Down is captured on camera

Down is captured on camera

23 January 2013

THE ‘Coast of Down’ is an attempt to capture the atmosphere of this ever-changing stretch of land and sea.

Originally from Ballygowan, Crossgar photographer Nigel Jamison has used his knowledge and love of the entire county coastline to put together a collection of 20 images, which will go on display in Down Arts Centre next month.

Having studied art at the University of Ulster, Nigel’s main job is in the advertising industry, where he has worked in various capacities from Junior Designer through to Creative Director.

And with the opportunity to work with some of Ireland’s best photographers and cameramen in his career, directing photographic shoots and commercials for television, it was a source of inspiration for a hobby he now takes very seriously.

“I have watched and learned from these people, I have learned what makes a good photograph and when I started to take an interest in taking photographs for myself I was able to bring that knowledge to my hobby,” he said. “Last year one of my photographs of Trevose Lighthouse in Cornwall was published in Digital Photo magazine, which is the UK’s largest selling photographic magazine. The editor commented that ‘I had a real feel for coastal shots’ and this was what prompted me into thinking that I should share my work with a wider audience.

“I immediately started to think about a subject that I could work to and also about a way of presenting it.”

A short time later Nigel derived inspiration with some dawn shots at St. John’s Point near Killough.

“St. John’s Point is a very atmospheric place and is always interesting,” he said. “It was while I was stood on the rocks facing the sea and waiting for the dawn, with the light from the great lighthouse swinging around above me, that I hit upon the idea of a study of the coast of County Down, with a view to a possible exhibition.

“Geographically, as I live between Crossgar and Killyleagh, the coast of Down is all within reasonable travel distance for me, and is particularly relevant, as I have lived in County Down all my life.”

In preparation for the forthcoming exhibition Nigel worked in all weathers over the last six to seven months. Starting at Donaghadee and stretching all the way to Carlingford, he also incorporates Strangford Lough.

He explained that his photographs are not aimed at capturing “picture postcard” images, and that he enjoyed trying to capture some of the more “moody” scenes that awaited him.

“2012 was a terrible year for sunbathing but it was a good year for photography; the heavy rain laden skies, the odd glint of sunshine ,the lush green fields and the wonderful golds of the crops in Autumn,” added Nigel. “This exhibition is a study of place and the photographs are truly reflective of the mood and the conditions that greeted me at each location.”

The Coast of Down, will run from February 1 to March 23 at Down Arts Centre. For more information visit www.nigeljamisonphotography.com.