Lough Neagh Antrim

Pause For Reflection

I recently ventured to Portrush to capture some shots of the North West 200 and to practice panning skills. Along the way I seen this elderly gentlemen sitting on the bench looking out at the sea as the waves crashed against the coastline and it was one of those times were I actually said to myself I wonder why he's sat all on his own and what he is thinking about. I've taken the original and boosted the fill light and recovery in ACR and then taken a texture and blended the shot. It's almost oil painting style in the effect but I was pleased with the result.

Sometimes It Doesnt' Have To Be Perfect

Following some recent inspiration after a lot of reading and web browsing I decided to keep things simple today and take some handheld shots on my compact. These might not be works of art or superb shots but I think each one has it's own interest and meaning if you like. If you want to see some great landscape stuff then take a look at this guys work -:

David Ward

Abstract

Furrowed Field Antrim

Lough Shore Antrim

Sunset Station, Las Vegas

One of my favourite locations in Las Vegas. I've been spurred on this morning to get more of my old Vegas Pics posted onto my blog. This one was shot on the old compact camera but still brings back some lovely memories. Talking of which, we made a point of visiting the Sahara during our last trip and I've just learnt today that it is set to close now this year, sad times - the recession still continues! Here's the full article - Sahara Closure.

Sunset at the Park

Another glorious sunset in Antrim.

Halls Bridge - Antrim

LoughShore Antrim

Salmon Leap Antrim

Last Sunday I decided to take the kids on a quick trek down to the SixMileWater in Antrim. There's been a lot of rain recently and even more so this week so the river banks will be well up so I think another trip is imminent but here's a few snaps I captured while we were out. The snapping opportunities were limited as my attention had to be diverted elsewhere as I was the only adult accompanying the troops.

It's Not Seascapes.....

Well after a quick trip to Ballintoy, WhitePark and the surrounding area I discovered that getting up at 0530 in the morning and driving 40 miles was a stupid idea to do so by oneself. Not only did I not get any photographs.....long story but I stood in dog shit and came home minus a pair of trainers(thank god they were old ones!). As you can probably gather I've been trying too hard lately to think of places to go and what pictures to take, as well as driving the wife mad, but sometimes you've got to just look at what's under your nose. That said here's some shots I had taken earlier in the week around the Antrim Technology Park.

Antrim Town and Lough Neagh

Following on from my exploits yesterday I decided to take a trip around Antrim town to capture some of the local buildings including some that have been hit by the recession as well as those of a historical nature. Along the way I bumped into a few people who were somewhat curious as to why a normal person would be taking pictures of their town, needless to say I didn't really pay a lot of attention to those around me and carried on regardless. I was approached by another local who seemed more than willing to want his picture taken, turns out he was on the hunt for a £1 for a tin of lager. Next up a taxi man pulled alongside and asked me if I was taking pictures of car registrations whilst I was trying to get a shot of the church, note to self - don't take pictures of cars in Antrim.
I finished off at the Lough Shore on an absolutely beautiful and tranquil morning but something totally unexpected was about to unfold. A local chap who was about to jet-ski got talking to me and was able to tell me about the start of my journey this morning at Viscount O'Neills......how I hear you ask? Well, the curious people I had mentioned earlier had assumed that I was originally buying the pub and then couldn't understand why I was taking pictures of other buildings so when this gent had stopped off at the XL petrol station he got the low-down on how a chap with a camera and an English reg car was taking pictures of the town......."must be a reporter" he was forewarned. Talk about news travelling fast and the wrong assumptions being made. I found the whole thing very amusing as it makes for a good read and for any Antrim folks in the know I'm definitely not a reporter but maybe one day! Enjoy the local scenery.