Fashion and
Style shoot from the Wild Atlantic
Way, Northwest
By Jacqui
Reed
The Wild Atlantic Way Ireland Cork Wild Atlantic Way
The
northwest of Ireland
On a calm
crisp Sunday morning I had been invited to almost the furthest point along the
wild Atlantic way to Glendowen Craft shop. Glendowen
Crafts is nestled into the countryside of Donegal with the coast on the
doorstep and the village
of Clonmany
Proprietor
Ann mc Gonigle has joined forces with two Donegal based business owners Jay
Doherty of Jay Doherty Photography and Amanda Cavanagh of Vixen Hair and Beauty to showcase some of the local talent of the county.
Coming together
they are creating an opportunity to boost their rural business, offering a
different perspective to proposed customers and clients.
Jay tells
me “the inspiration behind this project - it is one of a number of personal
projects I undertake during the quiet time every year. It helps me try new
techniques, learn to be a better artist, gets me more familiar with my
landscape, people and my wee camera.
Beside the
craft shop stands a white washed cottage Ann uses for traditional music
sessions. And this is where we are joined by the first of the day’s models.
They are local girls who’ve returned
from college for the weekend to do the shoot.
For tester shots Jay decides the cottage light is perfect for the head shots that will be used by Vixen hair and beauty. The models styled in a selection of Glendowen’s Donegal Tweed wraps and capes. Amanda teased any stay hair in to place and a final touch up on makeup and the shoot got under way.
Tester
shots are taken by Jay on Polaroid followed by the sound of continuous camera
clicks. Jay positions the girls by the small laced windows where the angelic
morning light falls on their faces showcasing their opulent hair and makeup.
After the head shots are complete we all climb
in to our vehicles, following Jay as he had the next destination already in
mind. Turning on to a wee country road that leads us of into the hills along a
stunning large lake we turned down a bumpy windy bog road to Lough Naminn,
Mindoran.
Lough
Naminn is something of a magical place with two small islands on it and the
treasure is that you can walk across a stone way to the first island.
Surrounded
by mountains covered with a dustings of snow on top, the models in lavender and
fusia Donegal Tweed capes nestled amidst rust heathers and ancient boulders of
this wild valley.
Ann who
makes all the clothes in Glendowen Craft shop says “She delighted to see how
her natural tweed clothes blended with the landscape and came to life.”
“Glendowen
specialises in a beautiful range of bespoke ladies garments with a gorgeous
hand-crochet finish all designed by myself. The Garments are specially created
in the traditional-style workshop.
“Each piece
is both traditional and current will be cherished for many years to come and
will be truly a ‘limited edition’.”
These
include Donegal Tweed, Irish Linen and Donegal Yarn Coats, Jackets, Capes , Wraps, Skirts and Tunics all accessorised by Hats,
Scarves and Bags designed and made to compliment the garments in store. The Donegal tweed that Ann uses is woven by
the world famous Magee’s of Donegal
Town
Leaving the
magical valley we then take a tour around the Mamore area, beautiful unspoilt
area of Inishowen stopped at the divine Mamore
holiday cottages, located at the foot of the hill after which they are named. -
Mamore Hill.
Five
beautiful original 'Donegal Style' thatched cottages. Originally built 150
years ago: - Each cottage is named after the last owner/tenant who occupied it
- Mary's Cottage, Kate's Cottage, Mickey's Cottage, Seoirse's Cottage and
Willie Dan's Cottage.
The quaint
cottages make the perfect backdrop for the next stage of the shoot where we are
joined by four more models. And the synergy between the makeup artists, the
hairdressers, the clothing designer, the models, the photographer all combine
to create something very unique and monumental.
While Jay
is capturing the breathtaking shots I take a moment to ask Amanda about her
business Vixen Hair and Beauty.
“Our
boutique salon based in Carndonagh offers the highest levels of expertise in
hairdressing and beauty and we hold a 5 Star rating from the good salon
guide.
“Vixen Hair
& Beauty provide a modern concept in hair and beauty where the emphasis is
on the provision of excellent hairstyling, beauty and customer service.
“We provide
all aspects of hairdressing from cutting, colouring, blow-dry, up styling,
Bridal hair to Human Hair Extensions. Our Makeup artists offer. Occasional
makeup. Nail art, manicures and pedicures. Waxing and brow shaping.
“And coming
together today with Ann and Jay is a fabulous way to utilize the skills and
talents that each have to promote their business in their stunning country
side.” said Amanda.
Leaving the cottages with the nosey donkeys that gathered to watch the goings on and nibble the models hair to drive to the rocky shore near Leenan Head.
We leave
the cottages with the nosey donkeys that gathered to watch the goings on and
nibble the models hair to drive to the rocky shore near Leenan Head.
Our next
location, an unspoiled beach with boulders of all sizes have been rounded,
sculpted and worn down by wild Atlantic seas. The models are helped to the top
of the craggy pre-historic headland again and have any straying hair tamed,
garments tweaked and as the evening light draws in the final shoot gets under way.
The results
are awe-inspiring set against the jaw dropping beauty of this Inishowen
coastline.
As equipment
gets packed away Jay finally has a moment to tell me about himself and his
feelings about the day.
“I’m a
wedding and portrait photographer from Donegal in Ireland
“But that
nonsense aside I have always been a photographer, my father before me was too.
I began my photographic business 6 years ago.
“I love to
shoot weddings; I love to shoot children and family moments. My style is unique;
my approach is informal, fun and often verging on high-energy.
“My wedding
clients and families mean a great deal to me, and I do realise how lucky I am
in becoming such an important part of your lives, for a while anyway. I like to
meet with couples, drink tea, eat fancy biscuits and get to know their stories,
their loves and fears before we make any photographs.
“With each
new assignment I will try to push our creativity levels. I am constantly
seeking new photographic locations; I thrive on Donegal hilltops, golden barely
fields, leave-carpeted forests, cosy Irish pubs.
“On days
like this, I learn skills I'll use the rest of the year at a wedding. I invite
others that I believe have a great positivity and creative energy. We all bring
your own good energy and we all get to live the dream for a day.
“This
session was wonderful. I love Inishowen and its rugged beauty. Beyond the
obvious there are so many hidden gems; one such is Mindoran. I pass it from
time to time and have stopped briefly for the occasional wedding photo but this
time I really wanted to explore its gifts.
“The
colours in winter are so unique to this part of the world, purple, browns and
greens, slate rock, dark skies, low winter sunlight. A massive lake, mountains
surround, trees, wild life - maybe it was just an excuse to spend a day in the
area. A day well spent.”
Our day “On
Location” had come to an end. With it there was a real feeling that these local
businesses coming together in this astounding area of natural beauty had just
created something very special.
Taking Part
“On Location” were,
Glendowen Craft Shop for Donegal Tweed
Garments & Accessories plus a Selection of Local Arts & Crafts http://www.glendowen.com/
A gallery of natural, creative and fun wedding photography from Derry
and Donegal venues and some further afield by Jay
Doherty.
Vixen Hair &
Beauty is a modern concept in hair and beauty where the emphasis is on the
provision of excellent hairstyling, beauty and customer service.
http://www.vixenhairandbeauty.com/
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