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Richard Murphy Photography
Dynamics of Light and Shade
Welcome to the online portfolio of Richard Murphy.
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Richard Murphy Photography
- Dynamics of Light and ShadeView an extensive online portfolio of images on the main Richard Murphy Photography website
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Posts
- May 10, 13
I paid a more recent visit to Mount Usher Gardens in Wicklow. This time I specifically went to visit the woodland area. It was full of colour! Polygonatum, Trillium, Euphorbia, wild garlic and Primulas all provided a burst of colour. Some stunning contrasts were to be found with Azaleas and Rhododendron providing backdrops. Its a must visit at this time of year!
- May 06, 13
Arches, Canyonlands and Zion National Parks, a set on Flickr.
Finally finished editing a set of images from last years trip through Arches, Canyonlands and Zion national Parks. Here's a small selection!
- May 02, 13
Well not quite the Bloomsday one would normally associate with James Joyce but still a rather good way of describing a current Joycean themed flower exhibit at the Botanical Gardens in Dublin. I managed to pay a quick visit last weekend and took these spring shots. Lots to see as always! Many thanks to the ever obliging OPW staff for allowing me upstairs to get a better view of the James Joyce portrait!
"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen". JAMES JOYCE, UlyssesA Portrait of the Artist as a flower bed # 1 (with apologies to James Joyce) - Apr 30, 13
A bad pun if ever there was one! I spent a while at Mount Usher gardens recently enjoying the spring blooms. There was some great colour on show and the highlight for me was a scarlet red Rhododendron with some bright green Euphorbia providing ground colour. I will be heading back in a week or so hoping to catch the Solomon's seal in amongst the wild garlic. One slight advantage of the late spring is the sudden explosion of colour! Great to see!
- Apr 20, 13
After the long stuttering start we had in March, spring finally arrived in earnest. Sunshine and warm temperatures over the last week or so has coaxed the daffodils and spring flowers out. I spent a few hours at Malahide Castle and Gardens this morning. An early edit of photos is posted here! More to follow!
- Apr 03, 13
I'm sifting through some new images at present, mostly taken with the Nikon D800. The dynamic range that this model covers is tremendous. A lot wider than my older D300 (which was considered excellent when it came out first). I'm finding it easy to post process these files also given the greater exposure latitude that I had at capture. I'm still using my range of ND grads though!
The weather in Ireland hasn't been conducive to photography of late - Dublin received only 2 hours of sunshine during one week in March!!!!! Things are looking up though and I hope to really put the camera through its paces this month. For now though here are some quick edits from recent trips to California (which was also dull for the few days I was there!) and Dingle (which had gale force winds and driving rain for the weekend).Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Cypress avenue, Point Reyes, CA. Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Yosemite falls, CA. Nikon D800, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 The Maharees, Kerry. Nikon D800, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 Alamere Falls, Point Reyes, Nikon D800, Nikon 16-35mm f/4 Trillium grandiflorum, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 - Mar 07, 13
I'm sifting through the image set from last May's trip to Utah and finding some real gems in there!
I've put together a small selection of my favourites so far! One of the main issues was the harshness of the light and the very short window of opportunity around dawn and sunset. Utah remains one of my favourite locations for photography and I wont get back there this year unfortunately. I do however have a trip to Yosemite to look forward to.....more on this over the coming weeks! - Feb 19, 13
I'd forgotten about these images I took in 2011 in Vancouver! They were in a folder full of photos I thought I'd lost. This set are from the Davie Village Community Garden in the heart of Vancouver city. It's a great idea and something that NAMA should do with the ghost estates that blight Ireland these days! Give the space back to the community!
The Davie Village garden garden was alive with bees and butterflies when I was there and it made for an interesting feel given the high rise buildings surrounding the plot. Each plot's contents differed from the neighbouring patch and while some were full of flowers others had vegetables or a mix. It reminded me of a potager garden but with no sense of formality to it - very relaxed basically!
If you're in Vancouver and get a chance then you should definitely check it out. - Feb 10, 13
I paid a short visit yesterday to Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. Their annual snowdrop week takes place from Monday Feb 11th and the gardens looked fantastic in advance of the weeklong festival. The OPW do a fantastic job in maintaining the gardens and its plant collection.
I've posted a number of shots from the gardens yesterday along with one or two favourites from my own collection here at Beechfields.Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno, Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D300, 12-24mm f/4. Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, 16-35mm f/4 Galanthus 'Ophelia', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Desdemona', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Greatorex', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Dionysius', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Hyppolyta', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Lavinia', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Nerissa', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Daphne's Scissors', Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus '3 leaves', Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5.
Yesterdays trip was also a chance to give my new Nikon D800 a run through its paces and I have to say I'm more than impressed with it's capabilities. The resolution of the files is stunning and the dynamic range of the sensor is significantly better than the D300. I tend to deliberately underexpose files to preserve highlight detail and noise used be an issue for me. Not any more!These boots were made for planting......... Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, 24-70mm f/2.8. - Jan 12, 13
I'm currently sifting through photos taken in July 2011 in Banff! A slow process to say the least! Unfortunately the weather was poor when I was there so I had to work hard to get some images I was happy with. The lighting in particular wasn't great with even shorter windows of opportunity than normal! Lots more to follow over the next while.
Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens - Dec 22, 12I've put together a selection of my favourite floral photos from 2012. Slugs caused havoc and the weather didn't help either! I particularly noticed that it was a bad year for butterflies and even bees were scarce due to the cold and wet. Hopefully next year will be better!
Anemone huphensis 'September Charm'. Botanic Gardens Dublin Primula japonica. Bloom show gardens, Phoenix Park, Dublin Bluebell panorama, Moore Abbey Demesne, Kildare Castanea sativa, Botanic Gardens Dublin Anemone prattii, Beechfields Blue and gold, Botanic Gardens Dublin River of dreams, Keukenhof gardens, Holland Glowing in the shade, Clare Glens, Limerick/Tipperary border Ipheion uniflorum, Ipheion uniflorum Agapanthus africanus, Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh - Dec 22, 12
Well its that time of year again and as always I can't believe it flew by so fast! Right now I'm reviewing all the images I captured and have selected my Top 10 Landscapes and Top 10 Floral images. First up are the best of the landscape images. Personally speaking it was a good year for my photography as I got the opportunity to reach both The Subway in Zion National Park and False Kiva in Canyonlands.
Unfortunately the weather in Ireland was abysmal this summer and I didn't really get the opportunity to capture the images I had planned in the Donegal and Mayo. Maybe next year.......
Anyway, onto the photos and so without any further fuss here they are!
Taken in November on a great trip to Thailand, I had planned this type of silhouetted shot in advance. I loved the richly coloured reflections on the water the evening this was taken. Unfortunately a low lying bank of cloud didn't let me get the exact shot I wanted with the sun's orb in the shot. Next time.......Ao Nang Silhouette, Krabi, Thailand. Nikon D300, 24-70mm lens. 1/100 sec @ f/10
A quick grab shot! I captured this on the way back from Mesa Arch and quickly put on a longer telephoto lens to compress the image and bring out the best of the layers. A blue and gold polarising filter heightened the yellows in the scene.Hazy layers, Canyonlands National Park. Nikon D300, 70-200mm lens. 1/125sec @f/11
More mute in colour and tone than I would have liked but the drama of the wave adds to the image. A 3 stop ND grad filter angled in line with the contours of the foreground helped balance the light in the scene.Rising tide, Giants Causeway, Ireland. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/13sec @ f/11
One of my favourite images taken in Canyonlands. I used a 3 stop reverse ND grad filter to hold the light on the horizon and balance the overall feel to the shot. There are a lot of subtleties in this image and I think the reflected light on the rim of the canyon adds a lot of impact to the middle level, helping draw the eye towards the sun.Standing guard, Green River Overlook, Canyonlands National Park.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/8sec @f/11
I've been planning this shot since mid 2005 and finally managed to get here this year! A truely special place and one which deservedly is kept as much a wilderness as possible. Early morning light helped accentuate the subtle tones in this scene. I may even have been too late in arriving here as I found it difficult to control the lighting on the canyon walls even with the help of a 3 stop ND grad. I would have like the river to have been higher in flow so that I could have focussed more on the point in the foreground. After 7 years waiting though, beggers can't be choosers!The point of flow, Archangel Falls, Zion Wilderness.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1sec @ f/11
This was my third attempt to get to the Subway and was 7 years in the planning! In November 2005 I had a permit but fell ill and couldn't manage the hike. 2011 saw my plans pulled apart by the record breaking snow pack and resultant flood waters in May that year. Finally in May 2012 I managed to get a permit and reach The Subway. I had an idea that the colours would be pretty mute as not only was the river level low but there had been no rain so the canyon walls were also dry. However, a blue and gold polarising filter helped accentuate the subtle tones on the canyon walls and lift the overall mood and feel of the image. This is a location that is definitely on the list for a revisit!Gilded Gold, The Subway, Zion Wilderness.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 4 sec @ f/13
One of very few images from Ireland in 2012 unfortunately though this is my favourite. Taken at an often visited location in mid November just before sunset. A 3 stop reverse ND grad filter was used to pull back the highlights created by the setting sun. Breathing on the filter just before tripping the shutter gave a slightly moody feel to it!Golden flow, Cloghleagh, Wicklow, Ireland
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 0.8 sec @ f/11
I have found it extremely hard to choose the best shot from a series of images taken at Dead Horse this year. The lighting on the rim the evening I took this shot was incredible. I laugh though still at the woman who cam e across to me and asked what I was taking a photo of when all you could see was this incredible vista!Fire on the horizon, Dead Horse Point State Park.
Nikon D300, 24-70mm lens. 1/5 sec @ f/11
A cloudless sky meant that a tight crop was needed to keep the drama intact in the overall image.
Anyone who has witnessed the crush for space at Delicate Arch near sunset can attest to voices being raised! I got lucky though the evening I took this shot. Blanket cloud had looked like sunset was going to be a non-starter. Luckily though it cleared shortly beforehand and those of us who took a chance and hiked up the slope got lucky! Partly cloudy skies and no crowds! A 5 stop ND grad filter angled along the line of the shadow helped balance the lighting.Delicate glow, Arches National Park
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/30 sec @ f/11
This hidden gem was a real find on an otherwise dull and rainy day! I hiked around the waterfalls in the area looking for something different. I was heading back to the car when I noticed this clump of primroses growing in the lee of one of the waterfalls. It took a bit of scrambling around to get into position and the help of a 3 stop ND grad filter angled over the waterfall to balance the lighting. This is one spot I will definitely be visiting next year!Hidden gold, Clare Glens, Limerick/Tipperary border, Ireland
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 0.4 sec@ f/22
This will probably be the last year for my trusty D300 - I'm hoping to upgrade next year to a D800E. The increased resolution will bring new challenges with it in terms of both image capture (critical focus being important) and post capture workflow (100mb TIFF files).
Merry christmas to one and all! - Dec 13, 12
Ao Nang and Bangkok, a set on Flickr.
A selection of images taken from around Ao Nang and Bangkok in November this year. Thailand is an incredible place to visit!
- Dec 08, 12
I've been going through some older material and reworking images that I had difficulty with the first time around. The three shots posted here were taken between 2006 and 2007 on an older Fuji S2. I've never been happy with the contrast in these shots but some rework using the Contrast Colour Range filter in Nik Color Efex has helped somewhat. Some of my favourite images have come from Australia and I've always been lucky with the light when I've travelled there!
Evening glow on the apostles, Great ocean Road, Australia Sacred light # 1 Sacred light # 2 - Nov 25, 12
Big Sur sunsets can be pretty special and very spectacular! I've been lucky enough to catch a number of these and have posted my three favourite images taken at sunset along Pacific Highway 1.
Pfeiffer Burns Beach. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, polariser The first two images were taken on Pfeiffer Burns beach. It's not quite the shot I wanted as it was past the time of year where the setting sun illuminates the inside of the arch. One day I'll get back in December to capture the light.......Pfeiffer Burns Beach. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, polariser
Fire in the sky, Big Sur. One of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen! I've never managed to capture one like it since then.Big Sur on fire. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, 3 stop ND grad - Nov 20, 12
Clondalkin Camera Club Talk 2012, a set on Flickr.
I recently had the pleasure of giving a talk at Clondalkin camera club. This was my first time since 2009 so I brought along a selection of images taken over the last 3 years. There was a lot of technical discussion in relation to the images and as usual I had a great night with all the members!
- Nov 11, 12
I'm just back from two weeks in Thailand! What a country! A photographers paradise. I'm just going through all the images now and posting some quick edits here. The light was extremely harsh with only a short window of subtlety each morning and evening. This meant having to work fast with the rapidly changing conditions to maximise the lighting. Loads more images to come over the next while!
Ao Nang at dusk. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, 70mm, f/10 Ao Nang longboats. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, 24mm, f/10 Hong Island, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/8 Wat Pho, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/5.6 Wat Benchamabophit, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/8 Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/5.6 Heavy Traffic! Sathorn road. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/11 Noppharatthara Beach, Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/10 Railay Island, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/4.5 - Oct 07, 12
There's loads of colour still in the garden and obviously lots of photo opportunities! Some plants that are looking great right now are pictured here. These are my pick of the best!
Agapanthus africanus Anemone huphensis 'September charm' Anemone huphensis Digitalis laevigata Geranium wlassovianum Schizostylis coccinea alba - Sep 22, 12
Utah, 2011, a set on Flickr.
Images from last years trip to Utah. The light wasn't very helpful the few days I was there but I did manage to get some decent images despite the challenges!
- Sep 21, 12
Keukenhof Gardens, a set on Flickr.
Finally got through all the photos from this years trip to Keukenhof! It's a stunning location for anyone interested in flower photography!
- Sep 04, 12
I paid a visit recently to Huntingbrook gardens in Wicklow and saw some wonderful late summer colour in the magnificent flower beds spread throughout the gardens. In particular I was taken with the main bed with its airy planting scheme of pinks and oranges courtesy of the Helenium and Filipendula dotted throughout. Lysmachia, Angelica, Geranium and Turk's cap lilies provided some nice contrasts also. A small selection of photos are posted here and I had a nice chat with Jimi on the day.
- Aug 30, 12
Temples of Angkor, a set on Flickr.
A stunning location for photography and one which I'm hoping to visit again!
- Aug 30, 12
- Aug 21, 12
I'm slowly getting through my April photos from the wonderful Keukenhof gardens outside Amsterdam. In amongst all the spring flowers they had a fantastic orchid exhibition also. These are just some of the photos from there, all of which are individual Cymbidium specimens.
Cymbidium 'Riaad Pink Beauty' Cymbidium 'Alice Anderson' Cymbidium 'Cascade' Cymbidium 'Cooksbridge' Cymbidium 'Danny Green' Cymbidium 'Green Giant' Cymbidium hybrid - Aug 20, 12
People's Photography 2012.
Haven't posted much lately as I've been busy printing, mounting and framing images for this weekends free open air exhibition on St Stephens Green in Dublin.
Lots of excellent photographers will be exhibiting and as usual the craic will be great!
Hope to see some of you there! In the meantime.....here's a very small selection of images I'm bringing along.....out of close to 100!
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Photos
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Stock Photography
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Tweets
- Alamere Falls, Point Reyes Smashing day for a hike! https://t.co/wTcfanfesb
- Trillium grandiflorum No sign of spring here in Ireland yet! Taken two weeks ago on Mount Tamalpais https://t.co/fRfhUNXbTo
- Holeman Spring Canyon Overlook. An often missed viewpoint in Canyonlands. https://t.co/SIO7T11RR4
- Last light on The Maharees. A very quick grab shot from Kerry! https://t.co/EkrGxwVOxz
- The Fog. Haven't posted in a while! Here's a new image taken at Point Reyes National Seashore. https://t.co/qEHIjm34D5
- Dynamic light in Utah!: I'm sifting through the image set from last May's trip to Utah and finding some real g... http://t.co/kXDhdwGYBE
- Dynamics of Light and Shade: Dynamic light in Utah! http://t.co/BP4oEiudWI
- False Kiva, Canyonlands https://t.co/UndlQbq3Eh
- The Argory, Co. Armagh https://t.co/20S1sNjEvR
- @mononeil can give you a hand if you like? PM me.
- Lovers entwined....... Galanthus 'Ophelia'. Altamont gardens, Carlow https://t.co/S7nYLhSA
- Davie Village Community Garden: I'd forgotten about these images I took in 2011 in Vancouver! They were in a fol... http://t.co/ETgmZ9mp
- Dynamics of Light and Shade: Altamont's snowdrops http://t.co/7Q2yUXeK
- Altamont's snowdrops: I paid a short visit yesterday to Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. Their annual snowdro... http://t.co/rvQkkQBO
- RT @AVIVAStadium: Today is the last day to win a pair of tickets to Ireland V England! Just follow and RT to be in with a chance!T&C ...Feb 08, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- RT @AVIVAStadium: We’re giving away a pair of premium level tickets each day from Mon-Fri this week to IRL V ENG. Just RT to enter! T&am ...Feb 04, 13 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Banff National Park: I'm currently sifting through photos taken in July 2011 in Banff! A slow process to say the... http://t.co/mgSAnr7E
- Floral Passions!: I've put together a selection of my favourite floral photos from 2012. Slugs caused havoc and ... http://t.co/le5T71z4
- Dynamics of Light and Shade: Floral Passions! http://t.co/QMO9bBrq
- Best of 2012: Well its that time of year again and as always I can't believe it flew by so fast! Right now I'm r... http://t.co/kM6VjVMB
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+Richard
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Posts
- May 10, 13
I paid a more recent visit to Mount Usher Gardens in Wicklow. This time I specifically went to visit the woodland area. It was full of colour! Polygonatum, Trillium, Euphorbia, wild garlic and Primulas all provided a burst of colour. Some stunning contrasts were to be found with Azaleas and Rhododendron providing backdrops. Its a must visit at this time of year!
- May 06, 13
Arches, Canyonlands and Zion National Parks, a set on Flickr.
Finally finished editing a set of images from last years trip through Arches, Canyonlands and Zion national Parks. Here's a small selection!
- May 02, 13
Well not quite the Bloomsday one would normally associate with James Joyce but still a rather good way of describing a current Joycean themed flower exhibit at the Botanical Gardens in Dublin. I managed to pay a quick visit last weekend and took these spring shots. Lots to see as always! Many thanks to the ever obliging OPW staff for allowing me upstairs to get a better view of the James Joyce portrait!
"Full many a flower is born to blush unseen". JAMES JOYCE, UlyssesA Portrait of the Artist as a flower bed # 1 (with apologies to James Joyce) - Apr 30, 13
A bad pun if ever there was one! I spent a while at Mount Usher gardens recently enjoying the spring blooms. There was some great colour on show and the highlight for me was a scarlet red Rhododendron with some bright green Euphorbia providing ground colour. I will be heading back in a week or so hoping to catch the Solomon's seal in amongst the wild garlic. One slight advantage of the late spring is the sudden explosion of colour! Great to see!
- Apr 20, 13
After the long stuttering start we had in March, spring finally arrived in earnest. Sunshine and warm temperatures over the last week or so has coaxed the daffodils and spring flowers out. I spent a few hours at Malahide Castle and Gardens this morning. An early edit of photos is posted here! More to follow!
- Apr 03, 13
I'm sifting through some new images at present, mostly taken with the Nikon D800. The dynamic range that this model covers is tremendous. A lot wider than my older D300 (which was considered excellent when it came out first). I'm finding it easy to post process these files also given the greater exposure latitude that I had at capture. I'm still using my range of ND grads though!
The weather in Ireland hasn't been conducive to photography of late - Dublin received only 2 hours of sunshine during one week in March!!!!! Things are looking up though and I hope to really put the camera through its paces this month. For now though here are some quick edits from recent trips to California (which was also dull for the few days I was there!) and Dingle (which had gale force winds and driving rain for the weekend).Slea Head, Dingle Peninsula, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Cypress avenue, Point Reyes, CA. Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Yosemite falls, CA. Nikon D800, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 The Maharees, Kerry. Nikon D800, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 Alamere Falls, Point Reyes, Nikon D800, Nikon 16-35mm f/4 Trillium grandiflorum, Nikon D800, Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 - Mar 07, 13
I'm sifting through the image set from last May's trip to Utah and finding some real gems in there!
I've put together a small selection of my favourites so far! One of the main issues was the harshness of the light and the very short window of opportunity around dawn and sunset. Utah remains one of my favourite locations for photography and I wont get back there this year unfortunately. I do however have a trip to Yosemite to look forward to.....more on this over the coming weeks! - Feb 19, 13
I'd forgotten about these images I took in 2011 in Vancouver! They were in a folder full of photos I thought I'd lost. This set are from the Davie Village Community Garden in the heart of Vancouver city. It's a great idea and something that NAMA should do with the ghost estates that blight Ireland these days! Give the space back to the community!
The Davie Village garden garden was alive with bees and butterflies when I was there and it made for an interesting feel given the high rise buildings surrounding the plot. Each plot's contents differed from the neighbouring patch and while some were full of flowers others had vegetables or a mix. It reminded me of a potager garden but with no sense of formality to it - very relaxed basically!
If you're in Vancouver and get a chance then you should definitely check it out. - Feb 10, 13
I paid a short visit yesterday to Altamont Gardens in County Carlow. Their annual snowdrop week takes place from Monday Feb 11th and the gardens looked fantastic in advance of the weeklong festival. The OPW do a fantastic job in maintaining the gardens and its plant collection.
I've posted a number of shots from the gardens yesterday along with one or two favourites from my own collection here at Beechfields.Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno, Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D300, 12-24mm f/4. Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, 16-35mm f/4 Galanthus 'Ophelia', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Desdemona', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Greatorex', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Dionysius', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Hyppolyta', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Lavinia', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Nerissa', Altamont Gardens, Carlow, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus 'Daphne's Scissors', Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5. Galanthus '3 leaves', Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, Sigma 180mm f/3.5.
Yesterdays trip was also a chance to give my new Nikon D800 a run through its paces and I have to say I'm more than impressed with it's capabilities. The resolution of the files is stunning and the dynamic range of the sensor is significantly better than the D300. I tend to deliberately underexpose files to preserve highlight detail and noise used be an issue for me. Not any more!These boots were made for planting......... Beechfields, Dublin, Nikon D800, 24-70mm f/2.8. - Jan 12, 13
I'm currently sifting through photos taken in July 2011 in Banff! A slow process to say the least! Unfortunately the weather was poor when I was there so I had to work hard to get some images I was happy with. The lighting in particular wasn't great with even shorter windows of opportunity than normal! Lots more to follow over the next while.
Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens Vermillion Lakes, Banff National Park. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens - Dec 22, 12I've put together a selection of my favourite floral photos from 2012. Slugs caused havoc and the weather didn't help either! I particularly noticed that it was a bad year for butterflies and even bees were scarce due to the cold and wet. Hopefully next year will be better!
Anemone huphensis 'September Charm'. Botanic Gardens Dublin Primula japonica. Bloom show gardens, Phoenix Park, Dublin Bluebell panorama, Moore Abbey Demesne, Kildare Castanea sativa, Botanic Gardens Dublin Anemone prattii, Beechfields Blue and gold, Botanic Gardens Dublin River of dreams, Keukenhof gardens, Holland Glowing in the shade, Clare Glens, Limerick/Tipperary border Ipheion uniflorum, Ipheion uniflorum Agapanthus africanus, Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh - Dec 22, 12
Well its that time of year again and as always I can't believe it flew by so fast! Right now I'm reviewing all the images I captured and have selected my Top 10 Landscapes and Top 10 Floral images. First up are the best of the landscape images. Personally speaking it was a good year for my photography as I got the opportunity to reach both The Subway in Zion National Park and False Kiva in Canyonlands.
Unfortunately the weather in Ireland was abysmal this summer and I didn't really get the opportunity to capture the images I had planned in the Donegal and Mayo. Maybe next year.......
Anyway, onto the photos and so without any further fuss here they are!
Taken in November on a great trip to Thailand, I had planned this type of silhouetted shot in advance. I loved the richly coloured reflections on the water the evening this was taken. Unfortunately a low lying bank of cloud didn't let me get the exact shot I wanted with the sun's orb in the shot. Next time.......Ao Nang Silhouette, Krabi, Thailand. Nikon D300, 24-70mm lens. 1/100 sec @ f/10
A quick grab shot! I captured this on the way back from Mesa Arch and quickly put on a longer telephoto lens to compress the image and bring out the best of the layers. A blue and gold polarising filter heightened the yellows in the scene.Hazy layers, Canyonlands National Park. Nikon D300, 70-200mm lens. 1/125sec @f/11
More mute in colour and tone than I would have liked but the drama of the wave adds to the image. A 3 stop ND grad filter angled in line with the contours of the foreground helped balance the light in the scene.Rising tide, Giants Causeway, Ireland. Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/13sec @ f/11
One of my favourite images taken in Canyonlands. I used a 3 stop reverse ND grad filter to hold the light on the horizon and balance the overall feel to the shot. There are a lot of subtleties in this image and I think the reflected light on the rim of the canyon adds a lot of impact to the middle level, helping draw the eye towards the sun.Standing guard, Green River Overlook, Canyonlands National Park.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/8sec @f/11
I've been planning this shot since mid 2005 and finally managed to get here this year! A truely special place and one which deservedly is kept as much a wilderness as possible. Early morning light helped accentuate the subtle tones in this scene. I may even have been too late in arriving here as I found it difficult to control the lighting on the canyon walls even with the help of a 3 stop ND grad. I would have like the river to have been higher in flow so that I could have focussed more on the point in the foreground. After 7 years waiting though, beggers can't be choosers!The point of flow, Archangel Falls, Zion Wilderness.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1sec @ f/11
This was my third attempt to get to the Subway and was 7 years in the planning! In November 2005 I had a permit but fell ill and couldn't manage the hike. 2011 saw my plans pulled apart by the record breaking snow pack and resultant flood waters in May that year. Finally in May 2012 I managed to get a permit and reach The Subway. I had an idea that the colours would be pretty mute as not only was the river level low but there had been no rain so the canyon walls were also dry. However, a blue and gold polarising filter helped accentuate the subtle tones on the canyon walls and lift the overall mood and feel of the image. This is a location that is definitely on the list for a revisit!Gilded Gold, The Subway, Zion Wilderness.
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 4 sec @ f/13
One of very few images from Ireland in 2012 unfortunately though this is my favourite. Taken at an often visited location in mid November just before sunset. A 3 stop reverse ND grad filter was used to pull back the highlights created by the setting sun. Breathing on the filter just before tripping the shutter gave a slightly moody feel to it!Golden flow, Cloghleagh, Wicklow, Ireland
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 0.8 sec @ f/11
I have found it extremely hard to choose the best shot from a series of images taken at Dead Horse this year. The lighting on the rim the evening I took this shot was incredible. I laugh though still at the woman who cam e across to me and asked what I was taking a photo of when all you could see was this incredible vista!Fire on the horizon, Dead Horse Point State Park.
Nikon D300, 24-70mm lens. 1/5 sec @ f/11
A cloudless sky meant that a tight crop was needed to keep the drama intact in the overall image.
Anyone who has witnessed the crush for space at Delicate Arch near sunset can attest to voices being raised! I got lucky though the evening I took this shot. Blanket cloud had looked like sunset was going to be a non-starter. Luckily though it cleared shortly beforehand and those of us who took a chance and hiked up the slope got lucky! Partly cloudy skies and no crowds! A 5 stop ND grad filter angled along the line of the shadow helped balance the lighting.Delicate glow, Arches National Park
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 1/30 sec @ f/11
This hidden gem was a real find on an otherwise dull and rainy day! I hiked around the waterfalls in the area looking for something different. I was heading back to the car when I noticed this clump of primroses growing in the lee of one of the waterfalls. It took a bit of scrambling around to get into position and the help of a 3 stop ND grad filter angled over the waterfall to balance the lighting. This is one spot I will definitely be visiting next year!Hidden gold, Clare Glens, Limerick/Tipperary border, Ireland
Nikon D300, 12-24mm lens. 0.4 sec@ f/22
This will probably be the last year for my trusty D300 - I'm hoping to upgrade next year to a D800E. The increased resolution will bring new challenges with it in terms of both image capture (critical focus being important) and post capture workflow (100mb TIFF files).
Merry christmas to one and all! - Dec 13, 12
Ao Nang and Bangkok, a set on Flickr.
A selection of images taken from around Ao Nang and Bangkok in November this year. Thailand is an incredible place to visit!
- Dec 08, 12
I've been going through some older material and reworking images that I had difficulty with the first time around. The three shots posted here were taken between 2006 and 2007 on an older Fuji S2. I've never been happy with the contrast in these shots but some rework using the Contrast Colour Range filter in Nik Color Efex has helped somewhat. Some of my favourite images have come from Australia and I've always been lucky with the light when I've travelled there!
Evening glow on the apostles, Great ocean Road, Australia Sacred light # 1 Sacred light # 2 - Nov 25, 12
Big Sur sunsets can be pretty special and very spectacular! I've been lucky enough to catch a number of these and have posted my three favourite images taken at sunset along Pacific Highway 1.
Pfeiffer Burns Beach. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, polariser The first two images were taken on Pfeiffer Burns beach. It's not quite the shot I wanted as it was past the time of year where the setting sun illuminates the inside of the arch. One day I'll get back in December to capture the light.......Pfeiffer Burns Beach. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, polariser
Fire in the sky, Big Sur. One of the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen! I've never managed to capture one like it since then.Big Sur on fire. Fuji S2 pro, Nikon 12-24 mm, 3 stop ND grad - Nov 20, 12
Clondalkin Camera Club Talk 2012, a set on Flickr.
I recently had the pleasure of giving a talk at Clondalkin camera club. This was my first time since 2009 so I brought along a selection of images taken over the last 3 years. There was a lot of technical discussion in relation to the images and as usual I had a great night with all the members!
- Nov 11, 12
I'm just back from two weeks in Thailand! What a country! A photographers paradise. I'm just going through all the images now and posting some quick edits here. The light was extremely harsh with only a short window of subtlety each morning and evening. This meant having to work fast with the rapidly changing conditions to maximise the lighting. Loads more images to come over the next while!
Ao Nang at dusk. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, 70mm, f/10 Ao Nang longboats. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, 24mm, f/10 Hong Island, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/8 Wat Pho, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/5.6 Wat Benchamabophit, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/8 Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/5.6 Heavy Traffic! Sathorn road. Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/11 Noppharatthara Beach, Nikon D300, 24-70mm Nikkor, f/10 Railay Island, Nikon D300, 18-105mm Nikkor, f/4.5 - Oct 07, 12
There's loads of colour still in the garden and obviously lots of photo opportunities! Some plants that are looking great right now are pictured here. These are my pick of the best!
Agapanthus africanus Anemone huphensis 'September charm' Anemone huphensis Digitalis laevigata Geranium wlassovianum Schizostylis coccinea alba - Sep 22, 12
Utah, 2011, a set on Flickr.
Images from last years trip to Utah. The light wasn't very helpful the few days I was there but I did manage to get some decent images despite the challenges!
- Sep 21, 12
Keukenhof Gardens, a set on Flickr.
Finally got through all the photos from this years trip to Keukenhof! It's a stunning location for anyone interested in flower photography!
- Sep 04, 12
I paid a visit recently to Huntingbrook gardens in Wicklow and saw some wonderful late summer colour in the magnificent flower beds spread throughout the gardens. In particular I was taken with the main bed with its airy planting scheme of pinks and oranges courtesy of the Helenium and Filipendula dotted throughout. Lysmachia, Angelica, Geranium and Turk's cap lilies provided some nice contrasts also. A small selection of photos are posted here and I had a nice chat with Jimi on the day.
- Aug 30, 12
Temples of Angkor, a set on Flickr.
A stunning location for photography and one which I'm hoping to visit again!
- Aug 30, 12
- Aug 21, 12
I'm slowly getting through my April photos from the wonderful Keukenhof gardens outside Amsterdam. In amongst all the spring flowers they had a fantastic orchid exhibition also. These are just some of the photos from there, all of which are individual Cymbidium specimens.
Cymbidium 'Riaad Pink Beauty' Cymbidium 'Alice Anderson' Cymbidium 'Cascade' Cymbidium 'Cooksbridge' Cymbidium 'Danny Green' Cymbidium 'Green Giant' Cymbidium hybrid - Aug 20, 12
People's Photography 2012.
Haven't posted much lately as I've been busy printing, mounting and framing images for this weekends free open air exhibition on St Stephens Green in Dublin.
Lots of excellent photographers will be exhibiting and as usual the craic will be great!
Hope to see some of you there! In the meantime.....here's a very small selection of images I'm bringing along.....out of close to 100!
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Asian Odyssey
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