Frozen Moments: Exploring Glendalough’s Winter Wonders with Analog Photography

In February 2019, I had the opportunity to participate in a photography workshop set in the picturesque Wicklow Mountains, where an exceptional winter landscape transformed the scenery into a winter wonderland. Following significant snowfall, the area around Glendalough became a canvas of unique Irish winter beauty, offering stunning scenes to capture.

The choice of equipment for this shoot was both deliberate and considered. I used an analog Mamiya RB67 ProSD camera, which, despite its size and weight, proved ideal for the conditions. I employed both a 55mm and a 127mm lens, allowing me to capture both wide vistas and detailed close-ups. Each shot required precise light measurement, which I achieved with an external light meter, carefully calculating exposures to achieve the desired effect.

The roll of Kodak Ektar 100 film was used right after sunrise, when the light was stronger and more contrasty, yet still retained a subtle winter quality. The final results perfectly captured the essence and beauty of the Irish winter landscape.

During the shoot, I battled against a biting, icy wind that made the process challenging but added to the atmosphere and sense of adventure. Despite the difficulties, every moment spent preparing the shots and facing the harsh weather proved worthwhile. The final images from the shoot serve as a reminder of why it was worth enduring the winter chill—each photograph conveys the unique charm and magic of the Irish landscape.