Photographing landscapes is about more than just pretty scenery. It’s about catching the right moment, when light, composition, and subject come together. The unpredictable beauty of Ireland’s diverse terrain offers a perfect canvas to experiment and refine your skills.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this captivating video takes you on a journey through Ireland’s Killarney National Park, the Black Valley, and the stunning Beara Peninsula. Heaton spends time shooting delicate reeds reflecting in still waters, jagged sea cliffs under moody skies, and moments of fleeting light at sunrise. At Killarney, Heaton begins by capturing a simple yet powerful scene—a composition he knew instantly he had to get right. He was drawn to delicate grasses in the foreground, and by keeping his framing tight, he was able to lead the viewer’s eye to layers of light, mountain, and cloud beyond. He emphasized balance by eliminating distractions, a technique that simplified and strengthened the visual narrative. He mentions how he initially struggled with the composition, but by adjusting his position slightly, he found the right balance.
The morning after, Heaton and his guide ventured out hoping for a vibrant sunrise. Initially, it seemed like their hopes would be dashed, as the colors didn’t build the way they’d anticipated. Yet, unpredictability is part of the charm of landscape photography, and just as they were preparing to leave, the sky exploded into a brief but intense glow. That second wave of light provided a burst of color they thought they’d missed, allowing for a rare, unexpected opportunity. Heaton’s decision to stick around a little longer paid off, showing that sometimes patience is all it takes for a scene to turn magical. After that, a third wave of light appeared, adding to the unpredictability of the experience and illustrating why you should never be too quick to pack up your gear.
Later, in the Black Valley, Heaton worked with more subdued, gray conditions, which demanded a different approach. Without the advantage of dramatic light, he had to rely on composition and texture to create interest. He chose to photograph reflections of mountains in the water, emphasizing the natural symmetry and going for a high-contrast black and white look. He points out that when the light is soft and flat, every detail counts, making careful framing and attention to balance crucial. Through minor shifts in his setup, he corrected elements he found distracting, allowing the subtle play of reeds and reflections to come through.
For the final segment, Heaton explored the Beara Peninsula’s rugged coastline, working with a longer lens to compress and emphasize elements of the landscape. He shared how challenging conditions can sometimes force you to find new angles and perspectives, turning what might seem like a dreary day into a chance for creative expression. By adjusting his focal length and trying panoramic shots, he captured both the detailed textures of rock formations and the broader sense of scale. He added depth to his compositions through careful placement of foreground and background, bringing out layers that might otherwise be lost in a wider frame. Even when the weather turned harsh, Heaton's persistence led him to find something special, underscoring the value of patience and adaptability. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Heaton.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
