KINGSTON, N.Y.—Photographer Andrew Moore hunched over a table at his studio in the Fuller Building recently and walked his new intern, Elizabeth Kiluba, through ways she could make her photos pop.

Kiluba, 16, a Hurley resident on summer vacation from Kingston High School, became Moore’s intern some weeks ago. “We’re still getting to know each other,” Moore said in late June. He stopped her as she scrolled through a series of black-and-white photos on her iPhone. Kiluba said one photo looked wrong because a negative got scratched.

“If you just rewash that negative you can get rid of some of that. You can bring them in, I’ll show you how to do all that stuff,” Moore said. The pair got lost in a tangent, discussing the merits and pitfalls of color photography and processing.

Moore has taught for decades, at the university level and locally at the Center for Photography at Woodstock, and said part of the appeal of having an intern was that he could be around young people and their ideas while feeling more connected to the community. Kiluba’s tasks, he said, would initially be more clerical than artistic, organizing digital files and preparing paperwork for grant applications, but he planned to have her join him on shoots, make promotional content and teach her how to use higher-level equipment.

It will all culminate in a gallery exhibition for Moore later this year in New York City featuring work he and Kiluba are preparing. The exhibition, Moore said, will be a meditation on modern wilderness and our relationship with nature, also exploring how the pandemic affected people’s relationship with Upstate New York and the natural environment.

He said some of the pictures are, “a kind of revisiting of the natural beauty up here in this part of the world.”

Keiluba said, “I feel like not enough people really understand what we have up here. I feel like a lot of people, and I know kids my age, kind of take this area for granted. They think it’s boring and they all just want to leave but they don’t understand how lucky we are to have all of these natural resources and the mountains, the Catskills, the forest, the river. A lot of people don’t have that around where they live, but we have it.”

Moore spent nearly the entirety of his career in New York City before coming to Kingston. His work, he said, which has seen the cover of New York Times Magazine, is inspired by one of his first loves, architecture. Moore said shooting in Kingston’s diverse topography and natural beauty, in contrast to New York City’s concrete and steel, forced him to think about his craft in a different way.

Instead of using the side of a building to frame a photo’s composition, he said, he has to rely on natural elements like branches or stone pillars.

Moore and his wife moved to the Hudson Valley in 2018 and he decided to create his new studio in Kingston after a chance meeting with the Fuller building’s architect Scott Dutton. He said after taking a tour of the space while it was under construction he decided to go ahead with a lease. He said he hasn’t looked back and deeply appreciates the sense of community in Kingston.

“It’s actually been kind of a double blessing to both have this fantastic studio and this community that’s kind of evolved for the past five years,” said Moore. Many of the pictures Moore takes are within an hour’s drive of Kingston with landmarks like Ponckhockie or the Roundout showing up in his work.

Kiluba said she plans to study film in college but was eager to get involved with photography to sharpen her eye and hone her visual palate. Moore said that was a good strategy, comparing photography to a base language like Latin in relation to video.

“It’s like capturing a moment in time and I feel like other types of mediums you can’t really get the same feelings out of taking a picture or photography in general,” said Kiluba. “You can really motivate and move people with photography and you can make a really big impact on a community of people with just a single picture.”

Moore said he began taking pictures at age 12, setting up a small darkroom in his parent’s attic. As he grew up, he said, he started to study paintings, but the emergence of more advanced and cheaper color photography equipment cemented his preference. He said it combined many of his intellectual interests and his artistic ones and his education at Princeton University further explored that.

“Photography has allowed me to see the world and meet all types of great people and hopefully make pictures that touch people and intrigue them and are things that they want to keep looking at every day,” he said.

Moore will be exhibiting his newest collection at the Yancy Richardson Gallery in Chelsea in New York City on Nov. 16. He said he was still working on a title for the show. “I have a lot of ideas,” he said.

Kiluba nodded her head. She said, “Titles are hard.”

As a wedding photographer, Shayla Herrington has witnessed numerous newlywed couples throughout her career. Working alongside her colleague, she noticed several recurring signs that, according to them, indicate a marriage’s potential demise and unhappiness.

Herrington took to TikTok to share these insights, crediting a seasoned photographer she once worked with. She explained, “One time I was shooting under this wedding photographer and they told me they can always tell if a couple will last or not based on three things.”

What are the signs a marriage will fail?

The first sign, according to Herrington, is when one partner takes an excessive number of family photos at the wedding without their spouse. “The first indicator is one of the spouses will take, like, more than three family photos without the other spouse,” she said. “This one kind of makes sense to me just because you know, you might get a few alone with your mom and dad but to kick them out of more than three photos just seems a little suspicious.”

A wedding is a union of families celebrating the love between the couple. Excluding a future family member from multiple photos raises concerns that there may be underlying issues.

@shaylamherrington Do you think this holds some truth? #bride #bridetobe #weddingphotographer #couple #engaged #videographer #weddings ♬ original sound – Shayla Herrington

The second sign, as pointed out by Herrington, is when bridesmaids, groomsmen, or anyone representing a party fail to mention the spouse of the other party in their greetings. “That’s typically because we don’t like them,” claimed the photographer.

A successful marriage relies on more than just the love between two individuals; it involves the acceptance and support of their friends and family. If the people close to someone don’t genuinely like their partner, the marriage may face difficulties.

The third sign, according to Herrington, is when one partner spends more time with others during the event than with their chosen spouse. “The last indicator is one of the spouses will spend more time with friends or family at the reception rather than their spouse.”

Forbes magazine reported that the average length of a marriage before divorce is eight years. In the United States, it is often cited that half of first marriages end in divorce, and the rates are even higher for second and third marriages, with 67% and 73% respectively.

When it comes to landscape photography, certain destinations immediately come to mind – the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies, or the iconic landmarks of the American Southwest. However, there is one country that often gets overlooked as a photography hotspot: Ireland.

With its rugged coastlines, lush green countryside, and rich cultural heritage, Ireland offers a treasure trove of stunning landscapes waiting to be captured through the lens. In this article, we will explore why Ireland is underrated for landscape photography and why it deserves more recognition among photographers seeking extraordinary natural beauty.

1. Diverse and Picturesque Coastlines

Ireland boasts over 3,000 kilometers of coastline, offering an abundance of picturesque locations for landscape photographers. From the towering cliffs of Moher to the secluded beaches of Donegal, the country’s coastlines showcase a stunning variety of landscapes. The rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and crashing waves create dramatic and awe-inspiring scenes that are a photographer’s dream.

One notable gem is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its hexagonal basalt columns. This unique geological formation presents a surreal and otherworldly landscape, perfect for capturing stunning images. Other coastal highlights include the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, and the Wild Atlantic Way, which offers a myriad of opportunities to photograph secluded coves, charming fishing villages, and panoramic seascapes.

2. Lush and Vibrant Countryside

Ireland’s countryside is a patchwork of rolling green hills, picturesque valleys, and enchanting forests. This verdant landscape is a result of Ireland’s mild and wet climate, making it a haven for lush vegetation and vibrant colors. The Irish countryside offers endless possibilities for landscape photography, with its tranquil lakes, meandering rivers, and expansive meadows.

The Glendalough Valley in County Wicklow is a prime example of Ireland’s captivating countryside. Nestled amidst the Wicklow Mountains, this glacial valley features two serene lakes surrounded by ancient forests and historic ruins, providing a magical backdrop for photographers. Additionally, the Burren in County Clare showcases a unique limestone landscape, dotted with rare flora and fascinating geological formations, making it a captivating subject for landscape images.

3. Atmospheric Weather and Changing Light

Ireland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, with rapid changes from sunshine to rain, and sometimes even within the same hour. While this may be frustrating for locals, for photographers, it offers an opportunity to capture dynamic and atmospheric images. The ever-changing weather conditions often result in dramatic skies, soft light, and vibrant rainbows, adding depth and interest to landscape photographs.

The shifting light and dramatic clouds can transform an otherwise ordinary scene into a breathtaking masterpiece. Whether it’s a sunbeam breaking through the storm clouds over a coastal vista or a rainbow arching over a tranquil countryside, Ireland’s unpredictable weather provides unique and ethereal photo opportunities that showcase the country’s natural beauty.

4. Historical and Cultural Significance

Ireland’s landscape is not only aesthetically captivating but also rich in historical and cultural significance. From ancient castles and monastic ruins to mystical stone circles and neolithic sites, Ireland is a photographer’s paradise for capturing the essence of history and heritage in their images.

The iconic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary is a prime example of Ireland’s historical treasures. This medieval complex, perched on a limestone outcrop, features a collection of medieval structures, including a round tower, a cathedral, and a castle. The juxtaposition of ancient architecture against the backdrop of rolling green fields creates a compelling visual story for photographers.

Additionally, the mystical and atmospheric landscapes of Connemara in County Galway, with its vast boglands, rugged mountains, and picturesque lakes, have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Photographers can capture the spirit of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage through images that encapsulate the country’s history, legends, and folklore.

5. Warm Hospitality and Welcoming Atmosphere

One aspect of landscape photography that is often overlooked is the overall experience and atmosphere of a destination. Ireland is known for its warm hospitality, friendly locals, and welcoming atmosphere, which can greatly enhance the photography journey. From sharing stories with locals in cozy pubs to receiving helpful tips from fellow photographers, the sense of community in Ireland adds a unique element to the photography experience.

Moreover, the accessibility of Ireland’s landscapes is another advantage for photographers. Many of the country’s stunning locations are easily accessible by car or short hikes, allowing photographers to explore and capture the beauty of the landscapes without extensive planning or logistics.

In conclusion, Ireland is an underrated gem for landscape photography, offering diverse and picturesque coastlines, lush and vibrant countryside, atmospheric weather conditions, historical and cultural significance, and warm hospitality. From the dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches to the rolling green hills and ancient ruins, Ireland’s landscapes are a photographer’s paradise waiting to be discovered. So, pack your camera gear, embrace the unpredictable weather, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Ireland’s underrated landscape photography opportunities.

I have put together some great Location Guides for some of the locations mentioned here if you would like to explore yourself

I also hold 121 Private Tuitions where you can learn in the field with me 

Have you visited my home country yet? Let’s chat in the comments below