Maynooth – A Charming University Town in Ireland

Maynooth is one of the most picturesque towns in Ireland, located in County Kildare, just 25 km west of Dublin. It combines rich history, academic culture, and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Top Attractions in Maynooth

• Maynooth University – One of Ireland’s most prestigious universities, featuring a beautiful campus and historic buildings, including St. Patrick’s College.

• Maynooth Castle Ruins – A historic fortress that once served as the residence of the Fitzgerald family.

• Royal Canal – A scenic walking route along the water, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

• Carton House & Park – One of Ireland’s most famous estates, surrounded by stunning gardens and golf courses.

 Why Visit Maynooth?

• Popular Among Tourists and Students – Maynooth is a lively university town that buzzes with energy all year round.

• Rich History – The town has a fascinating medieval past.

• Great Location – Easily accessible from Dublin by train and bus.

  
   

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Spirit of the Łódź. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

 

A Look Back at 2013 – The Colorful Magic of Fuji Velvia 100F

A Look Back at 2013 – The Colorful Magic of Fuji Velvia 100F

Analog photography has something truly special, especially when it comes to slide film. In 2013, I had the opportunity to work with the Bronica ETRS, using a 40mm lens and Fuji Velvia 100F film. This roll captured the vibrant beauty of Irish landscapes – Glendalough, Bull Island in Dublin, and the Cliff Walk in Howth.

Fuji Velvia 100F – A Landscape Photography Legend

Fuji Velvia 100F is a film beloved by landscape photographers worldwide. Its rich colors, stunning contrast, and fine detail make every frame look almost like a painting. However, it’s a film that demands precision – exposure must be spot on, and lighting carefully considered. Shooting with it in 2013 was both a challenge and a rewarding experience.

Memories from Glendalough, Bull Island, and Howth

Glendalough is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking locations – mysterious lakes, ancient monastic ruins, and rolling hills bathed in golden morning light. Fuji Velvia 100F captured these colors in a nearly magical way.

Bull Island in Dublin offered a completely different landscape – wide beaches, gentle waves, and the fresh scent of the sea carried by the wind. Shooting here required attention to changing light and reflections on the sand.

The Cliff Walk in Howth provided dramatic views of towering cliffs and the vast ocean, where deep blues and lush greens perfectly complemented Velvia’s signature look.

 

Returning to Analog Photography

Years later, scanning these negatives reminds me of the unique character of slide film photography. These aren’t just captured images; they are moments frozen in time – memories of travel, emotions, and the learning process of mindful photography. Shooting landscapes on film requires patience, but the reward is an incredible depth and atmosphere that digital simply cannot replicate.

Is it worth going back to film? For me, the answer is clear – absolutely! Especially when working with such an exceptional medium as Fuji Velvia 100F.

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Film photography in the south of Northern Ireland Adventure! 

My First Analog Roll – A Look Back at 2013

My First Analog Roll – A Look Back at 2013

Analog photography has always had a certain magic. The anticipation of results, the uncertainty of the final outcome, yet the assurance that every shot was taken with intention. Today, I’m revisiting my very first roll shot with the Bronica ETRS medium format camera, using a 75mm lens and Ilford HP5+ 400 film. It was 2013 – my first step into the world of analog photography, full of mistakes but also fascination.

 

First Experiences with the Bronica

The Bronica ETRS is a camera that demands careful composition. Medium format is unforgiving, and the cost of each roll teaches discipline. At that time, I had little experience with analog photography, but I decided to give it a shot. HP5+ 400 seemed like a solid choice – a classic black-and-white film with a broad tonal range and a characteristic grain that adds atmosphere.

Imperfect Quality, But an Important Beginning

Scanning these negatives years later, I see how different my first photos were from what I capture today. Not every frame is technically perfect – some are underexposed, others have slightly off focus. But each frame tells a story. Among the images are portraits and shots of Dublin – a city that has been a source of inspiration for me for years.

Looking at these photos brings back the emotions of my first attempts with an analog camera. There was a certain excitement that is hard to compare with digital photography. Every shot was a decision that couldn’t be undone – a frame of film isn’t a RAW file that can be easily corrected in post-processing.

Why Revisit Old Negatives?

My photos today are much more refined, but returning to my first roll reminded me of how important the journey has been in my development as a photographer. These imperfect frames are proof of growth. Analyzing mistakes teaches more than perfectly exposed shots. Every photographer has a beginning, and those first attempts are just as valuable as later achievements.

Will I shoot on film again? Absolutely. Analog photography teaches patience, mindful framing, and respect for the process. Maybe it's time for a new roll of HP5+ 400 and a return to the classics?

What about you? Do you still have your first negatives? It’s worth revisiting them once in a while!

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Exploring Glendalough Winter Wonders with Analog Photography | Mamiya RB67 Pro SD and Kodak Ektar 100!

 

Capturing the Partial Solar Eclipse – A Time-Lapse Experience

On October 25, 2022, the skies over Ireland were graced with a breathtaking celestial event – a partial solar eclipse. As a time-lapse photographer, I couldn't miss the opportunity to document this rare phenomenon and bring its beauty to life through a carefully crafted time-lapse sequence.

The Magic of a Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow and partially obscuring the Sun’s light. Even though this was not a total eclipse, the gradual covering and uncovering of the Sun created a mesmerizing play of light and shadow that transformed the sky in a way that can only be truly appreciated over time.

Creating the Time-Lapse

To capture the eclipse in its full glory, I set up my camera with a specialized solar filter to protect the sensor and accurately showcase the event. Using precise intervals, I recorded the gradual movement of the Moon across the Sun, ensuring that each frame contributed to a seamless and visually stunning sequence.

The Final Result

The resulting time-lapse showcases the eclipse as it unfolded, highlighting the subtle shifts in brightness and the changes in the surrounding atmosphere. The dimming of daylight and the eerie calmness that accompanied the event were beautifully preserved, allowing viewers to relive the moment in just a few seconds.

A Celestial Spectacle Worth Remembering

This project was not just about capturing an astronomical event—it was about preserving a moment in time where nature demonstrated its grandeur. Whether you witnessed the eclipse in person or are experiencing it for the first time through this time-lapse, I hope this video allows you to appreciate the stunning beauty of our universe.

Stay tuned for more time-lapse projects capturing the wonders of the sky!

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Menorca Timelapse. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

 

When I Met My Master of Landscape Photography – Marc Adamus

Marc Adamus

When I first saw his photos in 2008, I was fascinated by his style and the way he sees the world.

Meeting the World-Class Landscape Photographer – Marc Adamus

I had been waiting for this moment practically since I first became interested in landscape photography. Marc was the very first landscape photographer whose work I followed from the beginning.

I always admired his unique style and photo editing, and I tried to incorporate elements of it into my own work—I never hid that. When you look at his photographs, you pause for a moment and think, how did he do that? His images evoke strong emotions, both positive and negative. The negative ones usually stem from personal biases or artistic disagreements—but let’s not dwell on that!

What is he like?

He’s open, professional, and, as it turns out, a fan of heavier music! ;)

When I knew I would finally meet Marc, I kept wondering: What should I ask him? Will he even want to talk?

Meanwhile...

After lunch, my friend Piotr and I were chatting about photography and travel with none other than Sean Bagshaw! (By the way, he was in Poland last year!)

I’ve been following Sean’s work almost as long as Marc’s. I even mentioned that I remember his early landscape photos with the PhotoCascadia group, which were a huge inspiration. And of course, I brought up the first Photoshop actions from Tony Kuyper, which really impressed him. ;) (Back then, there were just actions—long before the TK panel!)

Sean is such a warm and approachable guy. We were having a relaxed conversation when, suddenly, the organiser brought Marc Adamus over to introduce him to Sean—and, unintentionally, to us as well! :D

The two exchanged a few words, but there wasn’t much chemistry, so I decided to step in.

I asked Marc for a photo together, and he immediately said, Of course! Then he asked where I was from. When I told him I was from Poland, he surprised me by saying that his surname is Polish too, and that he has our roots! :D

At that moment, I thought—It’s great to be Polish! ;)

He went on to say that there are many people in Oregon with the surname Adamus. Meanwhile, I asked Piotr to take our picture. Marc then noticed Piotr’s t-shirt with a band name on it and excitedly said he loves that band—immediately, the guys broke into full-on rock ’n’ roll mode!

I never would have guessed that my first meeting with Marc would feel like catching up with an old friend. My carefully prepared list of questions? Completely useless!

Of course, as time went on, I did ask him about his style and how he approaches composition. He put it simply: Stay as close to nature as possible!

Later, Marc held a workshop on landscape photography and his editing techniques.

His motto:

"Don’t show what you photographed. Photograph what you want to show!"

With digital photography today, the only limit is our imagination.

Photo Editing – This Might Surprise You!

He spends the most time blending images, but when it comes to refining a photo, he only uses five tools—at most!

He repeated this several times, demonstrating on his own photos that you only need to master five Photoshop tools to achieve his signature style.

Marc can talk about photography for hours without a break. He inspires, captivates, and truly infects you with his passion—in the best possible way! ;)

Meeting Another Photography Legend – Joel Tjintjelaar

I also had the chance to meet another world-renowned photographer, Joel Tjintjelaar, a master of black-and-white photography.

I first discovered Joel’s work around 2012 when I was searching for unique B&W techniques. That’s how I found BWvision and Joel’s methods.

So much knowledge about light, shadows, and the countless shades of grey—it makes your head spin! ;)