Originally
from Carrick on
Shannon, Co. Leitrim, I am a photographer based in Midleton, Co, Cork,
Ireland. I've
always been interested in photography, but took it up seriously about 9
years
ago. At that point, I found it both an escape from a busy schedule and
a
creative outlet compared to a working life dictated by logic, processes
and
deadlines. My camera became my constant companion on early morning and
late
evening walks, a time when the light is often beautiful and nature seen
at its
best. Through picture taking, I began to look at my surroundings
differently,
looking at details in the landscape and picking out shapes.
I use the medium of black and white exclusively. With black and white,
there is
always a degree of interpretation, as we do not see in monochrome. A
monochrome
picture can appear more dramatic or moody than the equivalent colour
photo
might. It also distills the scene to the essential elements within it -
the
shapes and textures that represent the subject.
Much
of my work are long exposures
ranging from seconds to several minutes. This is often a necessity of
the time
at which I take the photos, but also something I try to use creatively.
With long
exposures, movement is either accentuated or for very long exposures,
movement
is smoothed out altogether. Where movement is obvious, it can be used
to draw
the viewer into the scene, while where movement has been removed, it
emphasizes
the shapes and textures of the static elements of the scene.
Many
of my photos are seascapes and woodland scenes. I am fascinated with
the sea despite (or perhaps because of) having a terrible fear of
water. The
sea has a terrible beauty, being both calming and yet powerful and
dangerous.
With the woodlands, I find it’s the opposite. I think nothing
of walking in the
woods before dawn or after dusk and yet many people regard them as
forbidding
places to be avoided except in the middle of the day. Rivers and lakes
are also a draw for me - again its the attraction of the water.
I am primarily self taught, having taken a short evening course about
10 years
ago. I use a variety of cameras, both film and digital and all of my
work is
printed digitally using pigment on fibre based photo paper. I'm a
member of the Leitrim Design House,
recognised by the Craft Council of Ireland as Ireland's
premiere craft and design gallery. I'm also a member of East Cork Camera
Group having been vice chair last year.
I live in Midleton, Co. Cork having moved from
Dublin with my wife and family (3 sons now aged 7 years, 4 years and 1 year) 6
years ago. In my day job, I work as a a manager in a small
software company.
Please take some time to view
the gallery
for samples of my work. Alternatively, for a geographical view, you can browse the photos overlaid on a map. All prints are open editions and available for
purchase. The photographs are taken on traditional black and white film
and more
recently digitally on a variety of equipment. Where film is used, the
negatives are scanned and printed digitally, while digital photos are
converted to black and white. All prints are printed using pigment inks
for a genuine black and white print.
I exhibit my work regularly,
with a recent solo exhibition
at the NSC, Cork from 24th of November
2008 to 7th of January, 2009. Previous solo exhibitions have
been on show at the Fusion
Restaurant, Crosshaven, Co Cork. My work is also regularly exhibited at
East Cork Camera Group exhibitions. Details of these will
appear here soon.
To contact Adrian, click here.