either! Lough Fiach is always beautiful but as a Landscape photographer I am always looking for something a bit special. So I decided to look around for something else. I really liked the Hawthorn tree which I had spotted many times before, but this morning the light was right.
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I am posting it in both black and white, which do you prefer ?
I also spent a little time “stalking” a few sheep, it was easy to photograph sheep but I was trying to get the background right, I think I succeeded with this one.
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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
What a difference a day makes!
January 13th, 2010
by admin
Well its much calmer today the wind has gone entirely. I read a report that Achill may have experienced a tornado yesterday, I would not be surprised.
This morning was certainly very calm but it remained very dark. I was thinking there would be no interesting light but around 10.30 there was a hint of a clearance from the west. I intended to go to Doolough but was unable to pass Croagh Patrick as it looked spectacular under cloud.
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The short clearance felt great as the sun broke through, temperatures went up and I think people just felt better.
These two cockle pickers took advantage of the break in the weather.
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The Clearance did not last long, by 1pm fog and mist decended so I was glad I had taken the opportunity when it presented.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stormy Weather
January 12th, 2010
by admin
Looking at the weather forecast last night I decided the expected wind would make a great change. There is a spot on Achill that is great for crashing waves so I decided I would make a quick trip this morning. As I drove in the car I listened to Tom Dunne on Newstalk who described the darkness of the day as being like end of time . I was inclined to agree but continued on my quest.
Well Achill was wild in the extreme the wind was coming from an unusual direction and despite it the waves at Claughmore did not put up their usual display.
To make matters worse I was unable to stand in the wind and had to grab the pictures from the car.
I stood behind the car at one point , using the open boot for shelter, but the car shook so much I thought it might blow into the sea without my considerable weight to keep it anchored!
I would not like to be a sailor.
It really was dark I had to put the iso up to 2000 so to be able to achieve a shutter speed of 200 at f2.8 on a 200mm lens! A tripod was simply out of the question. Not the normal settings for a landscape photographer!
Anyway I got a few pictures, They won’t be among my best.
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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Low Light
January 11th, 2010
by admin
Well today the thaw has started. I got up this morning to sleety rain and very low cloud cover. I struggled to go out but my resolution to post a new picture every day is still intact!
The light levels were very low so I decided to photograph something were low light would help!
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Moving water is a favourite subject for me. I used a 2stop neutral density filter to block out even more light. This resulted as in an exposure of 2 seconds at F22, and a steady tripod this little stream is at the foot of Croagh Patrick. It was treacherous to walk on the melting ice, I was amused by the notice not to climb on foggy or wet days!
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As I got back to the car a little Robin appeared, he hung around long enough for me to take his picture, Actually he posed! I think he was hoping I had brought sandwiches. !
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Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Clew Bay Freezes Over !
January 10th, 2010
by admin
Well today was another day in the icebox. I think this morning was the coldest yet ! I was up before the sun as usual and can report that the new battery and heater plugs in the car worked a treat, started on the first turn!
Thrilled I set off for Kinlooey Lough near Aughagower it really was freezing. As I walked on the little jetty you see in the picture there were loud cracking noises, it was more than a little disconcerting but was infact the ice on the lough cracking
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The Sun never actually broke through today but the light early on was lovely, and for a very short period the sky was fantastic, it looked like it had been painted. I like to think it was my reward for getting up early.
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Within 40 minutes of my arrival at the lough the light had completely changed as thick cloud cover came in.
I then took a trip out to Rossbeg. The sea water had actually frozen as the tide went out. Creating a surreal scene.
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A couple of penguins waddled by, but I was changing lenses at the time so missed the shot, don’t you hate when that happens.
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Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
9th Jan. More Flats!
January 9th, 2010
by admin
Well the cold “snap” continues and so once again I set the alarm for early and set off to look for some good pictures. Well that’s what I had planned. More Car trouble Im afraid. We are very fortunate to own two cars, but this morning both refused to start. They just don’t like the cold! My own battery was already giving trouble and it finally gave up the ghost this morning. Unperturbed I decided I would just stay local and walk! I elected not to carry the tripod, apart from the weight it is very cold to handle. Well found some lovely frosted heathers but without a tripod I was unable to hold the camera steady for the 1/25th of a second exposure . I did get a picture of some icicles . I deliberately included the phone to show scale!
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Having flattened the batteries in two cars this morning as I set out with the camera I glanced at the battery indicator on the camera, it said half full. It turned out to be half empty I was only out twenty minutes or so when it started to flash empty! Maybe it ,to, was effected by the cold.
I spent the rest of the day in the gallery and to and from garages.
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Here are a couple of pictures I took yesterday when the fog lifted.
The Fog left a coating of ice on the trees.
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Croagh Patrick looked like it had drawn a blanket over itself!
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I am full of hope for the morning, I have a new battery in my car and the camera battery is charging as I write this. The Sun’ll come up tomorrow!!
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Freezing Fog
January 8th, 2010
by admin
Freezing again today. Had trouble starting both cars this morning, luckily the second one started just before the battery died and I got mobile. I had arranged to meet Sinead for an “early light” photography session.
It was very foggy when we set off. Fog can be great to photograph but you have to rely on strong shapes so we decided to photograph trees. These trees at Turlough Castlebar are just perfect.
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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Snow What Snow !
January 7th, 2010
by admin
Well the forecasters got it all wrong for Westport. With heavy snow and or rain forecast I was actually looking forward to a morning in bed. I woke to clear skies. It took a while to clear the ice from the car before setting off gingerly for Rossbeg, just outside Westport. I am posting two pictures taken within seconds of each other, and both given the same treatment in photoshop. The only difference is the use of a polarizing filter on the darker picture. There are two filters that I regularly use, they are, a graduated neutral density and a polarizer.
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This evening I visited the same location that I got yesterdays sunset pictures. I did not expect to get any pictures, I was just showing Sinead a fellow photographer the location. The clouds were fantastic so we both got the tripods out and spent half an hour trying to capture the scene. Sometimes its worth visiting locations just to see what might happen. Certainly today if I had gone by the weather forecast I would not have visited either location and would not have got the pictures!
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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
6th Jan Flying away
January 6th, 2010
by admin
Slept in this morning and was in the Gallery for most of the day so did not get out until late. Just captured the sun as it disappeared behind Croagh Patrick. Photo taken at 16.28 shutter speed 200 and F16
Winter is a great time for Landscape photography, and of course the best time to photograph is the hour before and after sunrise and sunset. So having just captured the disappearing sun I drove up a nearby hill and decided to wait to see what colours might develop as the sun sank further
As I waited a jet passed over I assume it was heading to America . I wondered about the people on board, how many were holiday makers and how many were people emigrating? It was amazing how the setting sun coloured the vapour trail.
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I waited just over half an hour before taking this picture, it felt much longer because of the cold, but the change in colour is incredible! Taken at 17.07 shutter speed 50th second and f6.3
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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
5th Jan Another Cold Morning
January 5th, 2010
by admin
We did get snow, well more slush then snow, the roads are deadly. Not enough snow to transform the landscape unfortunatly .
Today I was based in the studio . I was booked to provide one to one training in product photography. Anne- Marie had recently bought a set of 2 Elinchrom studio lights and needed some help to set up and explore how to achieve even lighting . We had a great morning and as a bonus I have just eaten the crab you see in the picture! The mussels in white wine sauce are only delicious , and all produced locally.
Check them out for yourself www.connemaraseafoods.com
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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
« older posts newer posts »
rss Entries or Comments got Mojo?
New Additions
Black and White Gallery 1
Black and White Gallery 2
Colour Gallery 1
Colour Gallery 2
Cards
January 14th, 2010
by admin
This morning we were greeted with more fog. I decided to photograph the church in the Mall in Castlebar
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I was pleased with the picture but was disappointed when I got home and discovered I had left the camera set on 1000iso. This is a setting I would very rarely use as the quality of photograph is reduced the higher the iso. I often tell people on my courses to always check their cameras ,before you set off to take pictures, make sure everything on your camera is reset correctly. Well now you know why ! Do as I say not as I do!!
The fog lifted quickly so I decided I would take a trip to Lough Fiach and get some reflections of the lovely sky that was developing, in my minds eye I saw fog lifting off the lake also. On arrival at Lough Fiach there was no fog, and the slight breeze that was developing ment no reflections either! Lough Fiach is always beautiful but as a Landscape photographer I am always looking for something a bit special. So I decided to look around for something else. I really liked the Hawthorn tree which I had spotted many times before, but this morning the light was right.
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I am posting it in both black and white, which do you prefer ?
I also spent a little time “stalking” a few sheep, it was easy to photograph sheep but I was trying to get the background right, I think I succeeded with this one.
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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
What a difference a day makes!
January 13th, 2010
by admin
Well its much calmer today the wind has gone entirely. I read a report that Achill may have experienced a tornado yesterday, I would not be surprised.
This morning was certainly very calm but it remained very dark. I was thinking there would be no interesting light but around 10.30 there was a hint of a clearance from the west. I intended to go to Doolough but was unable to pass Croagh Patrick as it looked spectacular under cloud.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The short clearance felt great as the sun broke through, temperatures went up and I think people just felt better.
These two cockle pickers took advantage of the break in the weather.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The Clearance did not last long, by 1pm fog and mist decended so I was glad I had taken the opportunity when it presented.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Stormy Weather
January 12th, 2010
by admin
Looking at the weather forecast last night I decided the expected wind would make a great change. There is a spot on Achill that is great for crashing waves so I decided I would make a quick trip this morning. As I drove in the car I listened to Tom Dunne on Newstalk who described the darkness of the day as being like end of time . I was inclined to agree but continued on my quest.
Well Achill was wild in the extreme the wind was coming from an unusual direction and despite it the waves at Claughmore did not put up their usual display.
To make matters worse I was unable to stand in the wind and had to grab the pictures from the car.
I stood behind the car at one point , using the open boot for shelter, but the car shook so much I thought it might blow into the sea without my considerable weight to keep it anchored!
I would not like to be a sailor.
It really was dark I had to put the iso up to 2000 so to be able to achieve a shutter speed of 200 at f2.8 on a 200mm lens! A tripod was simply out of the question. Not the normal settings for a landscape photographer!
Anyway I got a few pictures, They won’t be among my best.
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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
Low Light
January 11th, 2010
by admin
Well today the thaw has started. I got up this morning to sleety rain and very low cloud cover. I struggled to go out but my resolution to post a new picture every day is still intact!
The light levels were very low so I decided to photograph something were low light would help!
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
.
Moving water is a favourite subject for me. I used a 2stop neutral density filter to block out even more light. This resulted as in an exposure of 2 seconds at F22, and a steady tripod this little stream is at the foot of Croagh Patrick. It was treacherous to walk on the melting ice, I was amused by the notice not to climb on foggy or wet days!
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.
.
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As I got back to the car a little Robin appeared, he hung around long enough for me to take his picture, Actually he posed! I think he was hoping I had brought sandwiches. !
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Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments »
Clew Bay Freezes Over !
January 10th, 2010
by admin
Well today was another day in the icebox. I think this morning was the coldest yet ! I was up before the sun as usual and can report that the new battery and heater plugs in the car worked a treat, started on the first turn!
Thrilled I set off for Kinlooey Lough near Aughagower it really was freezing. As I walked on the little jetty you see in the picture there were loud cracking noises, it was more than a little disconcerting but was infact the ice on the lough cracking
.
.
.
.
.
.
The Sun never actually broke through today but the light early on was lovely, and for a very short period the sky was fantastic, it looked like it had been painted. I like to think it was my reward for getting up early.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Within 40 minutes of my arrival at the lough the light had completely changed as thick cloud cover came in.
I then took a trip out to Rossbeg. The sea water had actually frozen as the tide went out. Creating a surreal scene.
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.
.
.
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A couple of penguins waddled by, but I was changing lenses at the time so missed the shot, don’t you hate when that happens.
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9th Jan. More Flats!
January 9th, 2010
by admin
Well the cold “snap” continues and so once again I set the alarm for early and set off to look for some good pictures. Well that’s what I had planned. More Car trouble Im afraid. We are very fortunate to own two cars, but this morning both refused to start. They just don’t like the cold! My own battery was already giving trouble and it finally gave up the ghost this morning. Unperturbed I decided I would just stay local and walk! I elected not to carry the tripod, apart from the weight it is very cold to handle. Well found some lovely frosted heathers but without a tripod I was unable to hold the camera steady for the 1/25th of a second exposure . I did get a picture of some icicles . I deliberately included the phone to show scale!
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Having flattened the batteries in two cars this morning as I set out with the camera I glanced at the battery indicator on the camera, it said half full. It turned out to be half empty I was only out twenty minutes or so when it started to flash empty! Maybe it ,to, was effected by the cold.
I spent the rest of the day in the gallery and to and from garages.
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Here are a couple of pictures I took yesterday when the fog lifted.
The Fog left a coating of ice on the trees.
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Croagh Patrick looked like it had drawn a blanket over itself!
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I am full of hope for the morning, I have a new battery in my car and the camera battery is charging as I write this. The Sun’ll come up tomorrow!!
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Freezing Fog
January 8th, 2010
by admin
Freezing again today. Had trouble starting both cars this morning, luckily the second one started just before the battery died and I got mobile. I had arranged to meet Sinead for an “early light” photography session.
It was very foggy when we set off. Fog can be great to photograph but you have to rely on strong shapes so we decided to photograph trees. These trees at Turlough Castlebar are just perfect.
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Snow What Snow !
January 7th, 2010
by admin
Well the forecasters got it all wrong for Westport. With heavy snow and or rain forecast I was actually looking forward to a morning in bed. I woke to clear skies. It took a while to clear the ice from the car before setting off gingerly for Rossbeg, just outside Westport. I am posting two pictures taken within seconds of each other, and both given the same treatment in photoshop. The only difference is the use of a polarizing filter on the darker picture. There are two filters that I regularly use, they are, a graduated neutral density and a polarizer.
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This evening I visited the same location that I got yesterdays sunset pictures. I did not expect to get any pictures, I was just showing Sinead a fellow photographer the location. The clouds were fantastic so we both got the tripods out and spent half an hour trying to capture the scene. Sometimes its worth visiting locations just to see what might happen. Certainly today if I had gone by the weather forecast I would not have visited either location and would not have got the pictures!
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6th Jan Flying away
January 6th, 2010
by admin
Slept in this morning and was in the Gallery for most of the day so did not get out until late. Just captured the sun as it disappeared behind Croagh Patrick. Photo taken at 16.28 shutter speed 200 and F16
Winter is a great time for Landscape photography, and of course the best time to photograph is the hour before and after sunrise and sunset. So having just captured the disappearing sun I drove up a nearby hill and decided to wait to see what colours might develop as the sun sank further
As I waited a jet passed over I assume it was heading to America . I wondered about the people on board, how many were holiday makers and how many were people emigrating? It was amazing how the setting sun coloured the vapour trail.
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I waited just over half an hour before taking this picture, it felt much longer because of the cold, but the change in colour is incredible! Taken at 17.07 shutter speed 50th second and f6.3
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5th Jan Another Cold Morning
January 5th, 2010
by admin
We did get snow, well more slush then snow, the roads are deadly. Not enough snow to transform the landscape unfortunatly .
Today I was based in the studio . I was booked to provide one to one training in product photography. Anne- Marie had recently bought a set of 2 Elinchrom studio lights and needed some help to set up and explore how to achieve even lighting . We had a great morning and as a bonus I have just eaten the crab you see in the picture! The mussels in white wine sauce are only delicious , and all produced locally.
Check them out for yourself www.connemaraseafoods.com
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