In today’s world the human race may be more technologically advanced than at any other time in history but we are also reporting an increase in stress-related illnesses due to the pressures and increased demands of modern living. For this reason, there has been much research into ways to combat stress and to live a more fulfilled life. There has been a rise in popularity of approaches such as that of positive psychology which looks at what is going right with people, and research is based on how to use this information to produce a set of science-based tools which can be used to help people develop coping skills, increase their overall wellbeing and to flourish in life. The positive living approach recognises that our mindset and attitude affect our physical and mental wellbeing and offers steps we can take to develop a positive mindset and attitude to life. These include: ·      Taking regular exercise ·      Spending time away from screens and gadgets, preferably in nature ·      Developing mindfulness – being present in the moment (paying attention) ·      Having a purpose ·      Being curious ·      Developing creativity ·      Having a hobby or pastime How Does Photography Support Positive Living? Photography seems to support the positive living approach in numerous ways. For those of us who do photography for pleasure rather than for a living it is a hobby that is meaningful, engaging, creative, enjoyable and fulfilling. Regardless of the type of photography we do, it gets us out into the great outdoors and is an excellent way to take regular exercise  and spend time in nature and away from screens and gadgets. As we spend time out with our camera we are paying attention, observing, and being present in the moment. This encourages us to develop a mindful  approach which can carry over to other aspects of our lives. Photography gives us a purpose . It gives us a reason to learn new skills, to keep mentally and physically alert and to embark on a journey of lifelong learning. As we document our days we discover meaning and purpose in the activities we engage in. Being curious , have an enquiring mind and developing creativity  are all activities that support our health and wellbeing, particularly as we age. Photography gives us opportunities to engage in these life-giving activities. FINAL THOUGHTS Health of body and mind should be a priority for all of us, regardless of age. Photography is an ideal support for our health journey as it can be practised by people of all ages, it appeals to all skill levels and it can be as serious or as easy-going as we want it to be. If you are not already convinced by the importance of this great activity, I hope these ideas will give you some food for thought and hopefully help you support your health along the way.

Recently, a friend asked me what the point of my photography blog is. The question set me thinking about why I continue to write and publish my blog each week. I came up with two main answers. (a) It could be because I love writing and because writing helps me to clarify my thoughts and understand myself a bit more. If that’s the reason, why not simply keep a journal? (b) It could be because I want to share my thoughts with a wider audience. If that's the reason, why do I not try to grow my blog so that I reach a greater number of readers?   I’m going to consider the arguments relating to both answers.   1.  If it’s writing I enjoy, why don’t I simply keep a journal? My original reason for choosing to write a blog and publish it online was that, as well as clarifying my thoughts and discussing topics related to photography, I wanted to share my photography journey with others who might be starting out on their own photography journey or those who were thinking of starting this wonderful hobby. I wanted to share my experiences as a beginner.  I wanted to share the highs and lows, the things I learned, the difficulties I encountered and the discoveries I would make along the way. As my journey progressed, I continued my blog as I wanted to share how photography was encouraging me to get out into nature, to get more exercise and to enjoy the great outdoors. I wanted to share how photography was helping me to become more attentive to my surroundings, more observant, more in tune with others, with the natural world and with myself. I wanted to share how photography became my way to relax and unwind, how it has helped me to slow down and become more mindful. I am not a professional photographer, and never will be, so I wanted my suggestions to be straight forward and jargon-free. I hoped they would appeal to beginners and, as I progressed, to intermediate photographers also. Part of my aim with my blog has been to introduce the work of other photographers and build on their advice where it has resonated with me. I hope that this has resonated with others too. My reason for writing a blog is because I want to share my thoughts and aspects of my journey with a wider audience and that is not possible with a personal journal. This answer brings me to address the second point. 2.   Why do I not try to grow my blog so that I reach a greater number of readers? My honest answer is that I know very little about growing a blog. I don’t understand the workings of SEO or how to optimise my site to be found on Google. And this is not where my interest lies. My interest lies in creating content and I did do an online course to understand the basics of attracting readers through creating good content. I learned some useful tips on this course which I continue to make use of. My readership has increased steadily although it is by no means a large readership. Yet chasing numbers is not the primary purpose of my blog. What I hope for is to see people finding something that is of value to them and hopefully making a return visit. I believe that this will happen naturally if I continue to put out content that is real and genuine. Through this content I would like to inspire others to enjoy photography and to discover the great benefits it can bring to our lives. My blog is primarily about sharing my photography journey. FINAL THOUGHTS I hope I have succeeded in explaining what I consider to be the point of my photography blog. It is a very rewarding experience which you might like to try for yourself.

Most of us will come to a stage when our enthusiasm for our photography wanes and we lack the motivation to get out and take photographs. Some people refer to this as being in a photography slump  or a creative rut . I recently saw the term photography plateau  being used and I thought it was a good way to describe the feeling that your photography has become a bit flat and lacking in new ideas. In previous posts I have given some suggestions that might help breathe new life into your photography when you reach a plateau. These include trying a different genre, using a creative technique such as ICM, shooting in monochrome, using one focal length for a set period of time, giving yourself a challenge, taking on a project or working on a theme. However, sometimes I have tried all of the suggestions above and despite my best efforts the long, dreary winter takes it’s toll on my photography and I seem to stay on the plateau for longer than I want to. This prompts me to think a bit deeper and consider what I need to do to get my photography moving again and sustain my progress until nature and weather conditions provide better opportunities. After a few months of doing landscape photography in very poor weather conditions I reached a plateau where I felt I needed to make a change to get back my enthusiasm. I decided to go into Dublin on the eve of St.Patrick’s Day national holiday to see if I could get some different photographs. The combination of lots of people, a carnival atmosphere and colourful costumes meant that I had plenty to see and I enjoyed my day of something different. HOW TO OVERCOME A PHOTOGRAPHY PLATEAU I have identified 3 practices that I fall back on at times when motivation may be low. Practice #1 Develop the Art of Noticing One thing I always do when I reach a photography plateau is to take a break. I don't mean a break from photography but a break from the pressure to find good photographs. It is a pressure I place on myself as I don’t want to go out with my camera and feel disappointed by a lack of success. Yet it can spoil my enjoyment of photography and result in my photography experience becoming flat and uninspiring. My break usually involves going out to walk and observe, sometimes with a camera but mostly without. As I go slowly and take in my surroundings I notice things I hadn’t noticed before. In the woodland or on country lanes I notice the patterns on tree bark or tiny flowers hiding from sight. I notice a splash of colour among the green or an unusual shape in the tree branches. I notice patterns and shapes and textures that I normally miss. Along the coast I notice interesting seaweed shapes or water patterns, while on the streets my interest is ignited by the animated interactions among people. By closely observing those around me I can notice facial expressions and hand gestures that may disappear in a moment. One of the greatest revelations to me has been noticing the ever-changing sky above me, something I hardly noticed in the past. I have now witnessed dark, brooding skies, vibrant red skies, skies with fluffy white clouds or light wispy clouds. I have seen stunning sunrises and amazing sunsets. I have looked in awe on dull, grey days as a parting in the clouds allowed a small sunbeam to light up my surroundings. And every day there is something different to notice in earth's amazing canopy. By observation and being curious I have begun to notice things that others miss and this is an essential ingredient in making unique and individual images. Developing the art of noticing has been a way for me to renew interest in my photography whenever I have reached a photography plateau and it is a skill worth developing for all photographers. Practice #2 Develop the Art of Compromise Sometimes my photography plateau comes as a result of having high expectations. I have my choice of lenses, opportunities to capture good subjects and a range of different locations to visit yet I can become frustrated when I don’t make the most of these opportunities. I can become blinded by choice so my solution has been to limit my options and learn to accept compromises. This gives me a challenge as well as being an important skill for photographers since we must regularly accept compromises due to many conditions which we can’t control. Recently I spent several outings with just my 30mm prime lens. It has macro capabilities but also doubles as a fixed focal length general lens. Initially I missed the fact that my regular companion, a telephoto lens, can produce images in many different scenarios while I was confined by the fixed focal length of this lens, but I learned to accept the limitations imposed by the lens and enjoy what I could capture. I believe this was also an important skill to develop which will prove to be beneficial to my photography. Practice #3 Develop the Art of Appreciation When I go out to a woodland on a dull, grey morning the opportunities for photography are limited. Yet often the birds are singing, there’s a stillness or a gentle breeze in the air and I feel fortunate to be able to experience all that is around me. Sometimes I come away with a photograph, sometimes I don’t, but it’s not the most important thing. When I develop the art of appreciation it helps me to feel grateful for being out with my camera, getting exercise and fresh air, being immersed in the natural world and knowing that if I don’t get a photograph on this occasion it’s still a great occasion on which to be a photographer. And I am always learning and improving my skill. FINAL THOUGHTS The practices I have mentioned above can be of benefit when you reach a photography plateau as they take the emphasis off any lack in motivation and put the focus on more general practices that can help you sustain momentum over a longer time. I hope they can help if you  experience a plateau in your own photography.

Flowers make great photography subjects because of their vibrant colours, varied shapes, diverse textures and because of the intricate details you can capture in this captivating genre. In addition, flowers are in abundance during spring and summer as well as being free and easy to access. When doing flower photography we can often be satisfied with capturing the standard flower shot, but flower photography has so much more to offer than that which a regular snapshot will produce. To get the most from our flower photography we must be prepared to put some thought into our equipment, our camera settings, our composition and our shooting techniques. There are many photography guides that will give you expert advice on the best camera, lens, aperture and various accessories to use for flower photography, if this is what you require. I am simply offering 12 techniques I have used to improve my flower photography, with images to illustrate each technique. I hope they give you some inspiration. 12 ESSENTIAL TECHNIQUES FOR STUNNING FLOWER PHOTOGRAPHY Get to know your subjects: Becoming familiar with your location and with the subject whose image you want to capture is an important part of every photography genre, and flower photography is no exception. Spend time observing flowers. Get to know where and how they grow, become familiar with the different stages of their growth, admire their variety of size, shape, colour and texture. If you spend time with your subjects, observing their beauty, they will begin to reveal much more than is visible with just a cursory glance and they will repay you with more stunning images. 2. Vary your composition and shooting angle: Most flowers are low growing so by getting close to their level you can get a more natural and intimate perspective. Kneeling or lying on the ground gives you a good vantage point from which to shoot and helps to separate the subject from the background. If you use a tripod try one with low level capability, or you may like to use a beanbag to support your camera when shooting at ground level. As well as shooting up from the bottom of the flower, another option is to shoot down from above. This works well when shooting a flat flower. You can shoot the whole flower, zone in on a part of the flower, keep part of the stem in the picture or focus solely on the petals. Don't forget to shoot the back of the flower as well as the front as this will show the flower in a unique way You can fill the frame with the flower or move back and include surrounding details to tell a story with your image. The main point is - vary your shooting style and composition to create the most interesting images. 3. Check your background: Background can make the difference between having a compelling flower image that the viewer will linger over and having a cluttered image with no obvious focal point. If the background is cluttered, has too many competing colours or includes random objects such as twigs or other plants, there will be no clear contrast between subject and background and the subject will not stand out. Move around and position your camera to ensure that your background is relatively plain to avoid detracting from the subject. Alternatively, use a wide aperture to create a pleasing background bokeh. 4. Get closer with a macro lens: I must admit that the purchase of a relatively cheap macro lens has elevated my flower photography, as well as increasing my enjoyment of the genre. I no longer have to settle for capturing flowers from a few feet away but can get closer to each flower to create more unique and interesting images. I can focus on tiny details that cannot be seen from a more distant viewpoint. However, a dedicated macro lens is not essential for good flower photography. Some magnifying filters will give you an opportunity to get closer to the flower and while you will lose some image quality you will get to experiment with closer compositions. 5. Keep a part of your flower sharp: The closer we get to our subject the more difficult it becomes to keep all of the image in focus. While a soft image is acceptable in macro photography, it is important that at least part of the image is sharply in focus so that the viewer has somewhere to look. Without a definite anchor point for the eye to land on the viewer will quickly move away. 6. Try ICM: ICM (intentional camera movement) provides a creative alternative to the standard flower image. Flowers are an ideal subject for ICM because of their vibrant colours, often found in near proximity to each other. Almost any type of lens can be used to create beautiful ICM flower photography, and you can experiment with different lenses and various shutter speeds to get the effect you are looking for. One simple technique is to use a telephoto lens (a kit lens is fine) and turn the zoom lens as you press the shutter button, providing a burst of colour. You may need to keep trying until you get the hang of this technique but the results make the effort well worthwhile. 7. Choose the right light: Flower photography is best practised in soft, diffused light. Morning and evening light are best for getting the best flower images, and a cloudy day will also work as the clouds will provide a soft box to diffuse the light. Harsh midday sun is not conducive to good flower photography as it creates harsh shadows and leaves while spots of light on the petals. 8. Use a shallow depth of field: A shallow depth of field can take care of unwanted distractions in the background of your image and this technique also provides a beautiful aesthetic to your images in the form of background bokeh. The best bokeh effect is created by using a wide aperture (below f5.6) and putting some distance between your subject and its background. It is important to note that lenses differ in the type of bokeh they produce, with faster lenses producing a more pleasing bokeh, although even this can be subjective and a matter of individual taste. Personally, I like the bokeh effect in flower photography. 9. Use backlight for effect: Positioning a flower between the camera and a light source, such as the sun, produces another unique viewpoint in flower photography. The flower subject is backlit and becomes almost translucent. While not how you want to view flowers all the time, using this technique occasionally can add something extra to an otherwise regular looking flower image. 10. Go out after a rain shower: Flowers take on a wholly magical look when their petals glisten with raindrops after a shower which makes this a great time to photograph them. In this instance it is important to get as close as you can to capture the raindrops on the surface of a flower or hanging from the tip of a petal. As well as giving you an opportunity to capture raindrops on petals, a recent shower brings out the saturation of the colours of the flowers and helps you create more vibrant flower images. 11. Tell a story with a wider view: This might seem to be a contradiction of the advice to 'get closer' to your subjects in flower photography, but sometimes a large patch of colourful flowers can look compelling, particularly if you include some other elements to provide a context. While some photographers might consider this approach to be closer to a snapshot than a flower photography image, it can still result in a pleasing composition and it tells a story of the place. If telling a story with flower images is something you like to do, which I do from time to time, then I say go for it! 12 . Edit your images: The art of post processing is an important part of flower photography, in my opinion. As in all types of photography, flower shots will come out of camera looking flat and de-saturated, especially if you shoot in raw. A few adjustments to exposure, contrast, texture, vibrance and clarity, as well as raising shadows and reducing highlights, can make a world of difference to your image, but you don't have to stop there and you can get as creative as you wish with post processing. Alternatively, if you don't wish to spend time editing your photos, a quick click of the 'auto' tab in a program such as lightroom is often all that is needed to transform your image from flat and dull to alive and vibrant.   FINAL THOUGHTS Flower photography is an interesting, challenging, enjoyable and rewarding form of photography. With some basic equipment, a little bit of imagination and a lot of patience you could soon be producing stunning flower images. If you haven't already given flower photography a try then I hope I have given you some ideas that will pique your interest and help get you started on what could be a wonderful photography adventure. Why not make a start today?

Most of us don’t aim to fail at what we do. We don’t usually plan for failure or celebrate failure yet failure often comes our way. As children we were taught to cope with inevitable failure, to embrace failure as part of the learning process. But in reality that didn’t always make failure any sweeter. We still hoped for success and failure was inevitably a disappointment. I am going to suggest that in photography we discover that failure is not always something negative. In fact, in photography, failure can be turned into success. Here are 5 reasons why embracing failure can improve your photography skills. You will probably think of many more.   1.   FAILURE PROVIDES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Failure presents us with learning opportunities. It gives us a chance to notice where we have gone wrong and to rectify our mistake next time. There’s a saying, ‘failure is our best teacher'. In photography it’s true. 2.   FAILURE ENCOURAGES COMMITMENT AND INCENTIVE TO IMPROVE Failure can prompt us to decide we're no good, we'll never make a photographer, we might as well give up now, OR failure can bring out our determination, our commitment to our craft, our dedication to improving our skills and to not letting initial failure define our future as photographers. 3.   FAILURE DEVELOPS OUR ABILITY TO SELF-CRITIQUE Rather than see our ‘failures' as disasters, we can turn them into opportunities to hone our self-critiquing skills. We can examine our images to see what we have done right as well as what we have done wrong and use the information to make adjustments next time we are taking photos. We might find that there is a commonly occurring mistake – Do we always over expose? Do our images often lack a clear subject? Do we get our compositions wrong? By examining our work in this way we can gain valuable information that will help us move on in our photography journey. 4.   FAILURE ALLOWS US TO BECOME MORE DISCERNING Seeing some of our images as failures may ultimately be a good thing. It shows that we are not easily pleased, that we are not happy to just produce any old image, that we want to aim to create the best image that we can create. As we begin to create more and more images we will more easily accept the failures for what they are, part of the process, and become willing to discard them and move on. 5.   FAILURE POINTS TO OUR FUTURE SUCCESSES We can often be our own worst critics. We can sometimes see failure where another might see success, or at least they might see the potential for success. That’s why it’s worth taking a chance with some images and not discarding them immediately. Ask yourself, is there anything I like about the image? Could some editing help? Should I save it and look at it again with fresh eyes? I have often looked back at older images, taken them into lightroom, made some adjustments and realised they weren’t as bad as I had initially thought. Your future self might thank you when you find a hidden gem that you once dismissed as a failure! FINAL THOUGHTS It can be disheartening to come home with a set of images and realise that we don’t like many, if any of them. It has happened to me many times. But failure really is just part of the process in photography. It doesn’t mean that we are failing as photographers, just that some of our images do not reach our own high standards. We can learn to live with our failures, even embrace them and turn them into successes. And remember, even if our photographs don’t come up to scratch on any given day we still reap the benefits of being out with our camera, getting fresh air and exercise, observing the world around us and having fun capturing some images. You might like to watch this video from Irish photographer Darren J Spoonley called, 8 BEGINNER MISTAKES TO AVOID IN YOUR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY Darren’s video is an enjoyable presentation with well described tips for avoiding common photography mistakes. I hope you enjoy it.

Storytelling in photography refers to 'the art of telling compelling and captivating stories through photography'. Storytelling through photography, also called narrative photography, gets the viewer involved in the photo, it gets them thinking about what is happening and wondering about what the photographer is attempting to convey. Storytelling engages the imagination of the viewer and often elicits an emotional response to the image. I like to make an effort to engage the viewer through my images and when I visit a new place I love to capture images that tell a story of the place and bring that story to the attention of an audience. Sometimes this will be a single image, other times it will be a series of images. Here are some tips for improving your narrative photography: 1.Be aware of the story you wish to tell When it comes to telling a story with your photography it is important to plan your story in advance as this will help you order your ideas and capture more effective images. However, planning ahead may not always be possible and often, when you unexpectedly encounter an interesting subject or scene, you may immediately see the potential for storytelling. Even in this scenario, having an idea of the story you wish to convey will help you to find the images that accurately tell that story and help the viewer interpret the story that you want to tell. During a recent street festival I was looking for an image that suggested an ongoing performance rather than show the actual performance. I think this image conveys the story well. 2. Engage emotionally with your subject The best way to encourage your audience to engage emotionally with your image is to photograph subjects which resonate with your own emotions at the time of capture. When your eye is drawn to a certain subject you can try to tune in to what exactly attracted you to that subject and the way in which a story is conveyed to you. Taking the boat out 3. Caption your images Providing a brief caption with your image will guide viewers in the right direction and encourage them to look more closely at the image than they may have otherwise done. The morning after... 4 . Support your narrative You will be more likely to capture the imagination of your viewers if you give them something different, something interesting and engaging. A multi-faceted image - an image which includes detail and a variety of elements - will be more effective in conveying a narrative than a single subject. Try to enhance the main feature of the story by incorporating as much supporting detail as you can. Colour, light, shadow, contrast and tone can be used to create mood, while a good composition will draw the viewer's attention to the main subject and is key to creating a successful story. An image such as this one allows the viewer's eye to wander around the scene 5. Be clear and simple While adding some supporting detail to your subject will enhance your narrative, including too much detail may have the opposite effect. A cluttered image will deflect from the main subject, leave the viewer uncertain what to look at, and detract from the overall narrative. Ask yourself, Does this add to the story? If the answer is No then leave it out! I took several images as the fishermen walked up the beach with their catch. In my view, this one is the simplest yet it is the most effective. 6. Create a sense of mystery Good storytelling images leave the viewer with questions rather than answers. It is important that the image leaves space for questions in the viewer's mind, that there is some element of mystery, that you encourage the viewer to stop and think. Your image should create a balance between giving enough detail to suggest what it might be about but not enough for the viewer to be certain. If the viewer sees something different in the image than that which you intended, that in itself makes for a good storytelling image. Who are they? What are they doing? Why have they gathered here? Where will they go next? BONUS TIP: THINK IN THREES While it is entirely possible to tell a story with just one image, it is often a good idea to think in threes, especially if you are new to storytelling. Images which are strong stand-alone images become even stronger when put in a set of three with a connecting theme. Called triptych photography , this can be a great way to begin storytelling in photography. FINAL THOUGHTS ON TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR NARRATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY If you are interested in storytelling through photography, the tips above may give you some pointers to get started. While not every image needs to tell a story, making an effort to choose images that have a strong narrative will add interest for the viewer and help to improve your photography.

Sometimes when I meet people who are not photographers, but who know that I am passionate about photography, I am asked one of two questions: What do you do with all the photos you take? or Do you not get fed up taking all those photos? I am sure that coming from non-photographers those are valid questions, but the last time I was asked one of them I was sitting with a cyclist, a road runner and a sea swimmer, respectively. That got me thinking, what is it about their pursuits that make them different to photography? None of these three people engage in their pursuits in a competitive way, they do what they do purely for enjoyment and for the various other benefits that these pursuits bring. And these are exactly the reasons I love photography and have chosen it as my favourite activity. It gets me outdoors, taking exercise, being observant of what is around me and engaging my creative side. Just as in non-competitive cycling, running or swimming, it is the process, the activity itself, that is important, rather than the outcome. Photography does differ from some other pursuits in that there is a desired outcome – a pleasing image – but for me that is not the most important aspect of photography. So, what is it that helps me maintain my interest in photography if it’s not the pursuit of a good image? I believe that if I am going to maintain my interest in photography for more than a short time, and not become disheartened at an inevitable lack of good images, it must be about something other than the image.   PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT When I dig deeper into what it is about photography that brings enjoyment and fulfilment, I believe that personal development comes top of the list. Photography has helped me to become more aware of the world I live in, more appreciative of the small things that exist all around me, more respectful of nature and the abundance it gives me throughout the year. Through photography I have tapped into my creative side and come to realise that creativity is ever expanding and can bring a great sense of accomplishment. When I am out with my camera, I engage my mind and my senses, I am constantly learning and discovering new things and I have a sense of purpose which is an important component of positive mental health. CONNECTION Photography has brought me a sense of connection - to myself, to others and to the world around me. Landscape photography of all types brings connection to nature, to the elements, to the vastness of the world on one hand and the mysterious working of the tiny, usually unseen, macro world on the other. Street and urban photography bring connection to others. We observe and experience humanity in all it’s forms, appreciate diversity of peoples, lands and cultures, and begin to see and embrace beauty in the ordinary and meaning in the midst of the mundane lives which most of us live. FINAL THOUGHTS Do I get fed up taking all those photos? The answer is a resounding No ! Photography is about so much more than just taking photographs, a statement with which anyone who loves photography will heartily agree. If you enjoyed this post and would like to read more on the topic, why not check out the following posts: Is Process or Product More Important in Photography? Do You Shoot for the Sale or Shoot for the Soul?

When I travel to a new location, particularly if it is in a different country, I love to capture the real essence of the place through my images. Rather than settle for snapshots of the local iconic landmarks I like to capture what the locals see, to become part of the routines of the place, to engage with people and with the landscape in a meaningful way. I also like to include examples of everyday human activity and images of the environment we create for ourselves. One of the main ways to achieve this aim is to do some planning before I travel. I like to learn about local customs, find out about interesting places to visit that are ‘off the beaten track’, learn some of the language and history of the location, learn about the people and how they live. With this information to guide me I then make a shot list. This shot list will give me some idea as to the type of images I want to make and help me to avoid making a lot of similar type images while neglecting important areas. The list is an attempt to include everything that makes a place what it is; the people, transport, daily activities, buildings, meeting places, physical features and that intangible something, the vibe that can be felt when you momentarily share a space that belongs to others. A typical shot list might include images of: Architecture Cultural events/special occasions Local people Everyday activities/morning routines Markets Food/clothes (may not be relevant in every country) Distinctive features of landscape Differences from my own place Off the beaten track The shot list will help us decide what to shoot, but the question remains, exactly how do we capture the essence of a place through our photographs? We can do this in several ways. Here are a few pointers: Plan your trip Spontaneity is important and nothing beats finding images that you didn’t expect to find but, as I said above, a little forward planning won’t go amiss. If we are to spend a short amount of time in a place, we need to make the most of that time by knowing where we want to go and what to look for. If we have a longer time to spend, a few initial ideas about the local area will give us something to build on as we immerse ourselves in the place, its people, its customs, its language and its food. Build a connection When we reach our destination, the first, and in my view vital, step is to build a connection with the place and its people. This is best done by spending time walking around the streets, parks, alleyways, without camera if possible, observing the local people going about their daily activities, greeting people in their language if you feel it’s appropriate. Get to know where the locals gather, where they eat, how they spend their time, what the routines of the place look like. Shop where the local people shop, try out different foods, use some of the language, engage with the people. Discover the place from your perspective, from your lived experience, and you will convey this through your images. By really getting to know the place you will begin to see stories emerge and that’s how you can tell these stories to your viewers. Capture a ‘local moment’ Local moments are all around us in the places we visit, we just need to be observant enough to see them. Conversations in the market, morning routines, people out and about doing the things they normally do, all have photographic potential to help us create the essence of the places we visit. I observed a great local moment on a recent visit to a small town in southern Portugal. One morning I was walking past the local primary school as the children were arriving. I saw two policemen fully engaged in conversation with three young boys, who were obviously delighted that the policemen had stopped to talk to them and were very interested in what they were saying. The boys’ parents were in the background, and it was not a scene I would have in any way dreamed of capturing on camera, but it did provide a nice memory of the place and the humanity of the policemen, who are also vigilant and tough on crime. Go where the locals go Often, as tourists, we tend to stick to the tourist areas of our location, even eating from a tourist menu! At least that’s what I used to do. Now I try to go where the locals go and find some out of the way places that serve simple, local food. I discover these places through walking, exploring, asking questions and being generally open to anything different, anything that will give me a flavour of the real place. And trying out local cuisine really does do that, especially when you visit a place recommended by a local!   Shopping in local markets gives you a great opportunity to meet the locals and engage in some conversation. Seek out cultural events or festivals While travelling abroad we often discover a local festival or cultural event that provides opportunities for photography. These can be colourful and entertaining while also giving us a glimpse of customs different to those we see at home. Many countries have annual or semi-annual festivals that we might be lucky enough to come across. These are a great way to become immersed in the culture of the place, Local markets provide similar opportunities and it is usually possible to find one or two busy markets to visit and capture some images. Avoid snapshots and clichéd images Most people on holiday take snapshots. I do this myself, mainly as reminders of the places I visit and to serve as memories when I look back on them. They are usually quick shots, taken without much thought, but they serve a purpose. Similarly with clichéd shots. They are usually taken of iconic landmarks associated with our travel location, and again are good to have for future reminiscing. For true photography purposes both these types of images are best avoided as we aim to go deeper into documenting our travel destinations. Avoiding these images involves paying close attention to composition, varying the perspective from which we shoot even though we may be capturing a well-photographed subject, and trying to make the best use of available light by getting to know how light behaves in the location at different times of the day. While we may be travelling with a smaller camera set-up than that which we use at home, or may exclusively use our phone camera, we can still apply the basic photography principles to ensure that we do justice to our travel photography results. Get off the beaten track There is a lot more to every place we visit than that which first meets the eye. Many places have run down areas, parts that are not mentioned in guidebooks or promotional brochures. These are the places less photographed. Places that are ignored by those wishing to promote their town or city as a tourist area, while they might be grittier, are part of the fabric of the place and therefore need to be included in our photos if we are to capture the real essence of the location. While I don’t advocate taking photos of humans who are living in less-than-ideal conditions purely for our own gratification, I do believe that there is a way to show how all human institutions can disadvantage some of their residents by lack of supports and resources in certain areas. Examples of decaying buildings, poor litter disposal, graffiti messages, can give us a glimpse from the outside as to how some members of the population really live. Go further We can often use the less attractive features of an environment – old buildings, graffiti, examples of decay - as well as the more attractive features in our photography. By including all parts of the environment in which we find ourselves we are being true to the whole community without making any kind of statement or judgement. Get creative! While we can get creative with our photography close to home, travelling does provide us with new inspiration and ideas for creative images. Even if we are visiting a relatively average tourist destination we can experiment with different perspectives, framing, creative use of light, and reflections, to name but a few ideas. Being in a place that is different from our own place adds to the interest and enjoyment of travel photography and helps us to appreciate the location we are visiting. FINAL THOUGHTS These are just some of the ideas that have helped me to capture the essence of a place that I visit. I find that doing photography in this way is a lot more fulfilling than simply searching for the next iconic landmark. It gives me connection, a sense that my photography has purpose, and a reason to get out every day with my camera.

Exploring the rural landscape can bring many amazing photographic opportunities. With its abundance of natural features, random shapes, vibrant colours and diversity of life forms; with its interesting buildings, its animals and wildlife, the countryside has something different around every corner. Compared to urban landscape photography, with its busy streets, diversity of architecture, and numerous interesting features, many people, when they hear the term rural landscape, think of endless hedges and fields, devoid of people or interesting subjects, without much potential for photography. But nothing could be further from the truth. Although I now live in the city, I grew up in the Irish countryside and I have a great love for the rural landscape in all seasons. Whenever I travel into the countryside to visit friends or family, or when I take a vacation in one of the many beautiful rural areas in Ireland, I always bring my camera with me and carve out some time for photography. I have been doing rural landscape photography for many years and I know it has rich potential for making interesting images. In this post I hope to give you some ideas to improve your own rural landscape photography. Things to consider: SUBJECT I mentioned earlier in this post that some photographers may think of rural photography as being devoid of interesting subjects, particularly when compared to urban landscapes or to more iconic locations with their epic features. Yet when we begin to think of possible subjects in rural landscapes the list is endless. Here are some examples of what we can photograph: Rolling hills Tranquil lakes Rivers Bridges Barns Abandoned houses Lone trees Unique gates and fences Rural villages – churches, quaint dwellings, old ruins, cemeteries. Country lanes People/animals/machinery   Rural landscape photography is not about photographing epic subjects or scenes. It is about seeing photographic potential, even beauty, in the ordinary. COMPOSITION As in all types of photography, composition plays a big part in achieving compelling images in rural locations. I have often stopped at a beautiful scene while travelling, grabbed my camera or phone, and taken a quick image. These photographs may have been nice to look at given the scenic view, but they would not be considered to be good photographs in composition terms. A good view does not equal a good image so we need to pay attention to composition, sometimes sacrificing the bigger scene and opting for a closer view with a well defined subject and some supporting elements. Including an interesting foreground, a strong leading line, a strategic placement of elements in the frame or a unique perspective are some ways to elevate rural landscape photography beyond simply being images of a pretty scene.   FOCAL LENGTH Unlike some forms of photography, you do not need expensive cameras and lenses to do photography in rural locations. Having said that, focal length is significant in rural landscape photography as the range of subjects requires different approaches. For some images a short telephoto or even prime lens may be the lens of choice to capture a closer image or part of a wider scene, while a longer focal length will be required to pick out details in a scene or to focus on distant subjects. Macro lenses will also have their place, so in truth, whatever your preference or style of photography your personal choice of lens can be used in rural landscape photography. I usually keep my Tamron 18-200mm with me when travelling by car. It’s not the fastest or the sharpest lens but it does give options for all scenarios in rural locations and it is perfect to allow me to experiment and enjoy taking pictures of all sorts of subjects from all perspectives. STORYTELLING Many photographers consider storytelling to be an important part of photography. UK photographer James Popsys is a strong advocate for storytelling through photography, emphasizing that photographs should be about something, not merely of something. I took this photo on the outskirts of Fenagh, an historic rural village in Co. Leitrim, Ireland. It is not a photo of just any church, it is a photo about this church. The church is the ‘new’ (built in 1787) St. Catherine’s Church of Ireland Church. There is a rich history to the area as this church replaced an earlier church that stood on the grounds of Fenagh Abbey, a monastery said to have been built in the 5th century. While photographing the church I was conscious of their historical significance and of the mark of generations of people who entered this historic site. Being at this site also provided an opportunity to reflect on olden times and on the homes and families who were part of this community through the ages.   Photos of old, abandoned buildings which are dotted around the rural landscape also give an opportunity to reflect on the story behind the image. They suggest a story of the people who lived there, of what life was like at the time they lived there, of the reasons for the former home being left to fall into disrepair. These buildings, although no longer in use, are part of our history and were once important features of the rural landscape. This old house is situated at the side of what is now a busy country road. As I tried to take the image from a difficult viewpoint I wondered who had lived there, what the area had been like when they lived in the house, what their lives had been like and why the house came to be abandoned.   In some ways rural landscape photography may be one of the photography genres that best lends itself to storytelling.   FINAL THOUGHTS Rural landscapes have a lot to offer photographers. They do have lots of fields and hedges, but they also have people and animals and buildings, rivers and lakes, plants and insects, and of course many opportunities to veer off the beaten path. Rural landscapes are often home to old ruins, remains of castles, even restored old buildings that have a rich history to tell. Quaint villages are often part of the fabric of rural landscapes, where you will find an abundance of photographic opportunities, from period architecture to modern amenities. Shapes and textures can easily be found on walls, gates and buildings, while photographs of everyday life in these rural villages make for great storytelling images. *** I hope this post has given you some ideas to help enhance your rural landscape photography and perhaps to discover photographic potential that you did not know existed. You might also like this recent YouTube video from landscape photographer Henry Turner: We need to bring back point and shoots. ( youtube.com )   Although the main topic of the video relates to what can be achieved by using a simple point and shoot camera, the content showcases Henry’s local area and gives examples of the potential which most rural areas offer for landscape photography.   See here for my gallery of rural landscape images.

Rural landscapes offer rich potential for photography. Here are some images I took during recent visits to rural locations. You might like to read my post Ideas for Enhancing Your Rural Landscape Photography here.

You can’t change the wind, but you can adjust your sails Living in Ireland, an island constantly at the mercy of Atlantic weather fronts, I am used to dull grey days, flat light and rain! I often envy those photographers who seem to be fairly certain that they can rise early to a stunning sunrise or who are constantly treated to an amazingly colourful sunset. Yet if I waited for those conditions I would seldom be out with my camera, so I have learned to make the most of grey days and I have a number of strategies at the ready to make the most of those less desirable photography conditions. 1        MINDSET I think mindset is one of the first considerations. It’s important to accept what we can’t change, and none of us can change the weather. But you can use conditions to your advantage. Dull, grey days can produce moody, atmospheric images. Setting a subject against the background of a dark, dramatic sky can produce a successful image and often suits the scene better than capturing the same subject on a bright day. Explore, experiment, employ some creative techniques, and you will meet the challenge of grey days. 2        TRY B&W I love black and white photography and while it does benefit from the contrast provided by good light conditions, the act of removing colour from an image is also a great way to make the most of more dreary conditions. I like to think in black and white on a dull day so that I am still looking for good contrast, as not all scenes will make for good black and white images. Some photographers like to capture their image in colour then convert to black and white. I often do this although I prefer to use the monochrome setting on my camera so that I can see the image in black and white at the time of capture. 3        GET CLOSER                                                                            I like to do close-up photography at any time, so I often take advantage of dull days to photograph macro or close-up images. Dull conditions often favour macro as there are no harsh shadows to contend with and the cloudy sky provides a kind of softbox to enhance our macro images. When the sky is dull and featureless another option is to leave it out altogether. This can be a time to focus on smaller details in the environment rather than on wider vistas. Leaves, tree bark, human-made environmental features, buildings, parts of objects, all make good subjects at any time, and they are well suited to grey days. 4        KEEP IT SIMPLE   So called 'bad' weather, such as light rain, fog and mist, tends to simplify the landscape through reducing visibility. Subjects become isolated from their background; smaller details become blurred and stronger details become more prominent. The landscape becomes naturally de-cluttered, and this can produce unusual, often mysterious images. I love to capture a tree, a lamp post, a pole or even a lone person in the mist. Elements of the environment such as fences, bridges and paths can take on a spooky feel when captured on a foggy day, compared to what they would normally have. Dark, dramatic skies can appear menacing and can often form the main part of an otherwise simple scene. If you like minimalist photography then overcast weather, with its soft light and low contrast, can allow you to produce simple images. Subjects at the coast such as piers, posts, groynes and boulders work well for this type of photography. 5        SLOW DOWN This point is closely related to the one above in that by using an ND filter and a long exposure you can produce beautiful fine art images. I love to view this type of image but have yet to be successful in producing them myself, so this is an area which holds a lot of potential growth for me and which I am looking forward to developing further. 6        LOOK FOR REFLECTIONS The aftermath of a rain shower can be a great opportunity to find some interesting reflections. Surfaces such as parked cars, puddles and wet roads can throw up the potential for successful images, while raindrops often reflect the colours around them and make great abstract photography subjects. 7        EMBRACE THE CONDITIONS As I said at the outset, if I had to wait for ideal photography conditions I wouldn’t get out with my camera very often. Instead of bemoaning the conditions I believe that the secret to enjoying photography, even on grey days, is to embrace the conditions as they are and see the positives and potential they offer. Instead of feeling that I am having to make do with second best I have learned to adjust my sails. I try to match my photography to the conditions that I have to work with and enjoy the results I can produce. FINAL THOUGHTS Dull weather can be mysterious, dramatic, moody, atmospheric and full of character, which is not always true of sunny days. Sometimes, the results of grey day photography are better than those of sunny day photography and that is something to be celebrated. So, next time you are treated to a grey day, get out with your camera and try out some of the techniques mentioned above. You won’t be disappointed!

When I look at the work of other photographers, I often think that my images are far from perfect. I can have a poor exposure, a badly composed image, no well-defined subject or even (perish the thought!) a blurry image. So, I could say that I am constantly trying to perfect my images. But is that really the case, and is it perfection I’m looking for or should I be happy with progress? I pondered this question on a recent photo walk, and I hope my conclusions will be of benefit if you are asking yourself the same question. Perfection or progress: which should you choose? I was standing in the spot where I had taken this photograph a few weeks earlier. I like the image, it was my favourite image of that morning, but on this occasion, I was wondering if I could improve on it. The light was better, I had a better lens with me, and I was more prepared to line up my composition correctly. But there was no bird on the tree. I waited to see if a bird would come but to no avail. So even though some of the elements of a good photograph were present there was no subject and I couldn’t get a better image. Initially I was disappointed. I wanted to come away with an even better image than last time. Then I asked myself, what’s wrong with the image I have? Is it perfection I’m looking for? I don’t honestly think it is. I don’t believe I will ever achieve perfection in photography and I’m not sure that anyone does. Sure, sometimes an image will be as close to perfect as you can get it, and that’s worth striving for, but in my opinion a better goal is progress. Striving for progress will ensure that I’ll always have something to work towards. I’ll always have a challenge to overcome, a problem to solve or a discovery to make. I’ll always have something to keep me interested and motivated; something to keep me learning and improving. Perfection is an end product, and even if we do reach it, we can go no further. Continual progress is the journey that affirms us and keeps us striving to do better. It is what motivates us, challenges us and keeps photography interesting. Perfection or progress? Which should you choose?