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Capturing Rural Ireland: Animal Photography at
Capturing Rural Ireland: Animal Photography at
As visual storytellers based in Dublin, our schedule at Burke Creative Media is often filled with commercial shoots, architectural showcases, and high energy promotional content. However, stepping away from the city and heading down to rural Wexford offers a completely different, yet equally rewarding, photographic challenge.
During a recent visit to Blackwater Open Farm, we had the opportunity to capture the quiet charm of farm life. Today, we are sharing a selection of four favorite photographs from that trip, highlighting the unique textures and characters of the resident animals.
The Art of Outdoor Animal Photography
The Art of Outdoor Animal Photography
Photographing animals in an open farm setting requires a flexible approach to lighting and composition. Unlike a controlled studio environment, you are entirely reliant on natural light and the unpredictable movements of your subjects. The goal is always to highlight the natural beauty of the animals while utilizing the surrounding environment to add depth to the frame.
Working with Contrast and Texture
Working with Contrast and Texture
One of the standout moments from the shoot was capturing a close up portrait of a black rabbit resting in the straw. When working with subjects that have extremely dark coats, managing your exposure is critical. By utilizing the bright, golden yellow of the hay as a highly contrasting background, we were able to retain the rich, soft details of the dark fur without losing them to the shadows. This natural separation makes the subject truly pop.
Utilizing Transitional Lighting
Utilizing Transitional Lighting
Lighting is the absolute foundation of any great photograph. During the late afternoon, the lighting shifted beautifully, providing a dramatic backdrop for the larger animals. A shot of two alpacas standing by a fence line perfectly demonstrates this technique. The warm, earthy tones of their thick fleece contrasted magnificently against the deep, moody blue of the evening sky and the highly saturated green grass. Capturing animals during these transitional lighting moments adds a cinematic quality to rural photography.
A Diverse Range of Subjects
A Diverse Range of Subjects
Beyond the alpacas and rabbits, Blackwater Open Farm is home to a wonderful variety of animals. Our four photo showcase also includes the intricate, vibrant feathers of the resident peacocks and the gentle nature of the grazing sheep. Every corner of the farm offered a new opportunity to practice patience and framing. The diverse range of visual elements makes open farm photography a brilliant exercise in capturing natural details.
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