22 Superb Examples of Irish Panoramic Photography

 

 

Photos of Ireland 

Are you looking for quality images and film footage of Ireland? Do you want to capture the rolling hills landscape in all their beauty? Perhaps you are just interested in stunning  photographs of the shoreline? Either way, we have photos of Ireland covered.

 

Taking photos of Ireland can be quite tricky. Here are a few things to do to help get the perfect pictures of the beautiful Irish countryside.

 

To make the process easier and to ensure good results:

• Use a tripod
• Make sure to frame the shot
• Be patient and wait for that perfect shot
• Be prepared for rain

In this post, we will discuss the different methods we have used to capture real panoramic photos. Stay tuned for an in-depth look on how to photograph Ireland from the coast to its highlands.

 

 

 

 

How to Photograph Ireland

A panoramic photograph is appealing to the viewer. There is so much to take in and capturing a panoramic photo of the Irish coast or countryside gives you a unique perspective into the rural culture of Ireland. It captures the most expansive view of the landscape in a way that other photos cannot.

 

Sometimes photographers especially beginners, neglect to take advantage of the panoramic shot. A panoramic photograph opens a world of new possibilities. New viewpoints give you the ability to capture unique images unlike any other.

 

 

 

 

Here are six Tips For Capturing a Panoramic Photo in Ireland

This is how ShutterSpeed Ireland obtains that perfect panoramic photo of the Irish countryside and coastline.

 

Choose Your Focal Point.

When shooting a panoramic photo, choose a focal point of the image. The focus can be on the foreground or some point in the distance?

 

When you decide on the focal point, frame the photo to seamlessly capture this point in the sequence and without interruptions. Framing is covered later in our post, so if you need more direction on how to frame your photo, read on.

 

Keeping the same focal point throughout the shot is most important. If all goes according to plan this allows for a quick stich of the images in post-production without too much editing. 

 

 

 

 

Using a Tripod

Much of ShutterSpeed Ireland’s photography is taken by drone where stability is vital, however when taken land shots the first rule is, use a tripod. So many great panoramic photograph are destroyed by shaky hands. A good sturdy tripod is one of the best purchases you can make.
A good tripod is a friend for life.

 

 

The following is a list of four different swivelling tripod mounts that are highly recommended.

 

• ARTCISE All Metal Low Profile Ball Head Tripod Mount
• SmallRIg Mini Ball Head 360 Degree Panoramic Tripod Mount
• UTEBIT Mini Ball Head 360 Degree Rotatable Aluminium Tripod Head
• Zeadio Mini Ball Head Tripod Mount

 

Hauling a tripod around the Irish countryside can be cumbersome but when it eventually comes to post-production and editing you will be very glad you used a tripod.

 

 

 

 

Panorama Mode

 

If there is one available, we always use the camera’s panorama mode. Most modern cameras have a panorama mode that can be simply switch on and that takes care of a of the nitty-gritty stuff.

 

Without this mode, we would choose the exposure settings manually. This way we get a constant exposure for the duration of the panorama.

 

 

The following is a short list of cameras that have the panoramic mode, but this is not comprehensive:

 

• Fujifilm FinePix S3200 Digital Camera
• Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53-BK Digital Camera
• Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera• Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 Digital Camera

 

 

 

Do we need a Wide-Angle Lens?

 

The exciting part about taking multiple photos, which will later be stitched together, to create a panoramic image, elemates the need to purchase or carry a wide-angle lens. Using a sturdy tripod is a positive way of obtaining stability which will reflect in post production.

 

A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture a panoramic photo in one shot but it can blur and distort the edges of the image. It can also create problems when we want to stitch photos together to get a larger panoramic photo in post-production.

 

 

 

Avoid Movement in the Scene

 

One of the most disruptive things in a panoramic landscape photo is movement. If you have a hiker moving through the frame or a bird flying overhead, it can create blurry spots, especially if the disruptor moves quickly through your frames.

 

If the movement is not at the heart of your image it is not a big deal, and you may even be able to edit the blurring out in post-production. However, the easiest way to capture a stunning panoramic photo is to eliminate as much of the potential for movement as possible.

 

 

 

Try Taking a Vertical Panoramic Photo

 

One thing that’s often overlooked by many photographers is the vertical panorama. Most panoramic photos are shot horizontally. But it is also possible to shoot a vertical panorama.

 

The following are places of interest in Ireland where the landscape lends itself to capturing vertical panoramic photos:

 

• The cliffs
• The mountains
• The waterfalls
• The Shoreline

 

The same principles can be used for shooting vertical as well as horizontal panoramas.

 

 

 

 

Popular Places in Ireland for taking Panoramic Photos

 

Almost anywhere in Ireland has the potential for a beautiful panoramic photo.

It has often been said that if you can not find an ideal photographic location, just drive around the next corner and your wish will be fulfilled.

 

The truth is, that there are no non photographic locations in Ireland. It is all about finding that ultra-special scene that is going to be unique to you.

 

 

 

 

The following is a list of beautiful counties to photograph when you are in Ireland:

 

• Antrim
• Clare
• Cork
• Donegal
• Dublin
• Galway
• Kerry
• Waterford
• Wicklow

 

Here at ‘ShutterSpeed Ireland’ we cover multiple landscape features across all these counties. In the next section we concentrate more on specific localities. Having said that, let us move from discussing panoramic photos to shooting specifically in the Irish countryside.

 

 

 

 

Best Ways to photograph the Beautiful Irish Countryside

 

Where ever you go in Ireland, there is a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured. In the following sections we offer a few tips to help you to photograph the Irish countryside. Never mimic a postcard. Allow us to tell you some of the methods we use to capture our unique shots.

 

 

 

 

 

Find the Right Location

 

When traveling in Ireland, the location is everything. Finding the right spot to shoot is a matter of choice. Below is a table of different landscape features you may want to photograph and where you can find them in Ireland:

 

Prominent Landscape Features, Shooting Locations in Ireland,

Rock formations 

 

• Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
• Glendalough in Wicklow
• Mount Brandon in Kerry
• Skellig Rocks in Kerry
• The Gap of Dunloe in Kerry
• The Rock of Cashel in Tipperary
• The Twelve Bens in Galway
• The Wicklow Mountains in Wicklow

 

 

 

Coastlines  

 

• Achill Island in Mayo
• Cliffs of Moher in Clare
• Coomeenoole Beach in Kerry
• Copper Coast Road in Waterford
• Coral Beach in Carraroe
• Dun Aonghasa Cliffs on the Aran Islands
• Fanad Head Lighthouse in Donegal
• Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal
• Sunbeam Shipwreck in Kerry

 

 

 

Landmark Buildings    

 

• Ballycarberry Castle in Kerry
• Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara
• Blarney Castle in Cork
• Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin
• Desmond Castle in Limerick
• Kylemore Abbey and Gardens in Connemara
• Trinity College in Dublin

 

 

 

The Wildlife        

 

• Skellig Rocks in Kerry
• The migrating birds at Mizen Head in Cork
• The puffins on Valentia Island
• The puffins on Rathlin Island
• The seals on Garinish Island
• The sheep on the Beara Peninsula in Cork
• The wild horses of Connemara National Park Galway
• Thw Otars at Murlough Bay
• The Seals at the Ards Pinnusla

 

As another pro tip: stopping at the lay-bys along the road as you travel through the countryside and snap some photos. This is guaranteed to get you a photo you would not find on a postcard.

 

 

 

 

Taking a Moment to Frame the Image

 

Creating the perfect composition of a photograph can make a simple photograph much more appealing to the eye.

 

The following are simple photography techniques we use when out in the Irish countryside:

 

• Capture reflections – With Ireland being very watery, use reflections in your images to amplify a frame or subject. Reflections can add interest to any landscape photograph.
• Find an existing frame – Using a natural element like tree branches, light, or shadows, or a man-made structure, like a building lined street, fence, or bridge, to create a frame around the subject.
•  The rule of thirds – This creates an imaginary nine-block grid overlaying the image. Place the desired subject on one of the lines or at the intersection between two lines.

 

Framing can take a generic picture to award-winning. Keep your frames in mind when you are shooting, and take your time picking out the best angles and frames for your photos of the Irish countryside.

 

 

 

Capturing the Landscape in the Best Light

 

Lighting is a photographer’s best friend, but the sun is not always shining in Ireland. So we change the shooting style due to the rainy and overcast weather frequent on the Emerald Isle.

 

 

We can use Water to Increase Interest and Depth

 

From the vast ocean views to the glistening lakes, there is not a shortage of water in Ireland. One great way to make our photos more interesting is to use water to increase interest and add depth.

 

By decreasing your shutter speed, you can get a blurring effect on moving water which can help eliminate noise and let the viewer home in on the subject of the photo.

 

If you combine this blurring effect with interesting framing, you can create a beautiful landscape image that highlights what is in the distance and not the water in the foreground.

 

 

 

 

 

Taking a Tripod to the Location

To get the blurring effect right and to capture the best panoramic landscape photos, using a tripod while we are out in the Irish countryside is an important tool to have.

 

 

The following is a list of reasons to use a tripod on a landscape shoot:

 

• Capture unique panoramic landscapes
• Get the perfect framing
• Patiently wait without getting fatigued
• Using a slower shutter speed without worrying about shakes

 

Be Patient and Wait

 

Much of the Irish landscape can look different as the lighting changes. That means between the time the sun rises and sets, the landscape can look drastically different.

 

We keep this in mind when setting up at a location. Maybe we want to capture the moment when the sun peaks through the clouds after a rainstorm or when a bird takes flight over a seascape. No matter the moment, patience is key when it comes to photographing the Irish countryside.

 

 

 

Be Prepared with a Plan for Rain

 

Since the weather is wet much of the time in Ireland, it is important to be prepared and keep taking great shots even when it is not sunny. To do this, we need the following four things:

 

• A rain poncho or cover for your camera to reduce water droplets on the lens
• A waterproof camera housing or a weather-sealed camera
• A rain jacket and sturdy waterproof footwear depending on the areas you will be visiting.

 

No matter the time of year or what the forecast says, we need to be prepared for rain. It is common knowledge that Ireland gets its overwhelmingly green landscape from all the rain it gets. Making sure we have the proper gear will make it easier to shoot for longer periods and keep your camera safe.

 

 

 

Capture the Wildlife and Domestic Animals

 

In addition to the beautiful landscapes of the Irish countryside, we can’t forget about the wildlife and farm animals that are scattered across the terrain. The added subjects can give a panoramic landscape even more depth and add intrigue for the viewer.

 

Remember to frame them in the photo to draw your eye in and enhance the surrounding landscape. This will set your panoramic Irish landscape snapshots apart from the generic postcard shot.

 

 

Highlight People In Your Landscapes

 

One of the best ways to make a landscape image more personal and interesting is to include people in the image. Whether we capture a group hiking along the coastline or simply pausing to take in the beauty around them, capturing another human in your landscape photo adds another layer of interest.

 

When adding another person in the shot framing, depth of field and composition becomes even more important. It’s best to play around with different compositions to get the best image.

 

We always need to keep in mind, too, that people tend to be on the move, especially if we are taking one of our photography guided tours. So, while we may not have time to consider composition as much with these shots, we can always get creative when editing in post-production.

 

Sometimes it is more meaningful and fun to snap multiple photos and capture the candid moments as memories, and not the most professional photo. It’s important to remember to have fun and enjoy the process! Adding people to your Irish landscape photos can make that easy to remember.

 

 

 

 

 

Water utilised to add real interest to your photos.

 

There is no shortage of water in Ireland, from the mighty Atlantic Ocean to the quiet shimmering lakes of Killarney there is water everywhere.

 

It’s a great opportunity to give your landscape photos a new perspective

 

Reflections in water creates a soft serenity, it would be a pity not to experiment with this environment.

 

An easy yet effective method of shooting on a water surface is to decrease the cameras shutter speed . This gives a blurring effect to the water while at the same time your subject stands out and around it is a dreamy softness.

Well worth a try.

 

 

Lighting

 

In Ireland photographers say, “if the lighting is not right, wait 10 minutes”

 

A good shot becomes a great shot when the lighting and the framing and the focus comes together’ so, be patient. Wait that 10 minutes. The light you require will come.

 

 

 

 

In Summary: Easily Capture Photos of Ireland

 

 

 

We hope by now that you are aware of some of the ways we capture our panoramic photographs of our wonderful countryside.

 

Take advantage of the tricks and tips and suggestions.

 

Everyone has the ability to capture that extra special photo, why not you?

 

Every image you shoot is unique to you. No one else has your eye for framing or your patience to wait just that moment longer.

 

You can produce something very special. Attention to detail is everything.

 

 

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