MOVING IRELAND
I am Elian Fernandes, originally from India, and I’ve been practising photography since 2018. My journey began with my mother’s iPhone 5s camera. During a family vacation in the Himalayas, I couldn’t resist capturing the stunning mountain landscapes, and this passion led me to acquire a Sony Alpha 6000 later that year. In 2019, I took my passion further by enrolling in “The Photography School,” a photography course led by a renowned Indian photographer – Devadatta Kashalikar. The one-month course concluded with a Landscape Photography Competition where I placed 2nd among 25 students.
Portfolio link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oGCYbKIyQctsEF84-_Lb8a9X560hGc3Z?usp=drive_link
Photographing transportation in Ireland will offer a unique opportunity to capture the intricate relationship between culture, history, and modernity. I would be capturing Ireland’s diverse transport system, from traditional modes like horse-drawn carts and rural trains to contemporary elements such as buses and cycling lanes which reflects the country’s evolution and its commitment to sustainability. Documenting these aspects will allow me to storytell through the images that will highlight the daily lives of residents, the beauty of the landscapes they traverse, and the significance of transportation in connecting communities.
To capture the essence of transportation in Ireland through photography I will start in Dublin, where I can photograph the iconic double-decker buses, the Luas tram system, and the historic Dublin Port. The city’s bustling streets, with their blend of modern vehicles and historic architecture, offer vibrant scenes. Next, I might head to Galway, where I can capture the colorful shopfronts and unique modes of transport, like bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Lastly, I wouldnt miss the rural charm of County Kerry, where traditional farm vehicles and winding country lanes create a quintessential Irish transport experience. Each location offers diverse opportunities to showcase the interplay between Ireland’s rich transport history and its contemporary landscape.
To effectively photograph transportation in Ireland I plan to shoots during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when natural light is soft and warm, creating beautiful shadows and highlights. I will be focusing on iconic transport modes and to capturing them in dynamic urban settings or countryside backdrops. This project will continue until the end of my semester i.e end of November 2024. Considering incorporating movement by using longer exposure times to blur the motion of vehicles while keeping static elements sharp. Additionally, explore various locations like bustling city centers, serene rural roads, and historical sites to showcase the contrast between modern transportation and Ireland’s rich heritage.
Back in India transportation can be quite challenging, as public transit often struggles to meet the high demand. When I arrived in Dublin for my master’s studies, I was amazed by the well-developed transportation system and the convenience it offered. The ease of access with the TFI Leap Card, which works across various modes of transportation, sparked my curiosity and motivated me to document the evolution of the transit experience through photography.
I am currently using a Nikon 1500D camera with an 18-55mm lens for this project. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring my Sony Alpha 6000 camera with me, so I’m using my flatmate’s camera, with his permission, for this semester. Though it’s an entry-level camera, I believe it’s not the equipment but the photographer’s skill that makes the difference. Regarding permissions, my topic involves taking photos in public places around the city. By law, permission isn’t required for public spaces, but in situations where permission might be necessary, I will make sure to request it from the appropriate authorities.