It has been a long, cold, wet and windy winter where I live but at last the signs of spring are well and truly here. That means increased opportunities to get out with my camera and capture the first photographs of the new season. Yet the dilemma for any photographer is that spring photography can tend to be very similar from year to year. There are the first spring flowers, new growth on trees, better light and occasional dramatic sunrises or sunsets, yet most of the photographs we produce can be repetitive. I am guilty of this, and many of my spring image collections don't vary much from year to year. I have tended to photograph daffodils and tulips, singly or in groups, but, beautiful as these flowers are, the photographs tend to be a bit mundane and boring after a while. So this year I decided to take a new approach. This year I asked myself, What can I do differently this year? How can I become more creative with my spring photography? I have focused on 7 ideas that might inject a bit of creativity into my spring photography in this new season. # Take a different perspective The flowers and plants that are appearing now are appearing for the first time, and they represent the wonder of this new season, so they deserve to be photographed in a way that brings out their beauty and shows them in all their glory. To do this I decided to pay attention to perspective. I tried to avoid photographing flowers from standing height, but rather attempted to get down low and photograph flowers and plants from where they are. This takes a bit of experimentation with aperture to get the correct focus but you can make creative choices by choosing to have an image that is sharp from front to back or work with a shallow depth of field. # Pay attention to background Often we concentrate on the subject we are photographing without paying attention to background, yet a good background can make all the difference to our subject. Looking for suitable backgrounds can add interest to the process of capturing your subject as well as to the images themselves. You can use a wide aperture to create a blurry background # Explore the tiny world A macro or close-up lens will allow us to explore the tiny world which is exploding around us in spring. I enjoy macro and close up photography and look forward to having an abundance of subjects to photograph as nature comes to life again after the winter. # Use a supporting subject A daffodil or a tulip can create a captivating photograph on its own, but add context and you create a story to go with the subject. Are the flowers growing along a winding pathway? Are they close to a building or trees? Are they in a woodland or a garden? Using supporting subjects will add interest to your composition and give you many different scenarios to photograph. # Look for something different In both images above a single daffodil stands out as a contrast to what is around it. # Try some intentional camera movement or abstract images Daffodils with their well defined stalks and splashes of yellow make great subjects for ICM photograph Abstract photography can add a bit of creativity and fun to your photography # Incorporate a theme such as growth and change or new life By incorporating a theme we give ourselves greater inspiration to look for multiple and varied compositions that fit into that theme. We are not confined to photographing the obvious subjects and we can get creative with our photography. Do you have any creative ideas to enhance your spring photography?

Over the last few months, I have taken an interest in what I call ‘everyday’ landscape photography. To me, this involves taking photographs in my immediate landscape, wherever that may be. It’s not a specific genre that I hear much about, and it’s hard to define. Some might call it ‘casual documentary photography’, others might just use the term ‘general photography’, but whatever the name, I believe that there are numerous benefits to doing this type of photography, both on a personal level and in terms of our photography. Here are 5 benefits that come to mind for me. You might think of some more. 1.   Everyday landscape photography broadens your photography horizons We can often allow ourselves to become pigeon-holed as photographers. When people ask what type of photography we do they usually expect an answer such as landscape, street, coastal, woodland, portrait, macro, etc. They are asking what type of photography we specialise in. I have always had difficulty answering this question as I love to experiment with all kinds of genres and not specialise in any genre. One of the main benefits of doing everyday landscape photography is that it spans all genres, and it can be done in all locations. It can involve wide vistas or intimate landscapes. It can include rural, urban, coastal or woodland landscapes. It can involve the natural environment or the built environment. Everyday landscape photography gives us the opportunity to break out of self-imposed limits and broaden our photographic horizons. Sometimes it's enjoyable to take a random photograph for no reason. 2.   Everyday landscape photography improves your observation skills Since I began to focus on everyday landscape photography, I have become more aware of my surroundings in all locations and become more connected to the subjects I photograph. I have begun to see photographic opportunities that I would previously have missed and come to realise that opportunities for photographs exist everywhere, and all kinds of subjects have the potential to become good images. Since observation is key in photography, improvement in observation skills is a key benefit of everyday landscape photography. We become more acutely aware of small details, of ordinary things that have the potential to become extraordinary in a photograph, of simple subjects that are transformed by a good composition. Everyday landscape photography helps us to look around and to see what others miss. This is just an ordinary country road yet it provides an unexpected photographic opportunity. 3.   Everyday landscape photography is a genre for all times and seasons We often fall into the trap of believing that good photography is only possible during the golden hours, possibly extending to blue hour, but certainly to be avoided in the midday hours or in dull, flat weather conditions. And many believe that autumn, with its abundance of colour, is the optimal season for photography. Not so with everyday landscape photography, as the purpose is to photograph everyday subjects in normal conditions. If the weather is dull and overcast, we want to convey this mood and atmosphere in our image. Everyday landscapes do not always provide ideal conditions, but we can find ways to compromise and make the most of the conditions we do have. By working in less-than-ideal conditions we get to make creative choices such as, should I include the sky to provide drama and mood to the scene or should I eliminate the sky if it is too bright and only serving to draw the viewer’s eye away from the main subject? Everyday landscape photography gives us more scope for our photography and fewer excuses not to get out with our camera. I had driven down this country road many times, yet a walk with my camera revealed much potential for making images. 4.   Everyday landscape photography gives you an opportunity to improve your photography skills One of the best ways to improve your photography is to take photos – often! Everyday landscape photography gives us an opportunity to get out on a regular basis and gives us more opportunities to practise our photography skills. We can use our time to experiment with different focal lengths, to work on depth of field and motion blur using aperture and shutter speed, to perfect our compositions and to really get to know all that our camera can do. Getting out with our camera on a regular basis gives us an opportunity to seek out subjects that we like to photograph and experiment with how to represent these subjects in a photograph. We learn about our own taste and preferences, find out about our style and what we enjoy, and discover new directions in which to take our photography. Since there is an abundance of subjects and potential images available, we have the freedom to experiment without undue expectations. 5.   Everyday landscape photography encourages you to get outdoors often Research constantly reminds us of the benefits of spending time outdoors, particularly time in nature. Everyday landscape photography brings ample opportunities to get out with our camera and enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors. As we wander in our local environment, we can begin to de-stress and our problems seem smaller and more manageable. In quiet environments we can breathe fresh air and take time to be present in the moment. There is something very relaxing about strolling in nature, feeling no pressure to produce good images, having the freedom to create a photograph just because you want to. There are many benefits to getting out with your camera in your local environment and just enjoying making photographs. If you don't already do everyday landscape photography, why not give it a try?

A combination of stormy weather and a busy home schedule, which included new-puppy training, have meant that I haven’t been able to get out with my camera very often over the last few weeks. I hope to remedy this situation very soon but in the meantime I have been keen to keep an ongoing interest in my photography. How to do this without being out taking photographs was the dilemma. I didn’t want to watch too many YouTube videos, as they just give me a yearning to be out with my camera. I did make some images close to home, but inspiration quickly dried up. I spent some time working on my website, which is always productive. But it was a Google notification on my phone, reminding me of ‘on this day’ photographs from recent years, that gave me an idea - why not re-visit some old photographs and analyse them with the benefit of increased knowledge and experience? Would any of them be better than I originally thought? If not, would some additional editing improve them in any way? Would I find a gem I had overlooked? Hardly likely, but worth a try. Since it was February, I decided to start with my February folders of the last few years. I wanted to pick three images from each of the previous five years that I would bring into Lightroom for a re-evaluation. From there, I planned to choose three images that would go into a new ‘Best of February’ folder, to be added to in coming years. Below are some ‘re-vamped’ images: I remember watching this woman feeding the birds and I took a few images. I like the overall composition but I consider the image to be too busy. I would prefer a simpler image, such as an image of the woman feeding a single swan, though that may not have been possible! Since I took this photograph I have learned about long exposure. Today I would try a different shutter speed to smooth out the water. At the time of taking this photograph I was working on composition and using different perspectives. I like this image although today I would consider it to be a little unbalanced in terms of composition. This was one of my first attempts at ICM (intentional camera movement). I was pleased with it at the time. Although this is a JPEG, and there wasn't much I could do in post-processing, it does reflect one of the themes that I like to capture to this day - old buildings - and a subject that I still love - boats.  This exercise was well worth doing for a few reasons: 1.    I realised that my photography, in terms of composition and exposure, has definitely improved over the last few years. I mainly shoot in RAW rather than JPEG so I have more information to work with in post-processing. 2.    I discovered that I do have some images from the past that I quite like and it’s worth re-editing them. 3.    It is a good learning exercise and I have noticed many mistakes that I used to make that I can rectify in the future.   I also resurrected some forgotten images that I made using Adobe PaintCan, an app which I played around with occasionally. Why not look at some of your older images? You may find a hidden gem, and at the very least you will see the improvement you have made in your photography.

We all experience times when our photography experience becomes flat and uninspiring, and our creative spark has all but died out. We might not be getting out with our camera as often as we would like due to adverse weather conditions, family, work or life commitments, or simply because we have lost the motivation to go out regularly with our camera. We may feel that we have reached a plateau in our photography, that we are not improving and that our photographs are ‘no good’. We may simply have lost the motivation to take photographs and are finding it hard to find that motivation again. If this applies to you, if you feel that the creative spark is missing in your life, here are 4 tips you might like to try that may help to re-ignite your creative spark, re-invigorate your photography and help you to move forward again. These are all tips that I have tried for myself and found to be successful. #1 Play If the reason for your lack of motivation is that you don’t believe you are improving at photography, then maybe you need to take the focus off the results and take the pressure off yourself to achieve good results. Play, practice, have fun. Don’t worry about the result. Play with camera settings, focal length, composition. Try different apertures and shutter speeds. Look for something new, an unexplored area or subject. I took my camera with me on a winter walk in the countryside. I took a photo of anything that attracted my interest. Doing so has given me many memories of an enjoyable day out. Experiment, make discoveries. The word play is not usually associated with photography yet play can be an important part of your photography journey, and a good way to let your creative-self run free. When we take our camera out to play, we are letting go of expectations; we are experimenting, experiencing the fun of each moment and enjoying our pastime with no pressure to achieve or succeed. Play is freeing, allowing us to make mistakes, to learn by doing, to discover new things and to follow our own interests and desires. When you allow yourself to play with your camera the process becomes more important than the result and the discoveries you make beat anything you’ll read in your camera manual or on any photography tutorial. You’ll learn through experience and have fun while doing so and that is what photography should be about. I often experiment by taking photos of the everyday landscape I see around me. They might not be photos worth sharing but I do enjoy trying new things in photography. #2 Fall in love with your own location We might feel that we need to travel to do good photography, but nothing could be further from the truth. While travelling to a new location will give us a fresh perspective and invigorate our photography, for most of us constant travel is not a possibility. Our own locality can provide all we need in terms of photography opportunities if we change our mind set and begin to explore our surroundings more deeply to discover what is there to be found. This can be especially true if we have a local place where we can be close to nature. My closest photography location is a local park and woodland. I have often gone there when I was lacking in motivation and come away feeling renewed and excited by new photographic opportunities I found there. #3 Shake it up Try a new style, new genre, new location… If you primarily shoot in a wide landscape, try some woodland photography. If you are a rural photographer, try an urban landscape or do some street photography. If you tend to do your photography inland, take a trip to the coast, if that is possible. Hop on a bus, train or take a car trip to another town or village and see what you find there. Or keep it simple and just stay close to home and photograph something that you wouldn’t normally consider photographing. #4 Be cruel to be kind Don’t dwell on the failures, let them go or treat them as valuable learning opportunities. Dwelling on your failures can lead to feelings of inferiority and a sense that you are not improving. When you begin to accept that you will have good photography days and bad photography days, and that not all photographs will be ‘keepers’, you will realise that the ‘failures’ are merely showing you how you need to improve, and it's ok to learn from them and let them go. I took this with my phone camera as I walked past. Something about the gate drew my attention. This is hardly a keeper but I don't regret trying out the composition even though it was a failure. I could return to the location, stand further back and wait for a red car or van to come along. That might provide some balance in the photograph. Or I could scrap it! If you are feeling flat and unmotivated by your photography I hope that at least one of these ideas will help you re-ignite your creative spark. Why not give them a try.

Old style telephone booth in Co. Leitrim When I started photography, I tended to look for big landscapes – mountains, lakes, epic forests, dramatic coastlines or well-known landmarks. I believed that these were the only kind of subjects worth photographing or sharing with others. Two things have changed since then. I now try to take photographs of subjects that I am interested in, and I am not overly concerned about making images that others will like, as I know that there will always be those who like an image and those who don’t. I no longer focus my photographic attention on iconic subjects or honeypot locations. Instead, I often wander down country lanes, stroll through rural villages or spend time in what might be considered unremarkable landscapes, and I make images to document what I see during my time there. The question is, can you create captivating images in unremarkable landscapes? I would venture to say ‘yes’ to this question, for a few reasons.   1.    Unremarkable landscapes give you time to make images that are uniquely yours. They will be images that appeal to you, that you are invested in, that you have an emotional connection to. They will be specially chosen images, not images taken because they happen to be in honeypot locations that everyone photographs, and therefore they will be captivating in their own way.   2.    Unremarkable landscapes force you to stretch your photographic muscles. They are not obviously beautiful or photogenic so you must work harder to find a suitable subject and supporting subject and to create a pleasing composition. But when you find something that resonates with you, there is a great sense of satisfaction in having created something of your own.   A red van might have provided a better pop of colour and provided more interest in a drab environment, but I settled for the only one that came along! 3.    Unremarkable landscapes help you to become more observant as you try to find potential compositions where none are immediately obvious. They give you an opportunity to think about photography, to observe light and weather conditions and to experiment with different compositions.   4.    Unremarkable landscapes enable you to discover, capture and show the beauty of the world in your own unique way, especially when that beauty is hidden in plain sight and un-noticed by most people. I like to create images that show the connection between the human and the natural environment, and there are abundant opportunities to find subjects in what are generally described as mundane landscapes. 5.    In unremarkable landscapes you often come across something interesting and unexpected, such as an abandoned building, a ruin, a subject of historical or geological interest, or an interesting part of the natural landscape such as an ancient tree or uncommon plant. Even old churches and cemeteries can offer interest. These subjects may not attract a lot of photographers but they can provide good photographic potential.   6.    Unremarkable landscapes provide many opportunities to discover new topics, to lean into what appeals to you, and to tell stories that no-one else is telling.   Why not explore some unremarkable landscapes for yourself?

A photograph from my local woodland - one of my favourite places to go with my camera. When I started doing photography and charting my progress in a blog, just over 6 years ago now, both were new departures for me. Yes, I had done photography before. In fact, I have had an interest in photography at different times for most of my life. But this was going to be different. This time I was going to learn photography properly and be consistent with my practice, and I felt that charting my progress while doing so would give me the incentive I needed to keep going. My mission in starting my blog was simple – I wanted to share my journey with others who might be interested; those who were starting photography for the first time, those who were returning to photography after an absence, those who wanted to improve their photography and move on from the basics, or anyone who might be interested in following along on my journey. When I started blogging on my own website, I had no experience of attracting an audience. My only previous experience of blog writing was for a work-related website, and that had an already-established, fairly niche, audience. Although attracting an audience wasn’t my main aim, I did want to reach out beyond my own family and friends. I wanted to appeal to those who were already on, or about to embark on, a similar journey, but I didn’t want to be another ‘Beginner Photography Tips’ type of blog as I didn’t consider myself to be experienced enough or knowledgeable enough to appear as ‘expert’ in any sense. I did want the blog to appeal to those who might find it interesting, or even useful, so I needed my content to reflect that aspiration. With a good idea of my purpose, I set out to introduce my content, based on my own personal experience, to the wider world. As I reflect on my blogging journey and look back over the content I have shared, I realise that my blogs fall into a few broad categories: Sharing Learning Sharing Experience Sharing Inspiration Sharing the Benefits Sharing Enjoyment   SHARING LEARNING One of the main aspects and purposes of my blog is to share my learning with others who are travelling on the same photography journey. They may be a little ahead of me or a little behind, they may be quick learners or need lots of reminders, they may be complete beginners at photography or they may have been doing photography on and off for some time, but whatever their stage these people will be enthusiasts, people with a passion for photography and for what this great hobby can bring to their lives. I would like to think that when these people read about some of the things I have learned along the way, a lightbulb moment may occur, the penny will drop, and they will think, as I often have, ‘Ah, so that’s what I’ve been missing all along!’ Sometimes the right suggestion at the right time can be a turning point on our learning path and I hope that I may have provided some such moments that my readers can benefit from. Some examples of this type of post are: Improve Your Woodland Photography With These 3 Tips What I Learned from My First Attempt at Photographing Fungi Discovering Hidden Gems: The Art of Finding Photographs Everywhere SHARING EXPERIENCE At all times I endeavour to share   my own experience rather than give ‘expert’ advice, as I am not an expert. Any advice I do impart comes from experience in the field, trial and error, learning from mistakes, and from advice I was given which I tried out and found to be valuable. As an example, a post on macro photography was based on my experience of trying out macro and close-up photography in a range of contexts, reporting on the difficulties involved, suggesting some possible solutions and providing some sample images that illustrate the genre. Up Close and Not So Personal...Humble Beginnings at Macro Photography.   (This was my first post on starting macro photography, written in 2019. I had a lot to learn!) Since writing this post I have spent more time doing macro photography, gained more experience and some improvement, and I intend to add further posts as I gain more experience in this genre. These posts will not be expert guides to macro photography and should not be taken as such. They will simply be attempts by a passionate learner to enjoy being out with a camera and macro lens and hopefully, with patience and practice, to improve at what I believe to be a fascinating genre. I love to 'play' with close up photography and share my experience and discoveries. SHARING INSPIRATION One of the best ways to learn is from others whose work inspires you. When you are drawn to the images of another photographer, whether this is from a YouTube video, a book, an exhibition, or from meeting them in person at a class or camera club, it says something about your own taste and style. I have found inspiration from many photographers, and I have shared links to their work on my blog posts as their photography may appeal to my readers also. I think this is a useful way of passing on knowledge and inspiration that I cannot provide but which I know exists and is found in other contexts. I have been inspired by all types of landscape photographers. I have been inspired by street photographers, macro photographers and documentary photographers, and by many others who have a varied and eclectic style of photography. I have been inspired by those who travel for photography and by those who photograph close to home. Often, I am drawn to photographers who stress the importance of the process of photography over the product and who can relate to those who are passionate enthusiasts rather than seeing everyone in terms of their level of competence. Among those who have inspired me are: Kim Grant - Kim has helped me to appreciate taking a mindful approach to photography and using photography to be more observant and more present in each moment. Courtney Victoria - Courtney has a love for woodland photography and particularly for macro photography in the woodland, and I have learned a lot from her entertaining videos. Henry Turner - Henry photographs primarily in rural parts of the north of England, in the Lake District and in Scotland. His approach is very laid-back and his content is relatable to beginners and improvers alike. Henry has a great appreciation for the natural world, for his good fortune at being able to do what he loves full-time, and for his audience who make this possible. Simon Booth - Simon is an accomplished landscape photographer who often focuses on intimate landscapes. He has the great skill of being able to find a composition and create a stunning image where none seems possible. Chris Harvey - Chris is what I tend to call an eclectic photographer. He is equally at home photographing old buildings, machinery or farmhouses, as he is photographing local landscapes. Each of his videos follows a theme which is relevant to most emerging photographers and I love to follow his photography discussions as I find them to be interesting and thought-provoking. Distant Media - Greg produces videos which are relatable to all photographers no matter what their skill level. He offers useful tips, techniques and demonstrates skills that most photographers, particularly beginner photographers, will appreciate and he has a very down-to-earth approach which make his videos enjoyable to watch as well as informative. The Photographic Eye - This channel is hosted by Alex and is largely a chat about an aspect of photography that is of interest to those who prefer the photography process to what camera or lens they might use. Alex Armitage - Alex is a photographer who travels around the US, Canada and Europe, living in his car. He has visited some fascinating locations, created amazing images, and he holds the viewer's interest with his travel tales. Mark Denney - Mark is a US based photographer who provides great information, support and advice for those who are passionate about photography. He goes at a steady pace that is easy to follow, which makes him a great teacher. Some of Mark's videos give editing tips that are among the best I have come across. James Popsys - James is a very popular photographer based in Wales. He has a very unique style and is known for his preference to photograph the relationship between human-made and natural subjects and for exploring human influence on the natural environment. James also constantly emphasises his belief that a photograph should be about something rather than of something. The following names are more well known in the photography world but they always provide useful content that appeals to all levels of photographer: Thomas Heaton Nigel Danson Adam Gibb Mike Chudley (street photographer) Darren J. Spoonley is an Irish photographer who provides inspiration for capturing stunning images in the Irish landscape, as well as producing photography guides for the best photographic locations. Each year Darren generously highlights some of the upcoming or lesser known photographers whose work has impressed him during the previous year. This is an invaluable source for anyone who is looking for new inspiration for their photography. All of these photographers present their content either through video, social media, website, regular newsletter or other print media, in-person workshops, photography groups, or a combination of these. They all offer genuine support and advice to others and they endeavour to provide photography related opinions and discussions that are authentic, useful and informative and that will enhance the photography development of their viewers. They can all be found through a YouTube search. SHARING THE BENEFITS One of the most positive outcomes of my photography journey has been the additional benefits that it has brought to my life in terms of general wellbeing. I was excited about sharing several posts on this topic as these benefits are available to everyone, even if we don’t improve very much at photography and only use a basic camera or phone to take pictures. The main thing is to get outdoors, to do something we feel passionate about, and to allow our passion to increase our mindfulness and our awareness of the world around us. Spending time with our camera can enable us to become fully absorbed in an enjoyable activity and to get a welcome break from the cares of daily life. As an outdoor photographer, going out with my camera is my number one way to relieve stress, to re-charge my batteries and to relax in the moment. I hope that photography can provide some of these benefits for my readers too. Some of my posts on this topic include: Why Photography is Good For Your Wellbeing How Can Being Curious Support our Wellbeing? 10 Benefits of Taking a Mindful Approach to Photography Benefits of photography Doing Photography in Nature Has Benefits for Mind and Body What Makes Photography So Rewarding? How Photography Can Help You To Become More Mindful Many more posts on these topics can be found using a website keyword search. SHARING ENJOYMENT This is probably my favourite aspect of sharing my photography journey – sharing my passion for and enjoyment of this wonderful pastime. As I have discovered and have been told often by others whose work I admire, photography is not just about the image - it is also about the journey of discovery, the stories we tell through our images, the connections we make between ourselves and the subjects we choose to photograph. It is about the experience, the emotions that are evoked, the sheer enjoyment of holding a camera in our hand, looking through a lens, and making an image of something that draws our eye and captures our attention. I hope that I have been able to convey this enjoyment through my blog posts and that I will continue to do so as I travel forward on my photography journey.

“The trees encountered on a country stroll Reveal a lot about that country’s soul... A culture is no better than its woods.” ― W.H.Auden When I look back over my image catalogue I notice that the most common subject I have photographed is trees. This doesn't surprise me as I love trees and I think they make great photography subjects. Trees make great subjects because: (a) They wait patiently for you to come along with your camera to take their picture (b) They are constantly changing, offering a great diversity of image possibilities (c) They give the photographer a combination of different components, perspectives, angles, shapes and textures leading to countless interesting compositions (d) They provide interesting 'tree characters' to photograph. That is not to say that trees are easy to photograph. In fact the opposite is often true and no matter how majestic a tree may appear it can be difficult to isolate and use to create a pleasing image. Despite the difficulties involved in creating good tree images it is worth persevering with these wonderful subjects and by experimenting, careful composition and using a range of perspectives and angles we can often come home with images to be proud of. I have picked some of my recent tree images that I think are worth sharing. Do you agree? I am very fortunate to live close to a mature woodland that provides me with many photographic opportunities. I hope that some day I will really do them justice. Meanwhile I will reap the benefits of walking among these ancient characters. “Ancient trees are precious. There is little else on Earth that plays host to such a rich community of life within a single living organism.” — Sir David Attenborough

Lough Rynn Castle I recently visited Lough Rynn Castle hotel and estate in Co. Leitrim, Ireland. Although the weather was dull and damp I did manage to get out to do some photography in this picturesque location. A brief history of Lough Rynn Castle In 1795, an Englishman, Robert Clements, became the first Earl of Leitrim.  Nathaniel Clements, who owned lands in neighbouring Co. Cavan, acquired the Lough Rynn estate in 1750 and became the second Earl of Leitrim, although he continued living on his lands in Cavan. In 1833 Nathaniel Clements' son, Robert Bermingham , built a house in county Leitrim, on the shores of Lough Rynn. This house became the residence of the Clements family and the basis for what became Lough Rynn castle. William Clements became the third 3rd Earl of Leitrim in 1854, inheriting a massive 90,000 acre estate. His attitude to his tenants was very different to the first two earls and by the 1870s he had become the most infamous landlord in Ireland. In 1878 he was ambushed and killed in Co. Donegal. Lough Rynn castle remained in the ownership of the Clements family and was extended and refurbished. Members of the Clements family remained in residence until 1970 although by then much of the land had been sold off to former tenants. In 2001, Lough Rynn estate was purchased by the current owners, the Hanly family. They invested substantially in the house and adjoining estate. In September 2006 Lough Rynn Castle opened as a hotel. The hotel sits on a three-hundred-acre estate, which includes a walled garden, nature trails, a boathouse, and numerous ancient trees including a four-hundred-year-old oak tree. The walled garden was originally constructed between 1855 and 1860 and was re-opened in 2008, by which time Lough Rynn Castle's walled garden had become the largest privately owned walled garden in Ireland. Inside the hotel, the dry stores room of the original castle has become home to the John McGahern library. McGahern was a well known Irish writer, and one of county Leitrim's most famous sons. Although his literary output was small, McGahern won many awards for his work. After his death, his obituary published in The Guardian hailed him as "arguably the most important Irish novelist since Samuel Beckett". The library in Lough Rynn holds the highly esteemed novels of John McGahern, including a collection of first editions displayed in a glass cabinet. Some images of the castle and grounds My time at Lough Rynn was limited and the weather was not conducive to photography so I hope to return at another time to explore the grounds further. Here are some of the images I made during this brief visit, all taken with my Google Pixel 7 pro. Walking trail around the estate Views of the Castle The vast grounds of Lough Rynn castle invite you to make many return visits to explore them in all seasons. I enjoyed my short visit to Lough Rynn Castle hotel and estate, strolling through the grounds on a winter morning, experiencing the sense of history to be found there, savouring the excellent food on offer and relaxing after my walk in front of a real log fire. For a more complete history of the castle and some suggestions of the many things to do in the area, you can visit History of Lough Rynn | Hotels In Leitrim | Lough Rynn Castle .

A celebration of little things! For my first photography assignment of the year I decided to try my hand at close up photography, mainly so that I’ll be ready to capture those little bugs when they appear with the change of season. I don’t own a macro lens and at the moment don’t intend to spend the 300 or so euros needed to buy one, so I took the cheaper option and bought some macro filters. These came in a four pack of x1, x2, x4 and x10 magnification lens filters. I made a start in my own back garden and met with varying degrees of success, ranging from a close up but blurry image, to a sharp image that wasn’t quite ‘close up’. I was soon to realise some of the issues that arise with macro photography. For a start there is the focusing issue, which will take time and practice to master, but an even greater problem is that of camera shake. The closer I came to my subject the more camera shake I experienced, resulting in an image like the one below. I will have to consider investing in a tripod for future macro work! The photographs below were taken in my garden on a calm January day after a rain shower. Raindrops keep falling… What I particularly like about close-up photography is that it doesn’t involve travelling to find a beautiful landscape or an interesting view. In close up photography the interest is in the tiny detail and creative images can be produced in ordinary places. Even a close up of raindrops on a leaf can make for a stunning image if captured properly! Macro photography, where the subject is reproduced at its actual size, can produce even more detail and more interesting images. There is something magical about seeing a tiny part of a subject and playing around with different options instead of focusing on the whole subject. It is akin to being let loose in a small world, and that’s the fun part. It also involves lots of movement, getting in close, moving out, finding the best focus, and often finding something unexpected or finding something in an unexpected place. This garden ornament in a friend’s garden provided another opportunity to get up close. I will use close up photography as a way to learn more about photography in general - about timing, focusing, avoiding camera shake and working with a scene to get some dynamic images. With some luck I'll have learned some of the skills necessary to start shooting bugs and insects later in the year. In the first of these images the flower was in focus, while in the second the leaf was the main focus. I realise how much of the small stuff we miss as we hurry around every day; raindrops on leaves after a shower, little flowers surviving through the winter, the beautiful patterns of decaying plants. Even dead plants have their beauty! Why not give close-up or macro photography a try? You might enjoy it.

Recently I watched a video presented by UK based photographer and filmmaker, Rick Bebbington (link below). In this video Rick suggested that there is only one rule that photographers should pay attention to, and that if we don’t pay attention to this rule, we are unlikely to take a good photograph. Before naming this rule, Rick discussed common photography rules and gave examples of how they can be used in various scenarios to give the best results. However, he goes on to claim that there really is only one ‘rule’ that needs to be applied throughout photography and that is to ask yourself, every time you are taking a photo, ‘Is it interesting?’ This question resonates with me as I believe that if I take a photo that I don’t find interesting I won’t want to share it or even keep it, so it is important for me to feel drawn to a scene or subject before making an image. If my own attention is drawn to a subject I believe that I am more likely to attract the attention of others also. One way I try to apply this principle is to go a step further and as well as asking myself, ‘Is it interesting?’   I ask myself, ‘What is it that makes this scene or subject interesting to me? What is drawing my attention?’   If I can name exactly what I am drawn to I believe it helps me to make a more appealing image. So, what is it that draws my attention in photography?   It could be: A balanced composition   A compelling subject Good light Something unusual A different angle or perspective A splash of colour   In each of the following images I try to explain what it is that makes it interesting to me. I think that three objects make for a good composition. As well as the autumn colour in this image it is the placement of the three trees, and the sense of balance that creates, that makes the image interesting to me. I am always attracted to good light, especially when there is contrast in the image between light and shadow. I am often drawn to something unusual. In this image the tree resembles an animal-like character and I think it adds interest to the image. Taking a different perspective, such as photographing the intimate landscape, can provide interest in a photograph. Finding a splash of colour in a dark background can often help create an interesting image. * There are many ways to enhance your photography by creating an interesting image. How do you answer the question, Is it interesting? in relation to your photography? For inspiration from a professional photographer, check out Rick Bebbington's video below The Only Rule Photographers Should Pay Attention To Rick Bebbington

Following the abundance of photographic opportunities offered by autumn this year, photographers could be forgiven for thinking that winter might be a lean period for capturing any decent photographs. As a season, it lacks the vivid colour of autumn and it is a quieter, more restful season that can appear to offer very few photographic opportunities. This is why a change of mindset is necessary in winter. Opportunities are there, we just need to be open to them. We should explore the possibilities that winter offers, uncover the new opportunities it presents and embrace the challenge of braving the cold and dreary conditions to see what we can create in a season that has its own unique magic. Here are some suggestions and ideas for winter photography: Seize the Light Whenever Possible Maximise Winter Weather Opportunities Highlight Winter Trees Capture Winter Festivals in Photos Take Advantage of a Recent Rain Shower Search for Winter Colour Winter is not a season we tend to associate with colour. After the lush vibrant colours of summer and the abundance of rustic autumn hues, winter can seem dull and dreary, devoid of any colour and lacking in light. Many believe that colour and light can influence mood. That is, being in the presence of warmer colours can help us to feel better than when we are surrounded by dull, grey colours. Winter is traditionally a dull, grey season so it makes sense to seek out some warm, bright colours to brighten our mood. And there are always colours to be found, even in winter, if we look for them. WInter is often the best time to see the sky light up in colour. I love being there to see it. Opportunities will present themselves in every season. All you need to do is be observant, keep an open mind and be ready to create when opportunities arrive. Why not get out with your camera today and enjoy some winter photography.

Each year I like to look through my photos of the past year to choose my favourite images. This exercise helps me to critique my images and discover what I like and dislike about them, what I would do differently and how I might improve in the future. I have categorised my choice to include samples from different seasons, several locations, multiple genres and a range of styles. The images are representative of my work throughout the year rather than samples of my best images, which would be a very subjective choice. I hope you like 15 Favourite Photos I took these two images in Vila Real, Portugal. I loved to leave the main thoroughfare, with it's shops, bars and tourists, and find some images off the beaten track. These two images represent this preference. During the past year I have been drawn to images in the intimate landscape, rather than wider landscape photography. This area yields countless photographic opportunities and has given me many enjoyable hours of photography. We had a particularly mild autumn this year in Ireland so the season provided an abundance of colour. I was drawn to this abundance and made many autumn images, including many involving leading lines through the forest! This was the year I decided not to tie myself to any particular niche or genre and to take pictures of things that interested me. I followed my curiosity and made images of things I was drawn to, regardless of whether they were images that others would take. I think this has given me a great sense of freedom in my photography and has enhanced my enjoyment as I am doing photography for myself, enjoying the process and not worrying about the final product or whether others will like my images. I experimented a lot with macro and close-up photography this year. I know I have a long way to go to succeed at this genre but it's been a fun journey of learning and discovery. I even made a first attempt at photographing fungi! Although I love spending time by the sea, I find coastal photography to be difficult. I include this image because it evokes a feeling and it captures the character of the sea on this particular day. It won't win any awards, but it doesn't have to. I like it. During the year I tried to make more pictures that tell a story. Here, I had walked to the end of the beach in Monto Gordo, Portugal, when I came across a team of fisherman landing their catch. I watched them bring their boats ashore and I think this photograph sums up the experience.