Sunset over Lough Conn

I was driving around since 1pm looking for some interesting old houses and some nice locations for some landscape photos. It wasnt easy today as i just wasn't inspired by anything. Although I did find an interesting old house. I was about to give up on getting any shots that i was really happy with, when on the way back home I seen the sun setting nicely behind Lough Conn.

Just back in the studio now. My feet are soaking from taking this photo. I was standing in water that was up to my ankles. Must invest in some wellies. Not the warmest of water either.

All in all I took about 25 images today. This is the one I am happy with the most (at first glance anyway). Must straighten the horizon on this one. Ill post one or two on www.thegreengallery.ie when Im happy with them.

Personalized Christmas cards.

Ill be doing a personalized Christmas card package for the next two months. Basically, it will involve a photo shoot and an image of choice to be printed on 25 or more cards.

I got Robin dressed up for the shoot (it wasn't the easiest thing in the world keeping that hat on him).

So now to pick a photo to stick on Christmas cards to use as an example...

Its hard to choose as I'm biased (him being being my son and all). I think i might be a bit indecisive, but I'm not sure.

What do you think 1,2,3,4 or 5?? You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Lacken, Co. Mayo

I took a drive to Lacken yesterday and decided to drive around all the little narrow back roads to see if it lead me anywhere interesting. Sometimes I try to get lost (its not easy when your trying for some reason).

I came to a dead end at a coast line so I got out and walked. What a beautiful spot I had found. The Atlantic waves were pounding off the cliffs making loud crashing booms and shooting many meters in the the air. The sun was just about to go down (to the right of the cliffs). It was hard to find a spot to take a photo without running the risk of getting hit by one of these waves and getting dragged out to the sea. I think its one of the reasons I like the sea, its so intimidating and powerful. Not being able to swim would have a sight influence too im sure.

I had taken a few photos when it started to rain so I headed back to the car. I hate the rain!! Planning on going back soon and im sure I seen a cave somewhere :)

Old House

Took a detour on the way home from a job yesterday. Its strange, theres an old back road over some mountains that ive been on a few times but always coming from the same direction. Yesterday i was coming from the other for a change. In doing so i seen so many potential photos that I never noticed before.







These were taken at a derelict house I wondered into. Getting the shot meant walking through a very marshy field waring what might as well be slippers. I also realized that my very light trousers offered no protection from stinging nettles. Finally when I got into the old house I was met by the smell of rotting sheep carcase. (can be seen on the left of the first pic). There was a humming sound throughout the house too. Bee's! Lovely, although i have got stung a few time they dont bother me as much as some people. That said, I do find that sound very intimidating. The stairs looked like it may collapse but I had to see what was up there. The humming got louder as I set up my camera and tripod at the top of the stairs facing into an old bedroom with a big old fireplace. Got a few shots without falling through the floor or getting stung.

A strange thing happened after. Two sheep entered the house and went to the corner of the room downstairs. One lay down and died while I was standing there. The other just stood beside it. It was a strange moment.

Robin is One today

Our son Robin is one today. Not really sure where the last twelve months have gone. It really doesnt seem that long ago since he was a tiny wee newborn.

Its been a fantastic year :)

Small wedding in the Garden

Here is a photo from a very low key wedding / blessing that I worked on during the weekend. The sun came out just in time. Though it didnt look that good a few hours prior to that. The home garden was transformed into a beautiful venue for such an occasion using a large marquee and a bit of creativity.

Panoramic photo of Crossmolina studio

A panoramic photo of the crossmolina photo studio. Those that know me have figured by now that i seem to like green.

Civil wedding at the Lisloughrey Lodge in Cong, Mayo

Here are a few photos from a recent wedding which was a civil wedding held in Lisloughrey Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo. I really enjoyed working with this couple as they were so relaxed and friendly. The weather was amazing also, blue skies all day long. The couple were very happy with their photos and we are currently working together on making the album.

To celebrate the opening of the new photography studio on Ballina street, Crossmolina, Mayo, I am offering a 20% discount on all wedding and family packages for a limited time.

Drumming weekend

Spent the weekend at a drumming workshop in an eco lodge in Sligo http://gyreum.com/
Had a fantastic time, though my hands are feeling a little tender. I would recommend it to anyone.
This guy is always organizing these type of workshops. Contact me of you want me to forward you his details.

River View Horse show, Crossmolina

Photos from the River view horse show which too place in Crossmolina, County Mayo on the 14th of June have been added to the website for those wishing to purchase them.

Here is the link;

www.abacaphotography.com

More photos from the Photoshoot on Sunday.

Here are a few more photos from Sunday. I set up a few lights in their rehearsal room (bedroom) and stuck a few colours over them for a few of the shots.

I lost a bit my flash radio trigger (elinchrom skyport) that evening in a wooded area. Went back the next day and searched with a metal detector. Found it eventually thank god. Would have set me back close to €200.

Music Photography

Photographed my first band since I moved to Mayo. Used to do allot more when I lived in Dublin and Meath.

I took this shot five mins walking distance from where they were rehearsing in Partry. Lovely area!!

Mayo Christening Party Girl

Two fun photos i took during a christening party last weekend in Party, Mayo.


This one might come back to haunt her in a few years time (ie. 21st)

Studio apdate

I had hoped that the new photo studio in Crossmolina would be opened by now but it looks like it will take another 3 weeks. When i was told it would only take 2 months I guess i should have multiplied by two. Silly me!!

Robin

My son Robin is now 7 months old. He's one child that most certainly doesn't mind the camera. (he doesnt have much of a choice though).

West coast road trip

We left the house in Mayo on Monday eve at about 7pm and made our way to Clifden, Co. Galway. Checked into a hostel, got a bit of food and hit a local pub.



Next day we drove around the Burren and seen allot off the coastline. That evening we stayed in Doolin, Co Clare. Thought about camping out but the weather was still a bit rough. Doolin was pretty but id say its very quite in the Winter.



Wednesday we saw the cliffs of Moher. Couldnt believe we had to pay €8 'crazy!!'. Weather was terrible too. Headed over to Dingle which was very nice. Cant believe ive never been. Visited a few nice cosey pubs that evening. Stayed in a hostel call the Grapevine which was lovely.




Thursday we drove around most of the Ring of Kerry. The sun had finally come out so we decided to camp out.

It was a long drive on Friday from Kerry to Bundoran. My younger brother had organized surf lessons for us. I wasnt sure about doing it but was glad i did.