35mm Film – It’s been a while

It must be at least 15 years since I last used a 35mm film camera. Thanks to Beatrice Hunt for giving me her much loved Canon 3000. The camera itself is so light. I fitted it with a canon 50mm 1.8 (affectionalty known by some as the nifty fifty) which is a very light but high quality lens. I loaded the camera with an Ilford Delta 400 black and white 35mm film. So here we go one roll of film later.

Digital is so fast. I wanted to slow my personal photography down. Now as a professional photograper I know that every time I hit the button on my digital camera I am creating a file that has to be dealt with later. So I am well adjusted to only shooting when there is a photo to be had. It is amazing how my attitude got even more refined knowning I only had 36 chances at getting a good shot.

There is a sense of anticipation, not knowing there and then if you got the shot. There is no instant read out on exposure or framing after the fact. It was fun to see the faces of teenagers and young adults when they asked to see the photo right after it was shot. I turned the camera to show them a piece of black plastic where the screen should be. I explained that the film would have to be processed and it could take up to a week to get it back. This was totally lost on them.

Of course there is the anticipation of handing the film in for processing. Have I got 36 shots – or none? My first contact was in print. It was so nice to be able to hold a print for a change. I got all 36 shots. Were all 36 great – no, but I learned so much by not having digital back up. The camera is now loaded with colour Fujifilm 400.

I had the film processed at John Gunns camera shop on Wexford Street. I always find Gunns extremely helpful – they even posted my photos back to Laois for me.

Harley Davidson parked outside Kilkenny Castle

Met this gentle giant admiring the Kilkenny Hurlers – Cu Breatnach from Wexford

Streets of Kilkenny

Rain on the Steets of Dubin

My old friend of 15 years

Getting close to the end of the roll I started some genuine double and triple exposures. Really liked this one.

Damien Carroll Lifestyle Photography 

Damien Carroll Commercial Photography

Photo Session at the Ridge of Cappard Laois

 

I had the pleasure of taking these photos with Fran and James at the Ridge of Cappard in the Slieve Bloom Mountains on the Laois Offaly border. We caught the sunset on a bright but cloudy evening giving us a lovely blue backdrop. Thanks to Fran and James for making the trek up the boardwalk – ye look fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

Damien Carroll

Choosing the Right Props for Your Photography Session

Choosing the Right Props for Your Next Photo Session

Have you ever thought about adding props to your photo sessions? Props can add interest, depth and an extra flair to your pictures. Get your children to hold coordinating flowers for a spring or summer shoot. Love sports? Then use footballs or hurleys in your next family photo to bring out your passion. Here are a few tips for ways to incorporate props in your next photo session.

• Avoid trends. While you might have recently seen a few photos that incorporate a specific prop, try not to use something that will not look really dated in 20 years’ time. Classic is definitely better and there are many fun options to choose from.
• Be realistic. It’s easy to go wild when thinking of a theme for your photo session. You should decide on one that you can actually find props for. For example, if you want to use seasonal props, try and source them in that season as they’ll be easier to find and before you decide to remake your favourite movie scene, think twice about whether you’ll be able to find suitable outfits for everyone in the photo.

• Size matters. There are some larger props that work really well in photo sessions such as using your grandpa’s farm tractor as a background piece. However, there are some larger props that can take away from the beauty of the photograph altogether. Make sure that your prop enhances the photo and doesn’t detract from it.

• Make it meaningful. If your child has a favourite stuffed animal or if you have a musical instrument that you treasure, try and incorporate it into your photos. This way your pictures will have more meaning to you and your family.
• Use what you have. Make the current season work to your advantage by using what’s available. Leaves in the Autumn make for amazing props in photos and don’t cost a thing.

Remember, using props can be the perfect addition to your photos but make sure that they don’t become the main focus.

Unique Photo Session Ideas

Unique Photo Session Ideas You’ll Love

There is nothing quite like capturing memories with your loved ones. Are you someone who enjoys taking beautiful pictures of you and your family?  Then you are probably always on the lookout for inspiration for your next photo session. Below are some unique photo ideas that you’ll love.

• Family history. Are you a fan of the photos that your grandparents or even great grandparents have taken? Why not replicate them? With a bit of the right editing and you can achieve the same look and feel.

 

• First and last day of school. For the first day of school, get some fun pictures of your child getting ready. You can then do the same on the day that they graduate from national and secondary school,  so that you can create an amazing “before and after” picture. You can even choose to add on montessori and college graduation photos.
• Generational photos. Photos are one of those items that are passed down through generations so why not create one that future family members can treasure. Take a photo with your daughter, mother and grandmother to show the generations of women in your family or any other mix of family members that you want to place in a picture together.
• Pregnancy pictures. There are many fun ways to show your progress through pregnancy and documenting it with photos is the perfect way to capture this time in your life. Years from now you’ll be able to take your child through your journey before you got to meet them and share that special moment with them.
• Pet portraits. Your pet is a member of your family and capturing memories with them is just as important. There are so many great ways to take some amazing photos whether it’s outside at a park or in the comfort of your own home.

 

• Save the date. Getting married in the near future? Taking a quirky couple photo where your wedding date is displayed is a lovely way to invite people to your wedding. You can do anything from writing the date on the bottom of your shoes to using chalkboards or balloons to display the date.
• Reveal if it is a boy or girl. Why not make finding out the gender of your baby a fun surprise for everyone by turning it into a fun photo that you can send around. Some cute ideas include releasing pink or blue balloons out of a box or you could incorporate a cute colour frame.

The US Coast Guard Tall Ship Eagle visits Dublin

An early morning photograph from the Liffey quayside. The USCGC Eagle is docked at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay. The US Coast Guard are offering free tours of the vessel until Monday evening. They set sail again on Tuesday.

The three week sailing from Connecticut wasn’t without incident. A recruit fell overboard while on duty off the Cork coast. The man overboard was back on the ship within 11 minutes setting a record in the ships 70 year history.

How to Pick Your Perfect Photographer

 

 

How to Pick Your Perfect Professional Photographer

What you need to consider before you pay that photography deposit.

If you’ve started the search for a photographer then you’ll know just how many options there are. Before you go ahead and book a professional photographer for a shoot though, there are a couple important things to consider.

What style are you looking for?

Photographers have different styles so you need to decide on someone who can help you achieve the end result you are looking for. This applies to everything from wedding and maternity shoots to family and corporate shoots. Photographers are creative by nature. A mood board or pinterest board can be very useful.

Research and review.

Before you invest in a professional photographer browse around their website to view their latest work and have a look around their social media pages to find out what others are saying about them. These platforms will also give you a good idea of their personality and style. Some other important points to consider when researching photographers are:

1. Do their services fall within your price range?
2. Are they experienced enough to give you the results you are looking for?
3. Are they based in your area and are they willing to travel to a specific location if need be?
4. Is the quality of their photos good enough?

Create a short list.

Once you have done your research, create a short list of professional photographers that stand out for you. Get in touch with each of them to discuss your needs and to ask any questions that you might have. It’s important that you chat with the photographer over the phone if not in person as this is the best way to get to know them and find out whether you’ll be able to work with them. Feeling relaxed with your photographer will result in great photos. Always work with someone you are comfortable with.

It’s important that you pick a photographer that you have confidence in. Your photos are there to last you a lifetime so while there is nothing wrong with helping out your photographer friend who has just started out, it’s best to choose an experienced photographer for important events and occasions that you can’t relive.

 

 

Damien Carroll

Top Tips for Debs Photos

 

Top Tips for a Sensational Debs Photos

 

 

It’s completely normal to feel a little awkward when taking Debs photos. Many tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance because they feel uncomfortable taking photos for the first time on their own or with their Debs partner, often in front of a gathering of family and friends.

Below are my top five tips for taking on your Debs portrait with grace and confidence – leaving you with photos that you will love for years to come.

1. Use your eyes. Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best.
2. Relax. Great photos happen when you are relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but I will do everything we can to help you feel more comfortable.
3. Breathe. This may sound obvious but breathing is key to capturing a natural look. Take time to  practice taking a deep breath while smiling in front of the mirror.  Slowly release the air while holding the smile and notice how your face and eyes settle into a natural and relaxed expression. Allow your eyes to “smile” by focusing on the apples of your cheeks pressing upwards. When in doubt, just breathe.
4. Move. Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with.
5. Beautify. You will look great. Ladies will have their hair and make-up done. The Lads will be suited, booted and groomed to the last. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your Debs session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.

 

Cearbhuil

6 Reasons Why Photographers Love Photography

If you have ever wondered what spurs on a photographer’s passion, you are about to find out. Below are just some of the many reasons I wouldn’t change my job for anything in the world.

1. Photography changes how you see things. You notice colours, textures, flowers, trees, people, shapes and light in a way most people never see them.
2. You pay more attention to the beauty around you. Even the most mundane object can become beautiful when you photograph it in a creative way. Many photographers love their job because they develop a fascination with the world around them by viewing it through new eyes
3. It’s a great creative outlet. You get the chance to put a little bit of who you are into each photo that you take. Anyone can click a camera’s buttons but not everyone can truly make a photo come to life.
4. It’s a challenge. Creating amazing photos that capture the magic of everyday life doesn’t come without hard work, dedication and imagination. There is always something new to explore and a new way to take the same photos. It’s a job that never gets boring
5. You get to meet new people all the time. A photographer works with people from all walks of life. Getting to know someone new is a part of the process of bringing someone’s personality through in a photo. It also makes the job a lot more fun!
6. The flexibility is great. Being a full time photographer means you get to work your own hours. This doesn’t mean it’s a laid back profession though. A photographer is always aiming to perfect their craft, taking on new challenges and helping their clients achieve the perfect pictures.

 

When you decide to pay for a professional photo session, know that you are hiring an individual who is passionate about what they do and is willing to go the extra mile to help you create beautiful photos that you can treasure forever.

 

After all, taking a picture captures a moment and preserves it forever.

 

Damien Carroll

1916 Bridal Photo Shoot

As we approach Easter Sunday and the centenary of the Rebellion that was the 1916 Rising, we wondered what an Irish bride of that time would have worn. After some research, that included a trip to the National History Museum at Collins Barracks, we set about styling the shoot.

The excellent creative team that pulled this concept together are, make-up artist Carmel Ryan, styling by Catherine Dwyer at Contemporary Bride Birr, and our model Elynia Betts. Elynia played out the role perfectly – which is no surprise as she is also an accomplished actress.

The lovely historical town of Birr in Co Offaly provided us with the backdrop to our scenes. Its also the town where Elynia got a marriage proposal from a gentleman passing in his car. She very politely declined but it was a first for me on any of my photography shoots!

 

 

 

Cearbhuil

 

 

Birr Castle Engagement Shoot – Aisling & Alan

Alan & Aisling choose the fantastic grounds of Birr Castle in Co Offaly for their engagement session. The low early spring sunshine lit up the grounds for us. It was a long way from Clare to there but well worth the journey.

Engagement ring bought at Tadgh O’Flynn Jewellers in Nenagh Co Tipperary.

Photography by Damien Carroll, Cearbhuil Photography, Co Laois