Capturing the Cliffs of Moher

One of Ireland’s leading landscape photographers Chris Hill reveals how he captured the breathtaking image that was to become the cover for his latest book. And don’t you know, it just had to be in the wonderful West of Ireland…

Photographer Chris Hill

In June 2006, myself and my very good friend Colin McCadden set out in a campervan to explore and photograph Ireland in all its glory. Our frequent journeys over the next three and half years resulted in the publication of my book Scenic Ireland-The Provinces of Ireland.

‘On this particular occasion, we’d arrived in Adare late on Saturday night, tired and hungry after a long day on the road, and went searching for some food and drink. We got talking to the manager of the Adare Golf club, and he mentioned that the Irish Open was being played the next day, so suggested we come early to get a stewards cap, allowing us to get up-close to the action. As keen golfers we jumped at the offer, and reasoned that the weather forecast was cloudy and dull anyway: not good for photography.

‘When the final group went out we managed to bluff our way ‘inside the ropes’ and had a great time until we were caught on and politely asked to leave. Frustrated at being ejected, we tried to get our minds off it by driving to the nearby Cliffs of Moher on the off-chance the dull clouds would clear.

The majestic Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, captured by Chris Hill

‘As happens so often in Ireland, the skies began to change radically as we drove, and by the time we arrived there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I wanted to photograph the cliffs at last light, as the sun fell into the Atlantic, and so we waited patiently…

Chris Hill on Cliffs of Moher by Colin McCadden

‘After 30 minutes some clouds drifted over from the west, adding dramatic interest to what had been a bland sky, just as the fiery sun began to set.

‘The cover shot was born, and Colin captured me shooting it with the spare camera in silhouette against the dying sun.

‘Thank God for being ejected from the golf, as days don’t come much better than this!’

Fancy coming to the Cliffs to see their beauty for yourself? There are some seriously good deals to get you to our West Coast!

Find out more about Chris’ work and books on his Scenic Ireland website.

Try taking that shot for yourself by visiting the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions.

Chris isn’t the only photographer we’ve had as a guest blogger. We’ve shown you amazing images from Dave G Kelly and his prettiest spots in Dublin to take a seat and enjoy the view, Kevin Dwyer who shares his stunning aerial photography of Ireland with us, and John Eagle who takes us on a photographic tour of Ireland’s Lighthouses.