Chasing the 2026 Solar Eclipse at Lough Tay, Wicklow

At 5 PM on August 12, 2026, I was still at work.

A few hours later, I was standing in the Wicklow Mountains with three cameras, three tripods and a slider, waiting for the Moon to pass in front of the Sun.

Nikon Z7, Nikkor 80-400mm

The plan was simple: get to Lough Tay, set everything up, capture the partial solar eclipse with the Wicklow Mountains in the frame, and hopefully come home with some good timelapse footage.

Mizen Head, Ireland – Where the Wild Atlantic Begins

Some places impress you with famous landmarks. 

Others stay with you because of the way they make you feel.

Nikon D7000, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6

Molly’s Cottage, Black Valley Kerry – A Peaceful Photography Location in Ireland

Sometimes the most memorable places are not the busiest attractions, but the quiet ones where you can slow down, look around and simply enjoy the moment.

Hidden deep in the Black Valley in County Kerry, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Molly’s Cottage is one of Ireland’s most atmospheric abandoned cottages and a dream location for landscape photographers.

Nikon D750, Nikkor AF-D 20mm

Our visit was not about rushing from one place to another or following a strict itinerary. It was about taking our time, enjoying the incredible scenery and capturing the unique mood of this remote corner of Ireland.

Discovering Ballintoy Harbour – One of Northern Ireland's Most Photogenic Coastal Villages

Some places leave an impression long after you have returned home, and Ballintoy is certainly one of them.

During my journey along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, I discovered this small harbour village on the north coast of County Antrim. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, rocky shores and the endless Atlantic Ocean, Ballintoy combines breathtaking scenery with a peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to stay much longer than planned.

For photographers, walkers and anyone who enjoys wild coastal landscapes, Ballintoy is one of the highlights of Northern Ireland.

Sony A7sii, Sony Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70 mm f/4 ZA OSS

Ballintoy Harbour – A Small Harbour with a Big Reputation

The heart of the village is Ballintoy Harbour,

Can You Still Use Adobe Lightroom 6 Without a Subscription in 2026?

Many Lightroom users don’t realise that there is still a way to use this amazing software without paying a monthly fee.

But… there is a catch. Or maybe even a few! 😉

Lightroom Classic has always been a fantastic tool for organising, viewing and editing photos. We all know how powerful and comfortable it is when working with our images.

However, with every new update, higher computer requirements and increasing subscription prices, some photographers start thinking twice about continuing with Adobe.

Can Lightroom still be used without paying a monthly subscription? 

But there is another option — and yes, I’m still talking about Adobe Lightroom Classic.

 

So what is the catch?