Niamh & Dermot

Niamh and Dermot's wedding took place last Friday in the majestic countryside setting of Tourmakeady Co.Mayo.
I visited Dermot (Groom) at the start of the day who was getting ready in nearby Partry before traveling on to Niamh's home house in Tourmakeady to catch some of her preparations.
Although the weather was changeable, the Gods looked upon us favourably and gave us lovely dry conditions after the ceremony. This allowed us to to go to the beautiful "Tourmakeady Waterfall" which as about a ten minute walk into the local forest (or a two minute drive if your a Bride on her wedding day!!). Fair play to the newlyweds who had brought some refreshments (beer, champagne and sambos!!) to the waterfall which ensured a very relaxed and jovial mood whilst taking images.
The reception took place in the marvelous Castlecourt Hotel in Westport.
Below is a small sample of images from the day.

One of the most enjoyable days I've had at a wedding....thanks lads!!

 

Mike Denver in the TF Castlebar

Mike Denver played a tremendous concert in Castlebar's TF last Saturday March 5th. Special guests on the night included Ray Lynam (responsible for getting me addicted to James Taylor), and Philomena Begley.
Mike has established himself as the number one country artist in Irish music and it's easy to see why with the class performance that he gave. As well as being the fantastic performer that he is, he has also gathered the finest of musicians in Ireland that now are his regular touring band. If that's not enough, he has also got Michael Nestor on board as his sound engineer and in my book, he's the best sound engineer that you'll come across.....full stop!
Below are a couple of images taken on the night.

 

 

 

Something different

Last Sunday, I did something which I don't do on a regular basis... a fashion shoot! The gifted Caroline Coyne was the make up artist whilst Agatha from Alchemy Hair Co was the hair stylist!

My friend and associate Natalie Herzer of Boudoir Girls was also present giving creative direction to the two beautiful models Breda and Caitríona as well as assisting with the various lighting set ups.

Normally, when doing studio shoots, I have discussions with the families/subjects prior to the day of the sitting so I'm prepared as to what they would like, and I try and ensure that I deliver that....and more! My comfort zone would therefore be in providing portraits of children (of all ages), as well as family portraits and corporate work. I also have a lot of seasonal portraits that take place on location, such as Holy Communions, Confirmations, Christenings......and of course, the most substantial side to my business....Weddings. All of this, I'm prepared for, but I must admit to being a bit nervous with regards to the fashion shoot.

I normally work on my own, so this shoot was going to be different straight away with the fact that there was a team of six people involved in the various aspects of the shoot. When your on your own either in the studio, or on location (like a wedding for example), there can be a thousand and one things going through your mind at the one time. You must digress all the information that's in front of the lens to ensure that the images are all well lit, well composed, very flattering to the people involved and trying to press the shutter at the right time to capture the right moment. While doing this, it's important to be able to communicate in a jovial manner with those in front of the lens so that they become relaxed and let their emotions flow naturally which give infinitely better results. The fashion shoot was a bit different in that I had to think out loud and let the team know where I was trying to go with an idea and vice versa.

Fashion photography is a bit different in that emotion seems to have a less significant role. The poses that are requested from models aren't what you find in a normal "lifestyle" situations.....maybe this was one of the reasons for my apprehension around the shoot. Having a team of five others around you though that you can lean on for support and ideas was certainly a help for me.

Below are a couple of shots from the shoot with more to follow over the next couple of days.