Well off the beaten track, but still not terribly far from town, the ruins known as St. Kevin's Way lie high in the hills, drenched in the low-hanging clou...
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Well off the beaten track, but still not terribly far from town, the ruins known as St. Kevin's Way lie high in the hills, drenched in the low-hanging clouds of spring.
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Awards
Action Award
Contest Finalist in Rural Decay Photo Contest
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Contest Finalist in Beauty In Ruins Photo Contest
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BenHalen
October 28, 2015
Thanks so much, Becca.
I found it quite mystical and felt very fortunate to have found it just when I did.
Glad you like it!
I found it quite mystical and felt very fortunate to have found it just when I did.
Glad you like it!
michaeltillman
August 24, 2016
I think you did a wonderful job with this shot. It was well framed and exposed.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This is the ruin of an Irish monastery in the hills of Eastern Ireland, not too far from Tallaght. This special place is known as St. Kevin's way and you're going to need a car to get there. I highly recommend taking a raincoat and a pair of Welles, but it's sure worth seeing.Time
This was shot in the late morning on a cloudy day in the early spring. I find that sort of days really suit these stark landscapes and the quality of air you'll breathe there is just magnificent.Lighting
Hard to beat this naturally diffused light and the low hanging clouds really add to the "spookiness" of the scene.Equipment
I shot this on my Phase One 645DF, with an IQ250 back and a 55mm Schneider lens.Inspiration
I was out looking for pieces of historic Ireland and happened to find this little gem in the high hills. What really triggered my interest was the spooky ambience served up by those very low hanging clouds.Editing
Not a lot of post processing on this one. Added an ND grad and stepped lightly on the saturation of the grasses, but that's basically it.In my camera bag
Aside from the cameras, I try not to carry too much clutter ( as if!). I pack three prime lenses, a Lee filter holder and a few filters (big stopper, grads and warming filters mainly). I also always bring my Berlebach wooden mini tripod, a cable release, cleaning materials and LOTS of spare batteries. Finally, I also always bring a smaller high-end camera.Feedback
I found it very challenging to "learn to see" landscapes, as opposed to other genres. To me personally, the key is getting myself into the mindset and then plan to shoot when there's not too many people around. That way, I can take my time setting up for the best angles (I tend to use the smaller camera to verify - sort of like doing Polaroids earlier) and shooting methods. For this shot, knowing the best time of day for lighting and then having the patience to wait for a break in the clouds were also key elements.