"Kindred Spirits" Choctaw Memorial - Midleton
"Kindred Spirits" the monument created by Cork based artist Alex Pentek was recently installed in Bailic Park, Midleton (Ireland) to honor the memory ...
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"Kindred Spirits" the monument created by Cork based artist Alex Pentek was recently installed in Bailic Park, Midleton (Ireland) to honor the memory of the generosity shown by the Choctaw Indians during the Great Irish Famine. With the memory of their own losses during the Trail of Tears fresh in their minds The Choctaw People came together in 1847 and collected 710USD (Some believe the widely circulated amount of 170USD was incorrect due to a misprint) which was in turn sent to assist in the Irish famine relief. The monument displays 9 stainless steel Eagle feathers in a circle, Artist Alex Pentek said of the piece “I wanted to show the courage, fragility and humanity that they displayed in my work".
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Sep, 2015Views
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Awards
Summer 2020
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Peer Award
All Star
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in my hometown of Midleton, Ireland. I didn't plan this shot beyond reading about the monument and driving down to try and capture a few shots one evening. I knew I wanted to do something in Black and White and beyond that it was just a fun experience.Time
I shot this in a typical Irish afternoon. The sky was grey and slightly overcast. The sun was trying to come through but wasn't having much luck. I knew that I would have a good black and white shot because of how muted and grey it was.Lighting
There is only a few months a year in Ireland where the lighting is great for any type of outdoor shooting. This was not one of those days. I thought the grey muted sky and partial cloud coverage would look good in contrast to the stainless monument and in the end I was happy with the overall mood of the picture.Equipment
I shoot with a Canon 60d and had the Canon 24-105mm f4.0L lens on when I shot this. It was still quite light out so I didn't bother with a tripod as I wanted to try and shoot the monument from as many angles as I could.Inspiration
I read about the monument "Kindred Spirits" being erected in Ballic Park, Midleton. I loved the story behind the monument and the striking profile of the 9 large stainless feathers. The monument was created by Cork based artist Alex Pentek to honor the generosity shown by the Choctaw Indians during the Great Irish Famine. With the memory of their own losses during the Trail of Tears fresh in their minds The Choctaw People came together in 1847 and collected 170USD which was in turn sent to assist in the Irish famine relief. The monument displays 9 stainless steel Eagle feathers in a circle, Artist Alex Pentek said of the piece “I wanted to show the courage, fragility and humanity that they displayed in my work".Editing
I like to use Lightroom for processing my photos. For me it's the simplicity of the controls that appeals and I can use a number of preset templates to get my desired effect.In my camera bag
Canon 60d, Sigma 10-20mm, Canon 50mm 1.4, Sigma 70-200m f2.8, Manfrotto Tripod, Canon Speedlite and a number of small filters, spare batteries and lots of memory cards.Feedback
As someone that is still trying to figure out the subtle nuances of capturing a truly amazing photo I don't know what position I'm in to give too much advice to other people hoping to do the same. Generally I know if I am shooting something that I feel something for I am able to get a better end result. Like they say sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.
