What's YOUR excuse?

I genuinely believe Ireland is one of the most photogenic countries in the world,I can't understand how some people can't find inspiration here.The weather seems to be the main deterrant to all photographers here or lack of interesting places.

Firstly there is absolutely nothing we can do about the weather.I suggest buying some good rain gear and getting out there.A small bit of rain is hardly going to damage the camera.You've got to make the most of what you have,try and use the bad weather to your advantage.Heavy downpours and brooding clouds can still make interesting photos and some things you can shoot regardless of the weather i.e all wildlife.

Secondly people are blaming the lack of interesting places here.Well what exactly are ye looking for? I can tell you there's no shortfall of beauty spots around this country.Even in the 4 big cities there are amazing spots only a couple of kilometres away.

Come on lads it's just an excuse.We have a great country at our disposal and we're complaining about the bloody weather.We've got to learn to adapt to what we have.I'd rather be living here with it's changable weather conditions than in somewhere monotonously sunny like Greece,Spain or Florida.And that's the honest truth.

challengemaster

City-Exile wrote: »

I take offence to this!
Ireland is full of magical places & people.

I used to have a teacher who said, "only boring people get bored!"
In the same way, I think that only people with a lack of imagination, would fail to be inspired in Ireland.

Ireland is a rainy craphole miles behind most other countries in terms of...everything really. If it wasn't going to cost 40k/year to go to college in the US due to being non national, I'd be there instead of here.

challengemaster

challengemaster wrote: »

Ireland is a rainy craphole miles behind most other countries in terms of...everything really. If it wasn't going to cost 40k/year to go to college in the US due to being non national, I'd be there instead of here.

Travel

Don't disregard an entire nation without seeing it.

BanzaiBk

You appreciate the beauty of Ireland a lot more when you live out of the country for a period of time. I know I do. The creative opportunities for photographs in Ireland far surpasses those in the countries I have resided. Obviously anything that's different can be fun, for a while of course. Ever since I came home, I'm out every day. Even if it's just walking around with the camera and not taking pix, I still imagine certain shots I want to take, where I think would be better in different light etc.

Open your eyes! There's so much around!

challengemaster

Deleted User wrote: »

Travel

Don't disregard an entire nation without seeing it.

I've been all around Ireland, pretty much, at one time or another.

I've also been to probably 15+ other countries. Only place that sucks as much as Ireland does, is the UK

Fair enough,it sucks to you so.I'm fairly sure the majority don't believe it's a "rainy craphole" Most other people can appreciate it for what it is and try and make the most of it.

challengemaster

I call a spade a spade.. whether you believe it or not.. up to you.

kensutz

challengemaster wrote: »

I've also been to probably 15+ other countries. Only place that sucks as much as Ireland does, is the UK

You obviously haven't gone near the Peak Districk, Yorkshire Dales, Norfolk Coastline, Scottish Highlands to name a few places.

ThOnda

As it was written in book "On Photography" by Susan Sontag, painting is creating and photography is finding.
Some people think that it is disadvantage of photography that it can more or less create pictures of objects in front of the lens. But that is the creativity of photography. Your creativity, you and your seeing of reality, your previsualisation, your personality imprinted into the final picture.
If you want to controll absolutely what is in front of the camera - go to a studio, make a desktop stills, create your controlled environment. And be good in it, like it, inspire us and teach us how to find and create beauty in it. And I bet my shoes that most of us will be interested in everything mentioned above.
However if you want to be creative with that, what the nature, civilisation and people could offer you with some amount of randomity (is that a real word?), just look around, be ready, open minded and do what you like to do - creating photographs.
I have seen quite a lot of wonderful pictures taken by people who were restricted to some location, like hospitals and retirement houses. And those pictures were excellent. You cannot control the weather, but you can use what really is to get the maximum from it.
So going back to my beloved book, keep on finding and be creative using circumstanses and means that are available to you.

Please feel free to send me a PM pointing to any lingual mistakes and typos.

Calina

challengemaster wrote: »

Ireland is a rainy craphole miles behind most other countries in terms of...everything really. If it wasn't going to cost 40k/year to go to college in the US due to being non national, I'd be there instead of here.

It´s a really tough life you´ve got there. YOu know, when I was your age, it cost nearly 3000 euro a year to go to college in IReland if you were Irish because that is the way it was.

If I were you I would, instead of moaning about what a horrible place this country is, go out and find good things about it. This attitude means you won´t fund the unsung beauty elsewhere - you expect it to be delivered to you on a plate. Most of the great photographers go out and do that. Do you seriously think it´s as easy as standing in Yosemite National Park. Why do you go to the trouble of getting all the photographic gear that you have if you can´t be bothered to go to the trouble of using the two most important bits you have namely your eye and your mind?

Ireland is an amazing place to take photographs. If you are not able to take them, then the problem is you and not Ireland. The weather doesn´t matter.

City-Exile

challengemaster wrote: »

I've been all around Ireland, pretty much, at one time or another.

I've also been to probably 15+ other countries. Only place that sucks as much as Ireland does, is the UK

challengemaster wrote: »

Ireland is a rainy craphole miles behind most other countries in terms of...everything really. If it wasn't going to cost 40k/year to go to college in the US due to being non national, I'd be there instead of here.

I'm going to use this as a guide to how old you are & put your comments down to immaturity. Maybe your own limitations as a photographer prevent you from seeing & capturing the beauty of Ireland, or indeed all the negative things you perceive about my country.

Having spent nearly 5 years living all over England & currently being on assignment in Yorkshire, I have to say, the UK is an incredible place!
These are just some of the things I'll be investigating in the coming weeks.

http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.kwvr.co.uk/
http://www.bradfordmuseums.org/industrialmuseum/

Quint

challengemaster wrote: »

I've been all around Ireland, pretty much, at one time or another.

I've also been to probably 15+ other countries. Only place that sucks as much as Ireland does, is the UK

"It sucks"!
You couldn't even say why Ireland was so bad compared to other countries, the old 14 year old stroppy teenager one, "it sucks"! Obviously you're not doing English in college and you didn't make the debating team

challengemaster

City-Exile wrote: »

I'm going to use this as a guide to how old you are & put your comments down to immaturity.

You don't like what I've got to say, so you're calling me immature?

kensutz

More down to facts.

challengemaster

Admittidly, my experience of the UK isn't probably as vast as you, kensutz, or Peadar. My own experiences of the UK, however, weren't exactly thrilling. I could be wrong - I'm open to correction, and probably should have included this first time 'round.

However, I don't think calling me immature and a lesser photographer is any way to convince me you're right.

Ricky91t

challengemaster wrote: »

Admittidly, my experience of the UK isn't probably as vast as you, kensutz, or Peadar. My own experiences of the UK, however, weren't exactly thrilling. I could be wrong - I'm open to correction, and probably should have included this first time 'round.

However, I don't think calling me immature and a lesser photographer is any way to convince me you're right.

You shouldn't really of said that then.The parts of the uk iv seen iv really liked iv seen more of the uk than ireland but i like both countries equally both nice lanscapes etc

kensutz

Maybe it's a reminder to think before you post.

City-Exile

If you were worth your salt, you'd be able to capture the dour Ireland you describe.
Without photographic evidence, I'm reluctant to believe a complete stranger.

TelePaul

Calina wrote: »

Do you seriously think it´s as easy as standing in Yosemite National Park.

For landscapes and nature it's probably a bit better than here IMO

TelePaul

City-Exile wrote: »

If you were worth your salt, you'd be able to capture the dour Ireland you describe.
Without photographic evidence, I'm reluctant to believe a complete stranger.

who, me?

challengemaster

ricky91t wrote: »

You shouldn't really of said that then.The parts of the uk iv seen iv really liked iv seen more of the uk than ireland but i like both countries equally both nice lanscapes etc

Probably not, everyone slips up now and again. There are some places in the UK I'll admit I would like to visit for photography - eg. London for one. I guess it's also up to personal preference and like elven said earlier in the thread - what inspires you. Personally I don't really find a field or something too inspiring. And after seeing it like.....2 times.. it gets boring, fast. Atleast to me.

Photography is a wonderful thing, though - its all about personal vision - and I suppose I did in some way, insult both of you - so apologies are due. You may see things I don't, but I wouldn't call it immaturity or such, Peadar. Everyone likes different things - Everyone sees things differently. Some people can look at something and go 'thats crap', others will love it.

Kensutz: Yeah, more thought before type methinks - head isn't 100% these days

What i've said, is my own personal opinion, though. And I think everyone's entitled to one. It may not be right, but everyone's still entitled to their own.

City-Exile

TelePaul wrote: »

who, me?

No, the other moaner.

You guys obviously don't bother looking at the pictures taken by the members of this forum, because there are some fantastic landscapes taken in Ireland.

These being a few of them...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnfinn/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/conmike12/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/valentia/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gristlyend/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julieodonnell/

Maybe we're wasting our time, trying to make you open your eyes, but we were obliged to try.

Dinkie

My main reason, is that I'm still a beginner and I get really embarassed. I find myself getting up at the crack of dawn so there won't be many people around. The lesser reason is that I get frustrated when I can't take the photos that I see in my head... (I can see the image I want to take in my head, but on camera it looks different).

On the plus side, I love looking at all my photos (never delete them till viewed on the laptop) and trying to create a half decent photo in photoshop. Cropping out bits and changing colours and just using my imagination

I do find it hard to get enthused sometimes... but then I go somewhere - give my self a certain amount of time - like 30 mins - and tell myself that I will get 1 good shot in that time - it usually works and I end up with a couple of passable shots.

CraggyIslander

Back OT :pac:

I dont have an excuse This thread is reminding me to visit the botanics again tho

Simply haven't had any inspiration lately, but am working on that...

People or urban photography has never inspired me, but trekking through some field in the west of ireland regularly has..... so guess where I'll be heading weekend after next?

Do have some indoor / studio shots I want to try out.. by the time I'm done with the studying for my masters in computer security (which is all self study on top of work ) I'm too wrecked and just want to get out of the house and chill with a pint.

Wait that last bit sounds like an excuse :P This Fridays resolution is to take Sunday off from the books and try that darn shot

Quint

challengemaster wrote: »

You don't like what I've got to say, so you're calling me immature?

The thread was reasons why you don't go out and take photos, and yours was "cos ireland sucks". I think anyone would call that immature.

If ireland just "sucks" for photography reasons you're having a laugh! It's not the country, it's you. And it's a bit unfair saying america is better, it's slightly bigger, so it's obviously going to be better. Anyway, THESE people seem to be getting on just fine with a country that sucks

Quackles

I have lots of excuses, none of them any good Firstly, finding a babysitter to look after the little guy so I can get out and about. Secondly, the weather (nervous about bringing my gear out in the rain). Finally, I'm currently existing in a perpetual state of exhaustion, just working and looking after the little lad wears me out, so the thought of climbing up hills or going on big long walks is akin to torture. That said, I could always be practising my portraits and shooting the little guy, so primarily laziness, I suppose!!

Paulw

I go to the US almost every year. This year I was in Utah, and visited some brilliant landscape areas - Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches national parks.

Later this year I'm going to Portland Oregon. I love to travel.

But, Ireland is brilliant for photography. We have so much around us that we just ignore.

Giant's Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, never mind almost every other area of this wonderful country.

But, if you don't make an effort, you can't expect to find good places to photograph.

ThOnda

Don't forget Donegal, Mayo and Sligo. There is magical scenery on every corner.

Dragan

I love Ireland as a photographic subject. We have a rich history, a good heritage, some nice cities, some excellent individual buildings, a rich and varied countryside.

Then you have various activities and interest groups, social scenes and things to get involved in. All kinds of people are more than happy to open up the doors and let the lens in if you ask nicely.

And it's all squashed into a relatively small geographical area.

Not bad at all really.

YogiBear

Yesterday I read this thread, today it pissed rain.. I drove into town & on the way home I passed this park so decided to brave the weather to try to get some shots.. In fairness, I get one or two ok shots.. I also got soaked. :rolleyes:

whyulittle

Bet you didn't get wet at all, just added the rain in Photoshop!

YogiBear

whyulittle wrote: »

Bet you didn't get wet at all, just added the rain in Photoshop!

Why youuuu little... :mad: .... There was no need to add in the rain, come on now!

unreggd

what do people use for rain cover? Its awkward shootin while holdin an umbrella

but them umbrella hats are just silly lookin