'Captured Moments' on display in Virginia
The Breffni Photography Club’s ‘Captured Moments’ exhibition showcases the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes, people, traditions and minds.
Between a puffin calculating its next move, a glorious morning in Sligo, a man in his workshop or a misty morning at the church in Mullagh, the exhibition takes viewers all over the country from the comfort of Virginia Library.
It’s hard for club chairperson Oliver Gargan to select just a few photos from the impressive display, however he’s drawn to Edel Kellegher’s ‘Puffin’, an up-close shot of a puffin bird displaying the brilliance of its orange, cream and black beak and its eye, which resembles a sailboat - perhaps a nod to their annual departure, which will take place from late July to early August.
The club chair describes Edel as “an amazing nature photographer” who has “great patience” when it comes to photography.
“They’re all [the members] talented,” he adds.
Next is Corey Davenport’s early morning shot of Classiebawn Castle in Sligo with a red-orange sunrise over Benbulben in the background. The photo, arguably the most striking in the exhibit, was taken just as Corey was about to give up on his photography morning.
Finally, the Celt leads Oliver to a work of his own. The photo depicts a side profile of Oliver himself with a speech bubble reading ‘I’M FINE’ close to his half smile. To his back, the words ‘ANXIOUS’ ‘WORRIED’ and ‘SCARED’ loom. It stands out as one of the most personal pieces on display. Oliver took the photo using a tripod and timer during the pandemic, when he had more time to play around with his photography.
“I kind of tapped into the mental side of it, because I don’t think fellas do talk about how they’re feeling and I think it’s important to show that,” he explains.
Oliver created added texture and text using Photoshop, and wanted it to serve as a conversation starter, where someone may view it and think: “I felt like that.”
“It’s a real simple shot. I was just at home in front of a blank wall. It might get someone talking,” he hopes.
The Bailieborough native picked this photo among the thousands he has taken to display. He has a particular passion for Urbex photography, which involves documenting abandoned buildings and their contents.
“It’s quite eerie, it’s not to everyone’s taste but it always gets lots of interaction on Facebook. It’s very interesting.”
Photography is something he has loved since childhood. With 10 siblings, “there were always family pictures to be taken” and Oliver stepped up.
The work of 25 group members is on display in Virginia Library until this Friday (May 29). Now taking a break for the summer, the group will resume their fortnightly meetings in September, when anyone is welcome to attend.
Founded in 2013, the group welcomes different speakers to their meetings on topics such a photo editing and equipment, while they also host competitions and outings. There’s no pressure within the group; some have years of experiences and loads of equipment while others come along and use their phone camera. Both are most welcome.