KINGDOM | Norman MCCloskey

Welcome to the Irish Photography Podcast! In this special episode, host Darren returns from a hiatus to discuss an extraordinary aurora event that lit up the skies of Ireland on May 10, 2024. Joined by seasoned photographers Bernard Geraghty, Ian from Irish Skies, and Anthony Lynch, they recount their experiences and the unforgettable spectacle that night. From detailed settings for capturing the perfect shot to the science behind the aurora, this episode is packed with valuable insights. The team also touches on the importance of accurate information and how to avoid the pitfalls of misleading forecasts. Additionally, Anthony Lynch shares his recent adventure to Texas for the Great North American Eclipse, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of capturing such a rare event. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply fascinated by natural phenomena, this episode promises to be both informative and entertaining. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with expert tips, personal anecdotes, and a touch of humour.

A quick update on the status of the podcast, unedited, unscripted and raw I really appreciate all of your support to date, and now it's over to you 

As I began my interview with Fabian Wagner DOP, he sits there totally relaxed and easygoing. Describing himself as just an ordinary guy, I quickly becomes clear that my conversation was going to be a very relaxed affair, without pretences and totally open to all questions I threw at him.   From starting out with his friends filming while still at school Fabian's passion for film seems embedded within and pushed him to learn his craft by attending Film College not only in Denmark but also in the UK.   Fabian explains how meeting many people throughout his career has helped him become the success he is now, additionally, it is all about luck and timing. From using cameras at weekends from a company he worked for making corporate videos he suddenly had equipment to use to make music videos and got his name around as someone who was good at his craft. Starting with 2nd unit on film sets, to getting roles with the BBC with various series, Life Spooks, Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes are some of his titles and even got the opportunity to work on the crown with his friend, which was a great moment.    It was then after working on Sherlock that he got his first Emmy Nomination, After receiving this Fabian says he didn’t know where it had come from and upon receiving the call at the time he didn’t realise how big of a career-changing moment it would end up being. He was just happy working and doing the job he loved. It was then that he was able to make a call to his mom and tell her the news, this made her extremely proud plus she was able to go to L.A. with her son for the Emmy event.  Joining Game Of Thrones in season 4 he worked with the show runners and many directors to produce some of the best cinematography which was recognised by earning him his second Emmy nomination. Fabian was responsible for the now infamous scene " Battle of the Bastards" and how he describes how this was put together it struck me that he is an incredibly down-to-earth guy. We discuss his approach to filming, his mindset, his blockbuster titles like Justice League and how he is now giving back to the community with his first steps cinematography initiative.    An incredible conversation overall which shows that it is possible for anyone to be successful once they have the passion and drive to succeed.   

On this week's Episode Darren has a fascinating conversation with a lover of the colour yellow, a connoisseur of good coffee, an adventurer on road trips, and a devoted companion to an 11-year-old Whippet, Ollie, Sarah Lyndsay finds joy in life's simple pleasures. However, photography is where her true passion lies. It's not just her profession; it's her dream come true. With over 12 years of professional experience, photography has transformed her life in profound ways. In those early years, She dedicated every spare moment to learning and mastering the art, and has never looked back. She pursued formal education in Professional Photography, earning her diploma and embarking on a journey that has been equal parts bewildering, frustrating, and rewarding. Join us as we discuss all of this and more

In this episode, Darren sits down to a chat with friend of the show and the mastermind behind the annual Irish Light Festival. A Celebration of all things Landscape photography in Ireland plus special guests, keynote speakers, workshops and amazing prizes to be won with the renowned contest. This year is shaping up to be another great festival, hear all about it here, who's coming this year what you could win and how you can enter 

On this week's episode, we get to have an incredible conversation with one of the good guys out there. Having met first online during "Armageddon" Darren finally gets to have a one-on-one sit down with this fascinating, talented, funny and inspirational human. Learn about his back story, what it's really like living the nomad life in an Airstream, His BEST PAL Sabu and of course, several bits about photography mixed in   You can learn all about Kenny's works and approach to his craft here https://krlphotoworkshops.com/pages/about-kenneth https://twitter.com/KennethLerose/ https://www.instagram.com/krl_photo/  

On this week's episode, we sit down to discuss just how important AI is currently and whether should we be concerned with what the future holds, We talk about plagiarism and being original and a new segment joins the show... Is this news?

KINGDOM is a homage to the landscape of Kerry that has provided Norm with endless inspiration for the last 30 years. The book reveals his close connection to this rugged and dramatic landscape at the edge of Europe and revisits many favourite locations to uncover something new. The drama and beauty of this special place are showcased in over 100 colour images, including some of the established gallery favourites over the years, alongside a whole new body of work. The renowned photographer Paul Wakefield has provided a beautifully written foreword alongside a short introductory essay by the author about his experiences in the Kingdom of Kerry.

After months of planning and a few obstacles along the way, the two hosts of the podcast finally managed to get up to the stunning island of Achill Island for a photography trip, listen to us discuss the many adventures, mishaps and laughs we had along the way, plus learn more about this stunning area for photography 

It's been almost 3 months since the last episode of the podcast, however, I have been very busy with many exciting things in the meantime. Today is the return of the podcast and the return of the one and only Diarmuid O Donovan, can we convince him to come back full-time?