Surprises and Lessons from a Day of Landscape Photography in Ireland

Landscape photography often surprises you, throwing unexpected moments your way. These experiences are part of what makes it so rewarding, both in the images we capture and in the lessons we learn. A recent outing exemplified this, taking me through a journey of clear skies, cascading waterfalls, fog-shrouded mountains, and coastal waves—all with surprises at every turn.

A Morning of Calm Reflections

The day began with conditions I didn’t anticipate. Forecasts predicted bad weather, but instead, we were greeted with clear skies and calm reflections, especially at Benbulben. Its striking silhouette mirrored on still waters was a moment worth savouring. This is about the importance of starting early; calm mornings are often the best time for reflection as the wind hasn’t picked up yet.

As Photographers, we often face the temptation to stick to preconceived plans, but adaptability is key. The unexpected reflections led me to reconsider my original ideas and embrace the moment. I find myself taking this approach more than not.

Capturing Cascades with Telephoto Precision

As we drove onward, hints of fog and moisture began to appear. A roadside cascade caught our eye, It would be time for the telephoto lens. By zooming in, I eliminated distracting elements like apartment buildings and infrastructure, focusing solely on the waterfall.

Again, the importance of having versatile lenses in your kit was applicable here. A telephoto lens isn’t just for wildlife or distant subjects—it’s invaluable for isolating details in a busy scene. When photographing cascades, look for ways to simplify the frame, focusing on light, texture, and motion.

Misty Mountains Without a Pull-Off Area

Driving through Ireland often reveals fleeting moments of beauty—scenes you wish you could capture but can’t stop for. Mist shrouded the mountains, creating great atmosphere, yet we found ourselves with no safe place to pull over. It’s a common frustration for landscape photographers, all over the world but moments like this teach you the importance of scouting locations in advance where possible. If you know your route, you can plan for areas where stopping is possible.

Coastal Challenges and Midges

Arriving at our planned sunset location, we were greeted by thick fog. The views we hoped for had vanished, but instead of packing up, we decided to make the most of the situation. Two surfers braved the water, giving me a chance to pull out the telephoto lens, and this time it would be my Sigma 150-600. Freezing their motion against the waves provided an unexpected opportunity for dynamic shots.

What we didn’t expect, however, were swarms of midges. November usually spares us from these pests, but they were out in full force.

Embracing the Unpredictable

As the day wore on, we kept ourselves entertained while waiting for the light to improve. Diarmuid and Patrick invented a game of precise stone-throwing into rock pools—proof that even photographers find creative ways to pass the time.

At sunset, the rain arrived, bringing our session to an end. While we didn’t get the dramatic light we’d hoped for, the day wasn’t wasted. The variety of conditions and subjects had tested our skills, teaching us to adapt and embrace the unpredictable nature of outdoor photography.

You can watch the adventure unfold in the video below