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Landscapes Northern Ireland

Blue Mountain View

The Mourne Mountains in Co. Down, Northern Ireland do indeed sweep down to the sea, just as the song rehearses, but for those who live to the north of them, they are invariably in shadow. The result is often just a looming darkness beyond Newcastle, but, on the right occasion the shadows lend something to the whole. On an unseasonably warm September day I found myself at Murlough Bay, watching the swimmers (yes!), and seeing the blue tinged Mournes beyond.

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Landscapes

The Great British Seaside #1

The View, Weymouth

In these staycation days more and more holidaymakers are rediscovering the fun of the Great British Seaside resort. It’s true that many of these are a little shabby and down at heel in places, but they are also iconic features of the the British coast, and still have beautiful beaches and stunning views. Even the weather worn buildings lend a certain charm. I confess that I prefer cloudy skies to bright blue expanses – it just adds to the atmosphere (literally too).

This photo was taken when I had a few days in Weymouth, Dorset, on the South Coast of England. The beach was sandy and smooth, the bay was calm enough for pedalos, and there was coffee on the beach – what more could you ask for?

Windswept Weymouth
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Landscapes

Ditchling Beacon

There’s a wonderful soft light to the South Downs, and there are spectacular views from the top of the Downs all the way to the coast, and along the spine of the chalk hills that comprise the South Downs.

One of the enchanting aspects of walking the Downs is the sense of layers that are laid out before you. Ditchling Beacon is my nearest viewpoint, and it’s the perfect place to capture these layers. First of all there’s the grass along the paths, and the wildflowers along the fences. Then there are the fields of every shade and colour in the middle distance. And topping it off are big skies.

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Landscapes

Donegal Donkeys

Donegal Donkeys

The Donegal coast of Ireland really is a must see. From Malin Head to Fanad Lighthouse to Downings and the Atlantic Drive, and on round to Portnblagh the views are to die for, whether it’s sunny or shady. My personal favourite is the Atlantic Drive starting from Downings. Round every turn of the road another vista opens itself up to the eye. The northern light casts a beauty that envelops beaches, houses, roads with a quality that is hard to capture. You’ve got to be there!

But if you can’t, a photograph catches something of that light, of that beauty, of that atmosphere. One of my favourites from our road trip is this image of a couple of donkeys that came to say hello as we stopped to admire the view.

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Landscapes Northern Ireland

Fine Art Photo Prints

Minimal Lough Neagh

I’ve now finally bitten the bullet and purchased a larger format printer that will allow me to print 40cm x 30cm images from my home studio. These fit very nicely into standard frames from the likes of IKEA, or can be framed by me for delivery as a package.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the images on this web site, or that you see on Twitter, please just get in touch.

** For a limited time only you can purchase a 40cm x 30cm framed print for £75 plus delivery at cost **

40cm x 30cm  unframed prints are £75 plus delivery

30cm x 21cm  unframed prints are £55 plus delivery

Both the above fit standard IKEA frames – for other frame sizes please drop me a line.

Categories
Landscapes Northern Ireland

Craggy Coastal

Ballyholme
Ballyholme

One of the things that I love about the Northern Ireland coast is the rocky outcrops that often appear. Of course, the Giant’s Causeway is the most famous ‘rocky outcrop’, but I love the small craggy coves that are so frequently seen, particularly along the Co. Down coast.

This photo was taken just between Bangor and Ballyholme.

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Landscapes Northern Ireland

The Co. Down Coast, Northern Ireland

Ballyhornan Beach
Ballyhornan Beach

The Co. Down coast has always been one of my favourite haunts – the coastline is unspoiled and uncluttered. There are very view visitors to most of the beaches along this stretch of coast, so it’s a simple matter to find space to yourself if that’s what you want.

Driving along from Strangford towards Newcastle we passed Ballyhornan beach. It was almost empty, but not quite, but the other visitors were far enough away to allow everyone their own little stretch of coastline. I like this view over the rocks towards the distant mother and daughter walking the tideline.

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Southport Southport Pier

Fast as a speeding Tram – Southport Marine Lake

Fast as a speeding Tram

Taking a walk around Southport’s Marine Lake the other day I decided to try for a long exposure shot of the lake, pier and bridge. The intense sunlight made it almost impossible to see the image on the camera’s screen, but I could just make out enough to get a few shots. I was so intent on getting the exposure right that I didn’t notice the tram setting off. You can see the blurred movement of the tram along the pier in the centre of the shot.

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Southport Street Photography

By Southport’s Ramada Complex

Ramada Plaza Pedestrians

With my latest addition to my camera collection I’ve decided to try a little more street photography. I’ve always felt rather self-conscious pointing a DSLR at passers by, but somehow the diminutive Olympus OM-D E-M10 feels less threatening. So, with a bit of sunshine and plenty of visitors I took a few street shots. I love this space between the Ramada Hotel and the Casino complex. Usually I would try and capture the space without any human interest, but I thought the gap with the pedestrians crossing added some interest to the image.

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Landscapes Southport Southport Pier

Southport Pier Sunset

Southport Pier Sunset

We went for a walk down on the beach last night. The beach, as usual was a mess, more mud than sand, not really pleasant. Also, as usual, the pier was locked long before sunset so I resorted to the usual method of sticking the lens between the bars of the gates. This was a multiple exposure combined to show the foreground detail while keeping the colour in the sky.