Categories
Landscapes

Looking back at 2015

Evening Light
Evening Light

The last year has seen significant changes – I’ve moved from the North West of England back to Northern Ireland. The landscape has changed significantly too. I haven’t photographed the wide open spaces of the Sefton coast in over a year, but I’ve revisited many beaches and beauty spots that I haven’t seen in many years. Part of my photographic philosophy is to try and capture the look and feel of a place as we normally see it – that is, not necessarily the spectacular sunset (although if it’s there I’ll capture it), but what we would see on a day trip. What I try to do is capture this in a way that we would be happy to look at time and time again, to hang on a wall, or use as computer wallpaper – something that’s easy on the eye and restful to see. Looking back, there are several images that I’m happy to look at time and time again. I’m going to post some of my favourites here over the next few days – I hope you’ll enjoy them too.

My first trip back to Portrush in a long time came at the end of a day meandering up the north coast from Whitepark Bay to Ballintoy to Dunluce. We got to Portrush towards the end of the day and parked up by the beach with the obligatory bag of chips. East coast sunsets are soft and gentle compared to those on the west coast, but the light over the water was wonderful as we sat and ate. One of my favourite shots of the day was this one. The light was fading – so the people passing in the foreground were blurred – taking the focus off them. The light was gentle and the colours subtle and there was an air of peace about the last gasp of light before the sun set. For me, it reminds me of a moment of peace and beauty in a busy year. That memory is personal, but, I think the image represents that moment of peace at the end of a day, and Portrush is the perfect place to display it.

Categories
Landscapes Northern Ireland

Looking back on a year

I know it’s not the end of the year just yet, but before the Christmas images I thought it would be nice to look back. This time last year we were still living in Southport, but already planning for the changes to come. A year on, and I’ve travelled up and down our little province, and sometimes beyond. I’ve visited places that I haven’t visited in decades and I’ve revisited some favourite spots.

One of our new favourite spots is the Ards Peninsula, and Portaferry. During the summer evenings the light there is magical, and the beaches are mostly empty – so please don’t visit, we like them that way! This photo of our trusty little car parked up by the beach sums it up for me – there’s nothing better than travelling the coast of Northern Ireland with a camera to hand and family to share the experience.

Ballyquintin, Ards Peninsula
Ballyquintin, Ards Peninsula