Just Go, There's ALWAYS a shot!

Trips to Dingle always have a way of surprising me. As I set off this afternoon, thick grey clouds dominated the sky, the kind of overcast weather that might cause hesitation in some. But not for me. I knew there was always something waiting out there, even if I couldn’t see it yet.

Driving into Dingle, my first stop was the same as always—a visit to my good friend Jaro at his shop, Kerry Views, right in town. We’ve shared plenty of conversations over the years about the beauty of this area, and it’s become a tradition to catch up whenever I’m in Dingle.

After a quick chat, I headed out towards the coast, eager to explore a new spot I had been eyeing for a while. The Wild Atlantic was anything but wild today—the water was calm, eerily still, almost like a lake. It's not something you see often along this stretch of coastline, but that’s the beauty of returning time and again. The Atlantic always surprises.

I made my way around the path I turned towards a gully where I stumbled upon a superb sea stack, perfectly aligned with An Tiaracht island in the distance. The symmetry between the island and the stack below caught my eye immediately—it felt like one of those rare moments where nature does all the composing for you.

I decided to go with long exposures, dialling in 25 seconds for that smooth effect on the water. The calm conditions meant I didn’t have to worry about crashing waves, which allowed me to focus on composition. Monochrome felt right for this scene. The contrast between the dark, rugged cliffs and the smooth sea offered a natural balance that only black and white could work perfectly, I felt.

From there, I found several more spots along the cliffs that worked just as well for long exposures. Each composition highlighted An Tiaracht and An Fear Marbh islands, set against that calm, moody sea. Even though I was nearly at sea level, the views felt expansive—almost a full 360-degree panorama from Ceann Sibéal to the Three Sisters, Ballydavid Head, and even the shadowy peak of Mount Brandon in the distance, though it was, as usual, cloaked in clouds.

From my vantage point, I could also see Clogher Head, where I stood last year with Mads, Michael, and Nigel during their visit. It was there we tackled the 400mm challenge, capturing those details in a way that only a long lens could. Standing there today brought back memories of that trip.

The lesson I’ve learned time and again out here is that bad conditions simply don’t exist. Too often, we get caught up in waiting for perfect weather—those clear, dramatic skies, golden light, or the right amount of waves crashing against the rocks. But the reality is perfect conditions are rare, and if you’re always waiting for them, you’re missing out on some of the most unique opportunities. Whether the sky is thick with clouds, like today, or the sea is unexpectedly calm, there's always a shot waiting to be found—you just need to show up.

Think about it: the moody, grey skies I encountered today enhanced the feel of my long exposures. The still water transformed the scene into something almost surreal, and the lack of dramatic weather forced me to focus more on composition and details, like the natural symmetry between the stack and An Tiaracht island. I wouldn’t have seen these elements if I had stayed home, waiting for "better" conditions. Sometimes, the subtlety of a calm day can create a more powerful image than any dramatic storm could. The key is to take whatever nature throws your way and work with it.

To anyone reading this, my advice is simple: just go. Stop waiting for the perfect forecast or the ideal light. You’ll often find that the most rewarding shots come when conditions are less than ideal. Go when the sky looks dull, when the wind dies down, or when it seems like nothing’s happening. You never know what you’ll find until you’re out there, and more often than not, nature will surprise you in ways you couldn’t have planned for.

Also, don't forget to stay adaptable. The conditions may change during your shoot, and being ready to adjust your approach—whether it’s switching lenses, tweaking your composition, or trying different exposure settings—can be the difference between an average shot and a memorable one. The more you experiment in different weather, the more versatile and creative you’ll become as a photographer.

So, the next time you hesitate, remember this: bad conditions don’t exist. There’s always a shot to be had, and the most important step is the one you take out the door.

If you want to experience Dingle for yourself, consider joining me for a one-on-one session or in my February group workshop. I’d be more than happy to help you take on the unpredictable and find those unforgettable shots. Follow the link below to book your spot; places are limited.