Wooden Teepee, Lough Boora, Offaly
Wooden Teepee over a spring, Boora Parklands, County Offaly
Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
Boora Parklands has many works of art and sculpture and this wooden Teepee is just one, I very much liked its design and the concept behind it from the moment I first came across it.
It is constructed from old oak wood, found in the peat of the bog, the wood is held together with metal ring’s inside. The entire structure feels naturally and locally aged and stands on top of a natural spring that flows with fresh water.
I very much loved the concept of placing a natural structure like this on top of a life giving spring. A standing stone inside the teepee marks the point were the spring water reaches the surface, it may have come from very deep in the ground. Other stones inside act as seat’s and you can go in and sit around the spring just to hear the water flow over stones and flags that have been used to great effect.
Personally, I feel this is a wonderful place, a modern temple to the old gods of the elements and a place to mark the history of man here. A history that goes back some eight thousand five hundred years and maybe beyond.
Gallery
Just Grazing
Just Grazing, Taken in the Burren, County Clare
Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
Just taking your time walking along the country lanes around County Clare, up near the Burren is a wonderful thing to do, I took this image last year on a visit.
Sunrise in the Park
Sunrise ay Callan’s Fair green
Kilkenny Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
This morning’s sunrise was just as wonderful as the sunset yesterday, I took Molly our ten year old Golden Retriever out for a walk on the local green, the sight of the rising sun through the trees was a great start to the day.
Sunsets on a evening walk.
The Sunsets on a evening Walk
Kilkenny Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Out walking last night the sunset was just amazing, it had been raining all day but just as the last light of the day was leaving the clouds broke and the suns rays appeared over the top of the ridge I was walking below.
Just a wonderful end to a very wet day ……
Photoshop : Producing a painting from a photograph
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 100
Grange Crag walk, Co Tipperary
Landscape photography: Nigel Borrington
A very different post today, For many weeks I have just posted photographs and it remains my main interest here but I just wanted for a little time to talk about Abode photo-shop and an application called My-paint.
Art has always been of a big interest to myself and I view all my images as a form of artistic production, some people don’t see photographs as art they are to much of a completed process or they don’t see any artistic process involved in the taking of images using a camera. To a point I do get this view, however I think the speed and directness of a camera can offer results that a painter or an artist with a pencil will not capture.
Here I post some result from working with a photograph in adobe camera raw and then photo-shop, in order to produce more developed results. In the first of the images below I have converted the photograph into black and white then using photo-shops levels and curves tools I have increased the brightness and contract until only the outlines of the trees exists.
In the third image down I have taken one of these black and white images and over painted it with photo-shops brush tool adding layers of different colour.
The last image and painting is taken from the second black and white image loading it into an application called My-paint, this is a free painting tool and is packed with great brush and pen tools. Using it I have created lots of layers of different colours and opacities in order to produce the final result.
Boating at the lake district
All images taken using a Nikon D7000, 18-200 VR2 lens.
Images from the English, Lake district national park
Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
The Lake district national park
I just want to spend sometime today away from Ireland, my fathers family are from the Windermere area in the lake district and until recent years we still had at least one relative living here. I have visited may times and enjoyed boating on the lakes here as much as possible.
So I just want to share some images I have taken during these trips, its a wonderful part of the UK and if you get a chance I would most definitely recommend you spend a week here.
Boating on the lakes – A Gallery
Kilkenny photography – a farming gallery
All images using a Nikon D7000, 35mm focus length, iso 200
Images of framing in county Kilkenny
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
By far the biggest industry in county Kilkenny is farming, The main land use is grassland, dairy farming and tillage farming especially around Kilkenny City and in the fertile central plain of the Nore Valley. Conifer forests are found on the upland areas.
Last year I set out to produce a collection of farming images and have worked with some of the counties Farmers on this. The images below are just some of the pictures so far, its a pleasure to be working out in the fields and watches the work being carried out.
Images from the farm – Gallery
The River Walk
Nikon D7000, 28mm f2.8 lens, iso 100
River Suir, Clonmel, County Tipperary
Irish Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
The River Walk
By : Joshua Bosworth
Further up the river shall we go
The tangled trees above, mirrored below.
Throwing rocks, watching as the ripples spread
on Into our lives.
Nikon D7000, 28mm f2.8 lens, iso 100
River Suir, Clonmel, County Tipperary
Irish Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
The thoughts within our head,
Fleeting moments as what stirs behind us
Embraced in a silence, no one can find us
Swinging, past, present, new laughs, old memory’s
faint whispers of a future, soon we’ll see.
Come further up the river with me.
.
An Irish sunset
Nikon D7000, 50mm f1.4 lens, iso 100
An Irish Sunset
Landscape photography By: Nigel Borrington
The last few days here in Ireland have been just wonderful, the weather has been like old times, long summer days in the sun and the country.
So time for a Poem :
by Lakota
As I lay in the grass,
The blades brushing against my neck,
I stare at the sky; washed with
orange; splashed with pink.
As the sun dips slowly lower,
fading from my near-distant sight.
Giving the gift of colour to the sky,
and I blink once, and it’s gone.
As I think of nature, love, and time,
I hear music, softly piercing my ears.
The pipes, and pan-flute, the beat of the bohdran and fiddle,
I let out a sigh of contentment, and close my eyes.
It’s here, that I’m home.
Wild strawberries
Nikon D7000, 105mm macro lens, iso 200
Wild strawberries, slate quarries, county Kilkenny
Nature photography : Nigel Borrington
Wild Strawberries
Each June and July growing locally we have lots of wild strawberries, they do best in dry and well drained ground such a raised hedgerows or like these ones, along a river bank in a disused slate quarry near the village of Windgap, County KIlkenny.
Nikon D7000, 105mm macro lens, iso 200
Wild strawberries, slate quarries, county Kilkenny
Nature photography : Nigel Borrington
Wild Strawberries : Wikipeadia
Its the weekend so…..
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm vr2 lens, iso 100
Saltee Islands, County wexford
Irish Landscape Photogrpahy : Nigel Borrington
Its the weekend so why not do something like find an island and take some pictures, sit down and draw the landscape or just take in the view and empty your mind.
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm vr2 lens, iso 100
Saltee Islands, County wexford
Irish Landscape Photogrpahy : Nigel Borrington
The Poppy fields of Duckets grove
All images using a Nikon D7000, 80-200 f2.8 Manual focus lens, iso 400
Poppy field around duckets grover, county Carlow
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
June is the Month of the poppy here in Ireland and I just love this little flower, its mainly known for growing along the sides of roads or rail lines. This is mainly because the earth on this land has been turned over and the seeds of the poppies have been moved back to a depth that they can grow again.
It’s not that common here unlike France or main land Europe to see full fields of poppies, one location I have found were this is true is around the remains of the old house at Duckets grove, County Carlow.
These images were taken one evening in June, the light was fading and a tripod was needed with the camera but I think the low light has resulted in some strong reds and deep greens for these images. they have been enhanced this a little in photoshop but I did need to do to much work.
Gallery
This Sparrowhawk, in our Garden
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 400
A Sparrow-hawk in our garden
Photography by : Nigel borrington
One Saturday afternoon last summer I arrived back from a morning visit to a local wildlife reserve, I had got some good images mostly of a fox sitting in a field just outside the woods.
I sat down in our garden with a cup of tea and started looking at my fox friend on the back of the camera, Right in front of my view landed this young and fantastic looking Sparrowhawk. As he was so close to the table I wondered if even to lift the camera would make him fly off but I had to do something, so I slowly put the camera to my eye and just for a moment he did move his head but I took about five shots and stopped just to check that the noise of the camera had not made him fly off.
In the end he stayed on the fence for about four minutes looking around the garden and letting me get some more images, we have bird feeders and I think he knew exactly what he was looking for. Sometime they very thing your looking for is under your nose!
The following web page is a great little description on the Sparrowhawk in Ireland.
Images from the road : Garinish, ring of Beara, west Cork
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 100
Garinish, ring of Beara, west Cork
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Images from the Road, west Cork
If you visit west cork the drive or walk around the ring of Beara, offers one of Ireland’s most Scenic views, these images are looking along the coast towards Allihies, west cork.
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 100
Garinish, ring of Beara, west Cork
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
The ferry to Bere island
All images using a Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens
The Castletownbere to Bere Island ferry, west Cork
Landscape Photography : Nigel Borrington
One summers afternoon on a visit to Castletownbere, I sat down on a bench at the quay’s and took some images of the ferry arriving from Bere island. West Cork has many small Islands but not all are serviced so well by ferries like this one.
I have lived in different locations during my life and lived with different methods of transport (Cars, A Bus, trains, motorcycles, cycles) but never a ferry, it must be an amazing things to live your life using one each and everyday to get home. The passengers on the ferry during the day were people getting to work, shopping, school kids and holiday makers.
Both locations well work a visit.
The Castletownbere ferry web pages
A Gallery of a ferry
The weekends fading light
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 100
Sunday evening sunset over the Nire-valley
Landscape photography by : Nigel Borrington
Sunday evenings are my most favourite time of the week, the weekends light is fading fast and we have a new week ahead of us, new chances to grow and reach our aims.
Our dog Molly, well she should have been an Otter!
All images using a Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso 200
Our dog Molly she should of been an Otter
Since she was a one year old our Golden retriever Molly just loved a swim in our local rivers, she is now ten and has had a good swim most days. She was diagnosed last year with arthritis and along with the medical products we get her a swim once a day is just about the best thing to keep her moving healthy and fit!
Molly’s Gallery
Spotting Arthritis in Dogs
Arthritis doesn’t discriminate. It affects not only people of all ages — including children — but also strikes our furry friends, too. If you’re a dog-owner, you make sure your buddy takes his heartworm medicine, eats well, looks bright-eyed and playful, and greets you as only a doggy can when you come home. You notice changes in mood and activity, so if your pet isn’t feeling his best you may suspect a cold or stomach virus – but it could be arthritis. In fact, arthritis affects one in every five adult dogs in the U.S. and is one of the most common sources of chronic pain that veterinarians treat.
Spot’s Pals Are Early Diagnosis and Treatment
How do you know if it’s arthritis? Your dog can’t explain what’s wrong with him, so it’s important to watch his non-verbal cues closely and take even subtle changes seriously.
Signs that your dog may have arthritis:
Favoring a limb
Difficulty sitting or standing
Sleeping more
Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
Weight gain
Decreased activity or less interest in play
Attitude or behavior changes
Being less alert
If your dog seems to have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks take him to your veterinarian for an arthritis evaluation, which will involve a physical exam and possibly X-rays. The best thing to do for your dog in managing his arthritis is to get a diagnosis and start a treatment plan as soon as possible. Treating canine arthritis is similar to that of human osteoarthritis.
Therapies may include:
Healthy diet and exercise to help maintain proper weight.
Working with your veterinarian to find a drug treatment that helps relieve the pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): the most common form of pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis in dogs.
Over-the-counter pet treatments, such as pills or food containing either glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or Omega fatty acids. Both have shown to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis in dogs.
A veterinarian-prescribed NSAID and an over-the-counter treatment that together may help decrease pain and disease progression.
Never give your dog human medication without checking first with your veterinarian. Certain medications can be toxic to dogs – particularly acetaminophen and ibuprofen – and a safe dose will differ between a greyhound and a dachshund.
No matter how you decide to treat your dog’s arthritis, make sure you work with a veterinarian to ensure that you select a program that helps your best buddy.
Images from a dog show
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Vr2 lens
Kilkenny dog show
Nigel Borrington
Each year we have a local dog show and for me its one of the best events held local.
I just love watching the dog as they show off their abilities, through different stages of the afternoon, here are just some images that I wanted to share.
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Vr2 lens
Kilkenny dog show
Nigel Borrington
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Vr2 lens
Kilkenny dog show
Nigel Borrington
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Vr2 lens
Kilkenny dog show
Nigel Borrington
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm Vr2 lens
Kilkenny dog show
Nigel Borrington
This old green country lane (Poem) – Knockmealdowns
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm lens, iso200
Green lane in the Knockmealdowns
Irish landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Only the Country Lane Will Weep
by adgray
I wander down the country lane
my old dog by my side
and I whistle merrily a tune
of how the view is wide
There are no hedgerows to crowd me in
or branches to block the sky
they’d have to use machinery
to bury me when I die
So don’t bother breaking your backs for me
I’d rather blow around with ease
just add what little goodness left
across the land upon the breeze
For this is where my heart is
this is my back yard
I’ve roamed it all my adult life
to leave it would be hard
No city house and airs for me
my graces rough and ready made
So lay me not in a neat little row
let my spirit fly and fade
I hitch my swag a little easier
and hunker to scratch his head
the billy boils as I wait with him
and then we both to bed
The stars sing lullaby’s to us
the wind sweeps us softly as we sleep
No debts no bills to leave behind
only the country lane will weep
Its the weekend so……
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm vr II lens, iso 200
River Barrow walks, Co Kilkenny
Irish Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Its the weekend so why not find a river bank and go for a walk, relax and take in the views…….
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm vr II lens, iso 200
River Barrow walks, Co Kilkenny
Irish Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Red damselfly, on the banks of the river Barrow, co.Kilkenny
Nikon D7000, 85mm Focus length, iso 200
red damselfly resting, Banks of the River Barrow, Co.Kilkenny
Irish nature Photography by : Nigel Borrington
Walking along a river bank at this time of year you should always have your camera with you, all kinds of insects are out and about. Just brushing past the long grasses brings up the Dragon fly and the damselfly, you have to move very slowly to get them but it’s well worth the effort.
I managed to get this shot along with some others, I will post more of them over the next few day or so.
Summer Holidays
Its Summer time and a lot of peoples minds are turning towards holidays.
Just in case its still a few weeks away I am posting some images I took in Spain on holiday last year. I hope they help transport your mind to warm and relaxing days off!
A Dad I Didn’t Even Get To Meet
Nikon D7000, 18-200mm vr2 lens, iso 100
A chair for the dad I did’t even get to meet
Nigel Borrington
A Poem by : Brandy poole
I never even knew you
but deep inside I knew
you were out there waiting
for me to find you
days and months past
years flew by too
till that day
I finally found you
the grass was so green
the dirt so rich
there stood your headstone
with your name engraved in it
I couldn’t believe
to my surprise
you lay to rest
oh dear, oh my!!
my father so dear
I’m too late
God has taken you
to heaven above
I cried so softly
for my dad I never knew
oh why oh why
please tell me what to do
so many questions not answered
the things wanted to say
please God tell me
why did you take my daddy away
…
Nigel Borrington 
Monday morning, Sunrise
Nikon D7000, 35mm focus, iso 100
Monday morning sunrise
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
A Monday sunrise
Up early this morning I returned to the same location as I walked in yesterday afternoon.
It is near a place called Ahenny, County Kilkenny. the road from the village rises up over some hills and at the top offers some great views of both county’s Kilkenny and Tipperary. The Sun has risen a little time before and is just hiding its self behind some clouds. It has been totally blue sky’s for about ten days which for Ireland is very rare, this morning however we have some light cloud cover that is moving inland.
Monday Morning’s and starting a new week, well I feel a little cloudy myself this morning for some reason and need to get moving but just for a moment I stop to look at the views. When you work for yourself is would be very easy to just give in to these views and stay here for the day just looking at any changes that the day will bring to the landscape, the movement of the sun, farmers working in the fields, wildlife moving its way across the land.
We live our lives as part of this moving landscape below, yet how often do we stop and look at it. We just keep moving in it, life flying past.
Maybe just now and then we should press the stop button and stand still for once, maybe to truly stop and look at all this movement will give use something of a gift. A gift that we can use once we see everything for what it is.
Examining the movement of life may help you understand, needed movement the things we need to do, the things we want to do and then the things we just do for no valid reason what so ever. Pointless time spent doing things just because we always do them. Never stopping to see that we don’t need to do these things they are not doing anything for us or for anyone.
I have a feeling just looking at the week starting that my future is in this story somewhere, finding the things I should be doing, the things I want to do but most of all cutting out the things I just do not have any reason or obligation to do.
Nikon D7000, 35mm focus, iso 100
Monday morning sunrise
Landscape photography : Nigel Borrington
Share this:
July 15, 2013 | Categories: Comment, Landscape | Tags: Irish photography, Landscape, monday, Nigel Borrington, Nikon D7000, organisational skills, personal development | 15 Comments