Best piece of gear for photographers: Boots!

My 15 year old Brasher Hillmaster GTX after a walk in the bog

If you still do not know how to treat yourself for Christmas I would recommend to get yourself a good pair of walking boots.
Good boots will get you to all those interesting locations where you can photograph exciting landscapes or wildlife. The privileg of beeing in the wilderness depends to a certain degree on your foot wear. A good set of boots will become part of your path to freedom. When you look down from the top of a mountain or you are standing on a steep cliff think of the people who made your boots for a minute.
I would always prefer boots over shoes as you have more support and better protection if the terrain is wet or rough.
The investment seems to be a bit steep in the beginning but a good brand will last many years with a bit of care.
Remember to wear stronger socks when you try them on as walking boots need to sit not to tight on your feet.
 Some companies offer to put new soles on your boots when the first pair is worn.
Like a car we need new tyres from time to time.
Good luck with all your outdoor photography!
©Michael Herrmann 2014

Photowalk Lough Cloon, County Kerry

First signs of winter this week in Kerry. Storm, heavy swell and now a bit of dust on the Kerry mountain. Many reasons to leave the house for photography practise and some fresh air.
©Michael Herrmann 2014

November Garden photos using big Aperture

All photographs are taken with Canon 5d mkII and a f2.5/50mm macro lens. The use of a large aperture( in most photos f3.2) seperates the subject from the foreground or background  and makes it therefore much more clear what the photographer intended to show. The blurry areas in the image create a space for the imagination and engagment of the spectator.
©Michael Herrmann 2014

Autumn Colour Photography Killarney National Park

 This is just the starting of the Autumn season. Foilage turn yellow and red and later brown and the light gets soft.
Killarney National Park is always a great place for photography. Now you may even come across some Red Deer or a Fox.
Muckross Park restaurant is a good place for a snack and coffee and a look at the book shelfs. Bring wellies or walking boots and some rain coat for the odd shower.
I´m providing an Autumn Colour photography workshop in Kells Bay Garden. If you are interested please contact Tech Amergin, 0669478956
©Michael Herrmann 2014

Kells Bay Garden Autumn Photography

Kells Bay Garden is located between Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen on the Ring of Kerry. The garden offers endless opportunities for photos. There is a fantastic variety of plants, trees and flowers and foilage. The garden has a stream and a waterfall. The highest palm tree in Ireland is located there too. This is a selection of photos I took recently.
I´m doing a photography workshop early November. If you are interested please get in contact with Tech Amergin Waterville.
©Michael Herrmann 2014

Bahaghs Work House Cahersiveen, County Kerry

Bahaghs workhouse is located about three kilometers from Cahersiveen on the road to Glencar. It used to be a lodge owned by the local McCarthy family. In 1846 is was converted to a sanctuary for the destitute. It was used for thousends of people who were covincted from their cottages during the famine.
Walking through the ruins today gives you very little understanding what the live was in this time but you can not help feeling a strange visitor.

©Michael Herrmann 2014

Carrauntoohil by Brother O´Sheas Gully

Sunrise from Ballaghishhen

Morning fog Beenbane

Carrauntoohil and Lough Gouragh

Lough Gouragh reflection

Lough Gouragh reflection

Lough Gouragh reflection

Hags tooth

NE face of Carrauntoohil

View towards Cummeenapeasta

Hags Tooth to the left

Near Cummeenoughter Lake

Looking up the gully to the right

Cummeenoughter Lake

Rock formation near Cummeenoughter Lake

Looking down towards Hags Tooth

Caher mountain

Caher east slope

Curraghmore Lake and Bridia Valley

Coming down the Devils ladder, Hags Tooth and Beenkeragh

Lough Callee

On top of Carrountoohil

Here is a pretty good  description of my route:Brother O´Shea Gully
For the photography part of the tour I used a Canon 5dII with a 40 , 50 and 70-200mm lens. Black and white transformation in Lightroom