As children we are naturally fascinated by nature, yet sadly as we grow older we tend to take it for granted and forget about it's form, beauty and detail. Everyone, young or old can appreciate the beauty of nature, from birds nesting and rearing chicks to the spectacular life of insects.
Since childhood, Lorcan has always enjoyed nature and has been maximising on the luxury of being able to combine his own professional photographic skills with this enjoyment in recording its incredible beauty. Through the lens, he delights in bringing the seemingly insignificant, which our eyes are seldom able to see unaided, to full glory.
BIRD NEST BOX PHOTOGRAPHY
The bird nest photos were taken in an oversized purpose built nesting box located in the back garden of the studio, complete with hinged lid and sliding front to permit access for the Bronica ETRSi camera and flash. The Metz 60CT1 flash was utilised to freeze the action of the moving birds, otherwise blurring would have occurred due to the low lit confined space. The motor-driven camera and flash were mounted on a tripod and activated by a remote controlled infrared transmitter. It was amazing to note how quickly the parents used the tripod as a landing perch on route to the nesting box!
STUDIO MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY
All the insects and mammals seen here were located in the back garden and carefully returned to their original location after their “photographic sitting”.
Some subjects were photographed in the garden whilst others were taken in the studio for optimum quality of light and control of the elements.
It takes an abundance of patience, sanity and film to get the desired images, as most of the subjects are difficult to judge through the lens when so close in on such small, live, moving insects. This coupled with equipment, lighting, background and behaviour of the subject created a huge challenge and the results all that more rewarding.The frog was perhaps the most amusing subject as it initially kept hopping around the studio, much to the delight of the children present. Not until high moisture levels were achieved with the aid of a water spray mister, would it pose quite happily for minutes at a time. However, Lorcan has yet to capture it smiling!Since the start of the ESB Environmental Photography Awards in 1997, Lorcan has been a awarded finalist certificates 6 times in this prestigious competition which travels nationwide annually. In 2001 he took first prize in the professional category winning a trophy and cheque with his study of a frog eyeing a snail on a mushroom. This image has been sought after by many magazines right across the globe.
Again in the same ESB awards 2003, his image of a snail twisting on a twig to reach a leaf was awarded third prize, a certificate and cheque, which he has already reinvested in more close up specialist equipment!
