Unique view of scenic landmarks from the air

Unique view of scenic landmarks from the air

8 April 2015

SEEING his own back garden from a helicopter “blew the socks off” Ciarán May.

The Fermanagh man was so impressed by seeing his home from the sky that he decided to marry his passion for photography with his love for kite flying to resurrect an extinct craft — and finally find a career he loved.

Six years later, and through much trial and error, the former bricklayer, lorry driver and nurse is now Ireland’s only professional kite photographer.

He now travels throughout Ireland with his own DIY harness system, similar to those used in World War 1 for enemy monitoring before the advent of aircraft, to create unique photography.

Ciarán travelled to Down recently to capture aerial 

images of some of the district’s most ancient sites, visiting St. John’s Lighthouse, Ballynoe Stone Circle, Nendrum, Audleystown and Castleward with his camera and his kite.

Falling in love with the historical richness of the area, he has now compiled a unique set of prints that bring a new perspective to some of the district’s most visited places.

Ciarán, who is an avid weather-watcher because of his craft, says he travelled to Down after seeing a few days of clear skies ahead.

“Ireland is my playground and if I spot a few days of good weather somewhere I will travel there,” he said.

“It was fabulous in Down. There is such a wealth of history and so many ancient sites.

“The coast is the best place to kite fly because the air is so clean. I loved it.”

Ciarán, who lived in England for several years before returning home to raise a young family, said he has never been as content in his work and is enjoying council and tourism jobs as his photography becomes noticed.

“I trained as a nurse for three years and worked as a bricklayer and long distance lorry driver,” he said.

“I even lived the rock and roll lifestyle for three years in London working for a sound and lighting company and meeting many famous musicians.

“But I have never loved any job like this. There was at least two years of training and I am never really in charge because I am working with the breeze and that means working with what you are given.”

For more information about Ciarán’s work access the website www.birdseyekite.com