DUN BRISTE SEA STACK, DOWNPATRICK HEAD

370 miles round trip, 30 hours with no sleep. This was a tiring expedition due to having started out on the road moments after a long night shoot. But walking up towards the cliff edge of Downpatrick Head as Dun Briste (Broken Fort) slowly revealed itself, made the long trip worthwhile. A surreal unveiling of something magical, something steeped in history which struck an emotional chord in me. I’ve never been a photographer who needed a sunrise or a sunset to satisfy on a photography trip, sometimes harsh conditions bring out the best in me. The winds were strong on the cliff edge and I had to brace myself against them constantly, all while trying to keep my camera and tripod perfectly still for the long exposures needed to get the waves in motion. Fragile and expensive filters vs strong winds and cold hands made a stressful combination, but these obstacles are some of the reasons this was a trip that will long live in my memory.

ROSSERK ABBEY, CO MAYO

Over 300 miles travelled round-trip to Rosserk Abbey in Co Mayo. The weather was predicted to be sunshine and scattered clouds but unfortunately it was overcast and dull for the entirity of the time I was there. So I decided on my main image being Black & White, though I couldn’t resist a colour one also. These were actually multiple bracketed shots made into a panoramic. Too many miles to leave with nothing, however despite not getting the image I had in mind, I was more than happy with the outcome.

DUNLEWEY OLD CHURCH

&

DERRYTRASNA PIER

Dunlewey Old Church. One of a number of photography trips I took around Ireland in the early stages of the post pandemic world. A new approach, a singular vision. 300 miles for one photograph. No distractions. No going off track. No stopping if I happen to see something interesting. One location. One day and a lot of miles. I’d been passing Dunlewey abandoned church for over 10 years, usually on the way to a photography job elsewhere. I always looked down into the valley and thought it was just the most amazing sight. An abandoned church at the foot of the mountains. Always under pressure to make it to another job with time to spare kept me from this church for too many years. One vision, one photograph! An amazing trip….however, beware the midges!!! I was bitten so many times on the day that I barely left the house again for a week.

Derrytrasna Pier. Despite fighting against my first bout of hay-fever in years (I'd prefer the flu), I did make it to Lough Neagh to photograph this amazing old jetty near Derrytrasna. The wind was not easy to contend with, especially when using long exposure photography but what a beautiful spot to spend a few hours. Hidden away at the foot of a tall grass field, this hidden treasure reveals itself as you walk through the field towards the water. Though the wind was loud, if you sat low enough, you could enjoy the sound of the water lapping against the pier itself. As with many beautiful sights on this Island, it can sometimes be a grey area as to whether you are on private land or not. The way I deal with this, is to ask if possible and if that is not possible then I treat the area with the greatest possible respect…..Though this is how I treat all my photography expeditions.