LEARNING BY THE COAST – DONEGAL PHOTO WALK

Do you love getting out for a walk by the coast and practicing your photography skills? Each month, I’m arranging a place and date for enthusiasts to meet up and have some fun with their camera or smartphone throughout Ulster

We had the best time at the inaugural Donegal Photo Walk in Bundoran on Sunday 1st August. It was so lovely to meet up with a fantastic group of amateur photographers, each with a passion for their hobby. After introductions, we set off down to the Thrupenny Rock Pool to get things kicked off.

We started off looking at textures and backgrounds, discussing how to make subjects stand out from the backdrop. This is achieved through use of aperture or portrait mode on your smartphone. Everyone was encouraged to take lots of photos. To switch up their shooting angles and thinking about where they placed the subject in their photos.

Unfortunately the tide was too far in to get to the one of the caves beside the Thrupenny Pool but I popped back the next day and captured the shot below – just for a bit of fun. Taken on my iPhone 11 Pro, using the timer setting. A few takes were required …

Then it was off to the main beach, before heading up around Rougey Cliff Walk. We stopped to take candid images and do a bit of street photography. Discussing the different equipment that you can use, from various lens to tripods. I also covered the importance of light and the Exposure Triangle. This encompassed the three exposure settings on your camera (or smartphone). They come together to give you a properly exposed image – aperture, shutter speed & ISO.

After stopping off at the Fairy Bridges and Tullan Strand, we finished up with some lunch at The Salty Fox coffee shop. It was a great end to the photo walk and I can’t wait to explore more of Donegal on our next one in September.

The photo walk lasted around 2 hours but I know a few of the students went back out after lunch to take some more photos in the surrounding areas. You have Mullaghmore Beach and Pier nearby, as well as Glencar Waterfall and Gleniff Horseshoe. It’s only a short drive to Rossnowlagh Beach as well as Creevy Pier and Murvagh Beach.

This is a great way to explore our beautiful country, connect with nature and take better photos. It’s also a lovely way to spend some time with fellow creatives and help soothe the soul

Next Donegal Photo Walk date – Sunday 19th September @ 1pm. Location Malin Head and Five Finger Strand, Co Donegal

If you would like to sign up, you can contact me via the website or via Instagram. Why not come along and join in our next creative adventure?