Getting out to photograph the sunrise or sunset over one of the many lakes in the West of Ireland is probably one of my favourite pastimes. There are some stunning skies here on a summers evening or indeed at any time of year, if only people would take the time to go out and enjoy them.
This photograph was taken at Beltra Lake, Glenisland, Ireland on a July evening.
Howto: Long exposure photography is when the cameras sensor is exposed to light for longer than usual. The exposure can range from a few seconds to many minutes. Traditionally this technique was used for taking photos at night.
Landscape photographers are a picky bunch. They won't settle for any old light - it has to be the right type of light. This normally means shooting during the golden hours - sunrise or sunset. I will admit, I'm not the best for getting up for the very early summer sunrise. However in the west of Ireland, we are faced with another particular dilemma - the weather ... or more specifically the bad weather. Did I say bad? - I do of course mean wet.
Now that the clocks have gone forward, we have an extra hour of light every evening. It makes capturing a landscape scene or a lovely Irish sunset a little bit easier - sometimes. The weather here in the west of Ireland has also improved drastically and there's a nice summery feel these days. We should all make the most of it because as you know, it will be short-lived.
Paths are a fairly common theme for photographers. They lead the eye into the image and make you ponder who or what walks them. If you ever stray off the beaten path you may discover other paths - paths created and mostly frequented by animals. I had to pick my way through briars and rough undergrowth to reach the top of this hill near Lough Lannagh early one morning. God only knows why - I think curiosity plagues many photographers. But that curiosity paid off.