Flying tonight to Dublin, which is wonderful and amazing, though just having landed in NY from Hawaii, I’m unsure if my body will want sleep, breakfast or a good, stiff drink by the time I land there tomorrow am. Wonderful reason to go, actually. I’m working with the Irish Professional Photographer’s Association, and we’re doing some teaching stints together.
First one is this coming Sunday, a seminar style adventure. Next week are two workshops. The seminar is open, still, but the workshops are sold out. Should be fun, working, teaching and shooting both indoors and out in a beautiful place.
Have wonderful memories of Ireland. I asked Annie to marry me there, and we will revisit that spot, for sure. We were teaching on an American Photo trek, and during the workshop, we became fond friends with the Irish writer, Frank McCourt, also teaching on the trek. We went bar hopping in Dublin with Frank and Ellen, his wife, the night before I popped the question. They left the next day for home, and I so texted him–“She said yes!”
Frank, sadly, has passed, but we had good times. The below is one of my favorite portraits of his learned, wonderfully wise countenance.
It’s available light in an Irish pub, somewhere on the east coast. Cloudy day, go figure. Big window to the right, small window to the left. Main light, fill light. Done.
Being around Frank was to laugh your way through the day. We had a constant kibitz back and forth with our fellow trekkers about the merits of being a writer vs. being a photographer. Each of us lay claim to the high ground, and the more difficult art, and we would occasionally get testy about it, as you can see below. :-)))
And the amazing Barb Kinney, now Hillary’s photog on the campaign trail, shot what is absolutely my favorite pic of Annie and I, just a couple days before we became engaged.
Fun was the watchword of each day. Being a dedicated instructor, I tried to make sure the bus stayed put for as long as possible, to give our shooters as much time on location as possible.
I look forward once again to the wonderful light, be it bright or cloudy, of Ireland.
More tk….
Love all the lines in the horse shot. Can’t wait to make a trip to Ireland. First in all my family to be born outside of Ireland/England and have never made the trip. Maybe someday soon.
Hi Joe, looking forward to the seminar Sunday, I’ll be arriving Saturday to enjoy some Dublin atmosphere. I hope you can catch some rest considering why I’ve seen from the blog posts these last days.
I’ve read all of Mr. McCourt’s books and encourage everyone to do also. They’re just, simply, beautiful! Definitely worth a Pulitzer prize.
Love your work Joe!
Hi Joe, thank you for great seminar! It was well spent time. Hope you’re coming back soon with some new stuff.
It’s really a joy to witness the love you profess to Annie, may god and life keep you together for as long as you shall live. I hope some day to have the opportunity to meet you in person, you’ve really been an inspiration to my photography.
I just saw that my first comment is awaiting moderation, please forgive me for being so desperate. And please forget what I said in the second one and forgive my words.
No worries, Jorge….I’m late this week in moderating comments, is all. Just behind. I will catch up more on my plane ride today. Joe
Joe: Thanks for showing your personal side. So often fans, students and stalkers only see the professional side of a photographer. Nice to know you are a human too.
Many thanks for the kind words, Jorge. Annie and I have been traveling a lot of late, hence I’ve been a bit slow to respond on the blog…
I NEED to take a trip across the pond! Loved these shots
Welcome to Ireland Joe. Just saw the post and missed the deadline to book. Not to worry though, cause I’m still working on all the great advice I picked up from you in San Fran about 3 years ago. Enjoy your visit and come back again soon.
Love the horse
Available light in a pub? Really? You’re killing me. Thought that was a full front and back softlight setup for sure. Nice work. Beautiful shot of a wonderful man.