Embracing Difference in Photography

It is probably true to say that most photographers like to photograph beauty. Many will travel long distances to capture a shot of a stunning vista in an epic location while others will seek out ‘honeypot’ locations nearer home.

Photographers seek subjects cast in beautiful light; they photograph pretty views and positive aspects of life while so called ‘ugly’ or mundane subjects are rejected by the majority.

But there are photographers who don’t prioritize these types of photos; who prefer to find unique subjects even if they don’t conform to the conventionally beautiful.

I consider myself part of the latter group. I enjoy photographing beautiful scenes, but I am also drawn to finding a more personal way to interpret them. Rather than simply recording a scene as it appears, or as others might photograph it, I prefer to explore a different angle or perspective and create an image that feels distinctly my own.

At other times, I move away from well-known tourist spots and try to capture the true character of a place, even when that means photographing less picturesque scenes. I rarely seek out ‘honeypot’ locations; instead, I prefer to work close to home, focusing on ordinary or mundane subjects and revealing their quieter, less obvious beauty.

Bray, Co. Wicklow, is a coastal town on Ireland’s east coast, close to where I live and easy for me to visit. Rising above it is Bray Head, a 241-metre hill and headland that forms part of the well-known cliff walk. With its sweep down to the sea, it is an obvious subject for photographers seeking beauty, especially when the headland is lit by sunlight.

On my most recent visit, I tried to include Bray Head from a different perspective while also photographing the quieter, more ordinary parts of the area that are often overlooked.