In the past few days I have spend all my money on new equipment. I bought the lovely new Elinchrom D4 kit from Gunns. I am a big believer of ‘you have to spend money to make money’, as such I have spent everything I have in the hope that I will make millions within minutes…. – But seriously, I believe this saying but it doesn’t mean you have to spend hundreds. In my opinion it means, you have to be willing to put a bit of money in to make a bit. If you don’t take a chance and buy your first camera, how will you know if you’re going to be a photographer. Then as the years go on and you know this is what you want to do, fork out the money on equipment that’s been well researched, don’t just throw money around!!

Beans for life?!?

This brings me to the photo I took today. It’s what I’ll probably be living on for the next few weeks while I try recoup some money on my investment.

Don’t Fret though, I’m back!!

Here’s a shot I took in Westport, County Mayo this weekend. The scenery & light in the west is amazing, that’s the beautiful Croagh Patrick in the background.

Something quite a bit different from my usual – What are your thoughts on the shot?

Original

Have I missed much online?

I’m looking forward to getting back into twitter, blogging, facebook and all the rest within the next few weeks!

I took this amazing shot a few months ago when we had the lovely snow. The plan was to go out kayaking on the upper liffey but the roads were just too bad to drive on. Instead a hike was in order and BOY, what an amazing hike. Every so often half my body would dissapear into the snow – SO much fun. I did the hike again yesterday (on Paddy’s day) and it was just as beautiful! (There’s even a bit of hidden snow in the sheltered areas!)

Below is a map and link to google maps on where this hike is. I can see myself gong up there a lot over the next while for more shots.

The hike can take anything from one hour to five hours depending on your fitness level (Photographic fitness & physical fitness) /dedication to photos on the day.

Let me know if you’ve been here before, taken shots (link me below by leaving a comment!) or plan on heading up in the near future!!
I’d love to see other peoples shots from this beautiful landscape!!

Wow I love taking landscapes!!! Getting up at three or four in the morning, Driving, Hiking, Sitting/standing, watching, waiting, wondering, dreaming, listening, meditating and then finally a CLICK. What an amazing experience!!

A HDR Image of Glendalough at sunrise

Another HDR Image of Glendalough Lake, taken further up the mountain

Lately there seems to be streaks from plane all over the sky. Loving them!

These are the cracking set of steps you have to climb in the dark. Great fun!!

If you’ve never been here before for a sunrise, it’s an amazing experience. At 5am, it’s pitch dark, you don’t know where you’re going and can hear an amazing stream while walking up. It’s not for a few hours on your way back down that you get to see it.

This shot was taken as I was waiting for the sunrise. It’s a 360 second exposure/6minute photo with a 10stop welder glass on the lens. I was the first time to use this so had nothing with me to hold it onto the lens, it got a bit sore after 5minutes trying not to move or shake while keeping it glued to the glass. Looking forward to trying more of these!!

Photographing Landscapes – Early Riser

Make the most of the day – sometime over the next two weeks try get up extra early with your camera and take a few shots (and Yes… that does imply leaving the comfort of your bed, not just staying in bed with your camera ). You’ll feel great after, I promise!!

Amazing Sunrise

Within seconds of the sun peaks its head birds started to flutter and swoop all around, what a magical morning!!