After brushing off 2016 cobwebs, I've had a great start to the year which hopefully will continue,I have a lot of great plans and journeys for the new year & I hope you join me and enjoy what I have in store for the next endeavour.
HOW I DEFINE QUALITY
Apologies for not updating site as much but as coming into Spring I wanted people to get a sense of how the pictures I take deserve to be shown when posted online. This should give a good representation. Don't forget all images on site are for sale
Part Tre: A little Bit of Toscana
Tuscany Tribulations
Eventually after passing all the idyllic villages, and tracking which stop I was going to take on the phone, I then asked a few locals before departing my stop. Once hopped off the bus I then realised was this the best idea as there didn't appear to be as many frequent buses as had first thought. I then got my bearings and found the hotel I was going to stay in. Yes thats right I found a hotel for a great price with a swimming pool. This spot was a highlight in itself, as I didn't want to miss the stunning sunset I asked if there was any places of interest close by. I had been recommended a lake so without a murmur left my bag and took haste.
Ok the lake wasn't what I imagined but I was happy with the results and met some Italian otters which were very friendly, once sundown approached before I knew it the darkness was on top of me and it was nightfall. I then headed back to the hotel and had some dinner (pasta), when I was eating the table next to me I eavesdropped a conversation of local spots to shoot and got friendly with another photographer from Sweden.
This place was a hub for landscape photographers; so I'm sure I was among some of the greats. One photographer among the guests kept his cards close to his guests as I asked about some of the recommended locations.
Sat 9th
As I hadn't long I had a mission to take the iconic images of Tuscany which I had dreamed about since starting photography so an early start was in order 4am. After talking to Mikael last night I was so grateful to have conversed with him as he had wheels he not only offered me a lift but also advised me the top locations to shoot, unfortunately it was his last day and was heading back home, if only I came a few days earlier but luck was in the air as I shot the famous house from a few angles and the uber famous trees. My god I was pinching myself as the weather was ideal, hindsight though I should have bought a longer scope as these locations were a lot further than meets the eye. Once sun came up I then returned back to the hotel, was presented a gift of boots from Mikael had some breakfast and caught up on some much needed sleep.
I noticed you could hire bikes to get round the place so after my power nap I took a bike for free and went for a cycle, bare in mind the last time I cycled was 7 years ago if I recall, so back to the lake; once I road tested the bike I then proceeded to more recommended places and was not disappointed, the freedom of the wind in the air, the breathtaking scenery and the define weather made this a journey to remember.
First stop I rode to was an old town called Vinaoligi which was open to sublime 360 views of the tuscan vineyards in an idyllic rustic old village. Here I was thankful to a resident for topping up my 1 litre bottle as the heat was becoming intense.
Ok the bike sounded like a great idea but with no gears and no adjustable seat it turned into me walking a lot of the roads as it couldn't cope with some of the treacherous hills, once I scaled through the desert treks I then reached my next destination Bano Vignoli.
Here was home to thermal baths and tourists galore, once got refreshed and recharged I gave the new thermal baths which the hotel owned a miss, bought some much needed suncream as was starting to feel the burn, time was now starting to diminish quickly so got back on the bike I proceeded to get to my next stop, again had heard great things about this location but nobody had mentioned that this wasn't designed for bikes or bikes with no gears was a contributing factor so ended up walking a lot of it.
This was a helluva climb even for me I must've been loca, I eventually made it to the top, blagged a view of the tower which put all the hiking to the side as was treated to a spectacular view of the tuscan countryside.
Once I topped the viewpoint I then headed back leaving at 6, arriving at 8 all downhill till the end. I then rushed back to the lake road and was left speechless as was rewarded to the most phenomenal sunset I have ever seen which topped my cycle off to no end.
For that much needed cycle i treated myself to medalions topped in parmaganio cheese, which was to die for.
Sun 10th
Had a much requested lie in after yesterday, oh I was hurting so much I had enough energy to swim and walk. I was determined to see the Gladiator road so I set off for Pienza on foot.
lost my lens cap on walk. 10k. enjoyed the tuscan walk into the hills passing iconic locations. Bevedere house, chiesa and old farm houses. I eventually made it to Pienza but after the walk was rushing to find the location and fortunately found the road from a cracking viewpoint after asking a local which I ended up backtracking to.
At the viewpoint I was fortunate to negotiate my russian skills and got a lift back which was a great relief.
Then returned to hotel in time for pasta.
Mon 11th
With the great weather back I decided to leave Tuscany so it was an early start. After making my farewell with my home from home I missed the first bus. I then realised that was the only bus till 3 so stuck the ole finger out but here the Italians drive on. I then went to a local co-op where I bumped into a waitress I met yesterday, unfortunately she had work but by luck of gods I was fortunate that I ran into a couple who blended in as tourists. These guys Ania & Jacob were godsends as not only did they let me board on board their fiat 500 but give me the exclusivity of their engagement photos in exchange for a lift. These guys were great sports letting me see Multipuicuno, the Val de orcias and Puggobonsi.
From there I took the train to Pisa after missing by 10 mins.,I was cutting it fine but eventually ended in Spezia after thankfully bumping into two unique characters. Hellacool and a scuba instructor Olga Greenheart who gave me the inside tips of what to see and do in Cinqdeterre. Next Stop the 5 Cities.
New Year 2016
A memorable year is not measured in accomplishments so much as milestones. As 2015 comes to an end and I had time to reflect over Christmas, I want to thank the new faces in my life, whether thats new suppliers,clients, travel buddies or customers I am grateful to those who made them possible and hope to expand this year.
Lets hope 2016 is as exciting and riveting. I hope to travel to more diverse places and local gems throughout Europe and Ireland and of course to continue my aurora hunting.
Again if there are images on this site that are of interest please email me or contact me via the social media tabs. In the next week or so as have time to update new images will be appearing from 2015.
Kind Regards
Will :-)
Merry Xmas 15
Well what a crazy few months it's been, I would just like to say a huge thanks to my new subscribers,viewers,buyers and hope you all enjoy the wonderful Christmas holidays. After my debut of my popup galleria I hope to proceed in the new year with lots more material and glorious pictures that you may wish to purchase.
Deciding which picture I took this year was a very hard decision but a place I had only dreamed about exists and am delighted to share my picture of the year.
Idyllic Seaside Town in Cinqueterre (Manarola)
Hope to see many new faces in the new year and wish you all a great 2016.
Again please note that pictures displayed on this site are not of the full quality of the finished products and if there are any pictures that may be of interest please email me if would like to purchase.
Ciao Italia 15 Part Uno
After a week or so of being home and getting stuck into the thousands of images I took, I'm starting to get my head round the editing, during my tour of Italia I made a journal of the fun and memorable times I had which I hope you will take the time to read and join me on my tour of Italia, the experiences and memories couldn't have been made without the amazing people I met along the way.
Thursday April 30th 2015
No sleep, guess excitement took over the senses.
Awesome clear skies flying over Alps, could feel Italy was going to be a great experience
If Carlsberg did flights.
City - Bologna - 7th Largest City In Italy
Arrived in Bologna, it gets a bad rep, after I eventually found the city centre was v. Impressed, full of old arches and the architecture is very Renaissance looking.. I checked out a few churches and the two famous towers which were unreal and highly worth a visit. I also ordered my first pizza with chips which was an interesting concept.
Think lost in translation.
After scaling the leaning tower with a suitcase and backpack that proper drained me it was time to get a gelato ( i earned it) and made my way to the train to visit Venezia. The city is steeped with wee gems of history growing through it.
For 12€ it was a steal but there is a reason you don't immediately get a seat which I learnt of but after a two hour journey I then arrived in the most beautiful city in the world,which is still open to debate as almost anywhere in Italy is.
I left Bologna at 6 o'clock so you can imagine how busy the train was, but I left Bologna with a greater appreciation than started with even if it was on a flyby visit.
VENEZIA MI SECONDO CASA
After two hours later, I arrived in Venezia, exited the station and was greeted by the majestic grand canal. The grand canal starts at the ferrovia (station) and ends at St. Marcos Square.
Once left ferrovia caught the bus boat (vaporetto) to a nearby island called lido de venezia where I joined my uncle and aunty devouring fresh lobster with pasta. It was some sight, I then retired early and hit the hay.
Friday 1st May 2015
Next day an early start, had to make most of it as was special to not only me but my uncle as our birthdays was on same day so we decided to go island hopping. As Venice is on a lagoon it is made of an archipelago of smaller islands which should not be missed when visiting.
I had heard so many fascinating reports about Torcello and did not disappoint, a very beautiful island stepped with history and home to the oldest church, a Byzantian 1 at that which to describe in words wouldn't give it justice.
After torcello then hopped back on the ferry to Burano, now yesterday the weather was soo hot so I had expected this to be the case today, how wrong was I might I add as I had so read the weather wrong and as expected was freezing my ass off.Unfortunately Burano got the brunt of bad weather as the rain descended and took the fun of shooting this awesome island. Burano is home to lace while its neighbour Murano is home to glass and is fascinating to see old crafts and techniques still being used.
Home Of Lace & Colour
One fact which you may well not be aware of Burano is famous for its crafts and colours, all the buildings are painted multi-coloured to help pilots of the Venetian boats navigate through the dense mist.
As the weather opened up, brollies out, we headed back on the ferry to Lido, made a formal change in record time and hopped back on a return ferry to Venice. Oh yea on mayday or 1st May not only is it a great day the locals love it so much they stop working and have a holiday so you can imagine the tourists plus locals = congested Venice. To guarantee we had a great meal fortunately my aunty booked a local restaurant that had been trading for nearly 40 years, a special restaurants in our hearts.
Now I did forget to mention that in Italy pizzas are on another level, and must be taken with respect as each pizza is different. In Burano through the hustle and bustle my uncle knew a great spot to eat, but he left one thing out, he never told me where he was eating so I guess shooting the colourful buildings I somehow lost track but after thirty minutes I eventually found them devouring an outrageous pizza. I'm sure you all know I appreciate a good pizza and this thankfully did not disappoint. Well now after having that late lunch the time it got to dinner I just got greedy and ordered another pizza, sure it was my birthday after all. After eventually eating it two minutes later the whole restaurant went black, was there a power cut across Venice, nope I'm sure you can all guess what happened, two tiramisus then landed on the table followed by candles with the whole restaurant watching me and Peter, let me tell you I thought my sunburn was bad this was a new tone of red. After the family's fun then had a few local spirits as you do and made way back to the vaporetto, as the pensioners were becoming tired we then made tracks back to lido stopping off at the station to check if could store my bag the next day.
Overall except no blue skies was a great birthday present and will be one to remember for a long time.
Day 2 Sat 2nd May 2015
The next day another early rise as the rest of family were leaving and it was time for me to move accommodation, I was moving to the heart of Venice and what a day to do it. After the wet night I scouted that I could leave luggage at the train station Ferrovia which was a great godsend so I did that and naturally went into explore mode. As was still a bank holiday the hordes of tourists were in every corner so I took a quick escape and went on a mini adventure exploring parts of Venice I had never really captured before. As the heat and people were too much I chilled out and 'inhaled' the life of Venice which was very interesting to take a view of local life. Taking my time round the Ghetto I then made tracks to my accommodation situated by one of the many famous landmarks in Venice, the Rialto bridge. This bridge is known for the markets which are built in the centre of the bridge and runs down either side.
Again with everything in a city major renovation was taking place round the area. After eventually finding my accommodation I was very impressed after walking countless flights of stairs but was rewarded for Venice a very large apartment. After a homemade meal by the amazing host Katerina I then headed back out to venture to the creme de la creme which is St Marcos Square.
Unfortunately the clouds blocked the sun for sunset but was still a very busy city and countless opportunities to capture. As 10 o'clock I started to pinch myself how beautiful the square was as the high tide had just come in and parts of the square had become flooded and to any photographer that is a dream shot as gives the iconic surrounding a new perspective. St. Marcos is not only know for the inspiring buildings and monuments, it is also re known for buying the most expensive coffee in the world, simply to the fact that not only do you have an intimate quartet to yourself but a view that never gets old. Surrounding the square are marble arches, which are home to the best designer shops in the world and is prime real estate. After getting a high from the reflections I then took a short walk round the canals which were thankfully much quieter than before giving me the opportunity to capture my iconic shots. Before I knew it not only had midnight had passed but I now found myself the power to shoot Venice by night with no tourists or bodies in my way which I was delighted about.
It then appeared I wasn't alone as in the distance I heard a kiwi accent I naturally introduced myself and it turned out to be world travel photographer Trey Ratcliff. I had only recently heard of this guy through his HDR technique on landscapes and travel but he's living the dream and was great that fame hadn't got to his head, was a very down to earth guy and had invited me to return tomorrow to join him on a photowalk around Venice.
Now 2am approached I think it was time for sleep as the next day I had arranged to meet a local Italian photographer Ugo Cei who lived nearby in Milan.
Day 3. Sun 3rd May 2015
After returning in the early hours I woke up at 11, rendezvoused with Ugo outside the apartment and later met up with two other local Italians Francesco and Nico who were so friendly and having local knowledge in this city was a delight and so we went fine dining in the local tavernas. Hey these guys were shooting Fuji and canon, I was so impressed that instead of carrying gear all Nico had was Fuji x100 with a fixed 35mm, no bag. I was very impressed. Ugo was shooting 10-20 Fuji xe-1 & Francesco on a canon 70-200 (400d)
Unfortunately one place which we ate was known for happy hour which served a buffet and two for ones on drinks, had not been on at the times we were there so we got a little robbed at the price but hey, still an unreal restaurant and one of the best places I've dined at in Venice. I had a gnocchi and was absolutely spectacular.
Meet Trey & Ugo
After that unreal meal we then leisurely strolled round Venice getting to know one another, I had never really experienced the beauty of the chiesa (churches) round Venice until Ugo showed me Santa Maria which was breathtaking inside and such a marvel of architecture. We then headed to Accademia were I realised that my back was light, and thankfully with hindsight I picked up a biz card from the last place, got Ugo to call through and the bag was still there which I would pick up later.
So there was no problems there which was a relief, we then proceeded our walk until we came back to St Marcos. I then got my bag and headed to the meet point for Treys photo walk were a good number of tripods were huddled in a circle attached to their owners.
This had the making of a long night, once we figured the route we then made haste at a fast pace round the streets of Venice. thankfully he showed me and a number of other photographers new territory to shoot which did not and could not disappoint. Again once the sun came down the clouds blocked the making of a great sunset. As I had been shooting the sunset the group didn't want to wait round so made tracks to their next point. Thankfully I knew Ugo who was part of the group and was blessed that he sent me directions on where to go.
Me & Trey Ratcliff
After eventually meeting up and realising the whole restaurant consisted of the photo group, spent surprisingly a short time connecting, which turned into a dead haul. As most people were starving and shattered after the walking including us four we went off to another Taverno and guess what I ate again, another magical gnocchi.
We then exchanged our photos and with broken English and Italian had a great night.
Once the Italian guys then left I then took a few more night shots, stopped for a few drinks which escalated into a few more hours, before I knew it it was 3 am and I was set to leave in the morning but the craic was mighty and my agenda was to shoot Venice so I naturally experienced Venice by night.
Venice By Night
My new amigo was staying in Giudecca and without spending 80€ on a taxi we naturally took the cheaper option.
It is one of the best things I have ever done as stereotypically I see Venice in a new light meeting the many random drunks, workers and wildlife and having the areas at daytime all to myself.
Not only I'm a sucker for reflections but if the light is great I get even more excited and this was no exception as the full moon was forecasted to rise today. After walking round before I knew it I was running round in the blue hour or dusk trying to capture all I could and then in a two minute frame the whole sky turned pink which was just bellissimo as only how to describe it.
The tiredness was now kicking in so I hopped on a vaporetto back to Rialto.
Fortunately there was space for another night so was able to catch up on sleep which was well received indeed, thanks to Katerina.
If interested in part 2, please leave a comment, thanks for reading part 1.
Summer Update June 15
Ok i've been a bit lacklustre lately enjoying the superb weather Ireland is having but I'm delighted to say I'm now in Victoria Square every month in the heart of Belfast selling my prints in person. Each print has now been updated in the online shop (buy) for your buying pleasure at a great competitive price.
I've kept the price similar to the high street, only the shipping is the difference with buying online but if local please drop by the stall.
Again if theres anybody reading please feel free to add your comments as this will be duly noted and I will try my best to answer or fulfil your comments.
Again don't be stranger on social media; you can find me on periscope,twitter,Instagram,Facebook. (@whp_15)
Debut On Victoria Square
So after all talk, the day finally came round that I got my prints out on the high street, was bit daunting at first but was good to finally have products ready to sale, regards the day it was a slow start but hopefully more people will now be aware of whp and in the not too distance future there will be more owners of whp prints.
Happy Easter
Hi guys thanks for checking out the last blog, still exciting times; just back from a weekend in Donegal and had mixed fortunes with the typical Irish weather but fortunately I'm very happy with with my results and hope you also enjoy rural Ireland. Also a few new images are updated in the California, landscape & portfolio galleries.
If there is any image of interest please let me know & I will add to the shop.
Cosmic Week
If you've been hiding under a rock this week two main events happened; paddys day and we were granted a 95% show of a solar eclipse provided that the clouds moved.
Not just any ole paddys day this year the cosmic forces came together and provided a show that is unprecedented for ireland, the sky literally came to life on paddys day; as most of the country was behind the bar drinking it dry; the other half who are into photography were out in force as the sky gods or saints were watching over us as we were privileged to see a spectacular show and one which will be forever in my memory.
Today 20th March (Spring Equinox) the sky came up trumps at the pivotal moment as the clouds parted to show us the solar eclipse of 2015. Ok we didn't get a full eclipse like the faroe islands which is basically a corona( bailey beads effect) and very impressive. I've witnessed this way back in 2001, but at home this year we were granted a show none the less as got to see 95% of a partial eclipse.
As the moon covers the sun, the light starts to die out; a lot of critics and sceptics were worried about this as the energy devices most of Europe are using is solar powered but no such worries as the backups kicked in. As the day turns into dark one phenomenon that catches nature out is that the birds begin to squawk as they think its time to sleep, & the dogs howl; I wish i took a picture as I saw this grey squirrel rush across the lawn, then proceeded to stop look at me with puzzlement as didn't know what to do when the light became darker.
I later found out our ducks and geese were on the same mindset as they figured it was nighttime and returned to bed.
One thing I had noticed when the bbc stargazing were reporting was a huge spot on the sun; the last sunspot that had erupted means we may have another show in the next few days as was incremental judging by the tv footage.
On that note hopefully I'll be lucky with the next foreseeable aurora & hope you appreciate reading my thoughts on our cosmic week.
Delighted to see my image being post on the accuweather site.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/photos-solar-eclipse-2015/44221243?partner=accuweather
Raspberry Delight
Just filling you all in, been working in kitchen recently and working on my food photography place check out my story blog. Much appreciated..
Raspberry Delight
Batteries Not Included
Shop Update (Sale On)
During the last few days I thought the shop needed a makeover so please feel free to have a look at the new and improved shop (now called buy).
To benefit you all I now have more options when it comes to checkout which I hope you will be delighted with and have added a few surprises when buying.
Again if you have any requests or need places,animals or objects taken please feel free to drop me an email or tweet.
Happy NÛ Year. 15
I guess I'm a bit late but after spending the start of new year in London ; I came home to find my mac decided to play up and long and behold after the guts of January I'm now back up on my feet so to speak.
In the last week or so the weather here for Ireland has been pretty diverse & wild ; we've had hurricane winds to freezing temperatures and snow, at least it beats the rain.
I guess everyone has resolutions but 2015 has lots of projects and trips; planned which I will announce later throughout the year so watch this space. :-)
ps:I've taken down my decorations so to speak (xmas gallery) but should be back up next xmas.
Great Inspiration
I recently came across this guy Shantanu Starick on the web who is changing the way we negotiate and rely on money in our daily lives simply by trading the 3 fundamentals (transport,shelter,food & drink). Not only has his project become a success; he realised there were other unsung heroes throughout the world who are on his same wavelength and have been doing for a while.
With such a great idea; I thought I would share his story with you guys and hopefully this idea will appeal to more people, especially photographers as were not all segmented into one area.
Back in 2012, we wrote about a project called “Pixel Trade” by Australian photographer Shantanu Starick. The basic idea was simple but crazy: Starick wanted to travel through all seven continents on the globe without ever spending any currency. Instead, he would try to trade his services as a photographer to people willing to provide him with shelter, food, and transportation.
Starick recently appeared at Behance’s 99U to give a 20-minute talk on spending the past two years living on photos instead of money.
In his presentation, Starick talks about how photographers are generally rewarded by being more specialized in their skills — you can usually make more money by being a particular type of photographer rather than being a “jack of all trades.”
Starick was able to change the equation in his own life by completely taking money out of it. By doing this, he opened the door to a rewarding freelance experience that involves all kinds of photography. He has photographed for restaurants, architects, weddings, jewelery, fashion, and more.
Now in the 30th month of the project, Starick has reached 5 of 7 continents and has survived by completing 193 photo trades. Amount of money spent: “nil.”
On his website, Starick writes that he plans on continuing this journey for as long as “the well of human curiosity and kindness” has not dried up. From his experiences in the first two years, it seems like it will be “a long time,” he says.
The Pixel Trade (via ISO 1200)
http://thepixeltrade.com/faq/
Written By Michael Zhang For Petapixel.com
August Image Is Here
As we are approaching the end of August I can exclusively reveal a free image to download to your desktop.
WHP is now offering an exclusive free desktop image for your computer desktop or background image for tablets every month.
If like these images please contact me via email or twitter if interested in buying a print of it.
info@will harnett.com , @whp_14
WHP is now offering an exclusive free desktop image for your computer desktop or background image for tablets every month.
If like these images please contact me via email or twitter if interested in buying a print of it.
info@will harnett.com , @whp_14
Drop In The Ocean
An epic movie of a surfers affection with the ocean
Author: Morgan Maassen
www.morganmaassen.com
Music: Shopping Malls" by SJD
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SJD/12793501823 filmed on a Red Epic, Nikon 14mm F/2.8 lens, in an SPL waterhousing
Happy 4th July
I've now entered a new era and hopefully will reach out to a wider audience.
I hope to keep this updated with new thoughts and what my point of view on this ever changing environment.
