Photographer Shane O Neill

—First and foremost – whom can you name as the best photographer in Waterford, Ireland? :)

—Well, I can't tell you who the best is but all I can say is David Murphy is the most gorgeous!!

—Are you photogenic?

—Sometimes. Everybody has a relationship with their own image – or at least how they see themselves. As a photographer, I'm often staggered by how little most people actually like their appearnace.

—How did you get in the photography industry?

—When I was 10 I picked up a camera for the first time and before long I was helping out as an assistant. I went to DLCAD when I was 18, I managed a photo lab for 6 years, then in

—What are the most important components of a good photo in your opinion?

—Personally, I love well-composed decisive moments. They are hard to get! i've had plenty of practice though ...

—Do you love traveling?

—Yes. Especialy in my own country of Ireland. The places my camera takes me ...

—What do you like most about your profession?

—Being creative. Personal freedom.

—What do you like least about your profession?

—the hours! I always seem to underestimate how long things are going to take. It's just as well I like what I do.

—What will be the future of photography?

—Technology, I suppose. Capture devices will get smaller, quicker, better. We are in danger of being totally over-saturated. That's why I like to stick to the fundamentals of creating great images.

—What is special in the photography genre you specialise at?

—I mainly shoot documentary wedding photography. For me, it is special because it does not involve the input of the client and instead frees them up to be part of their day. images shot naturally tend to age well.

—How do you handle criticism?

—it depends on the critic ;)

—What should be the criteria for a customer to choose a photographer?

—follow their heart

—What things are to be avoided when shooting?

—taking too long

—What details that usually pass unnoticed can a photographer notice?

—observation skills definitely improve the more I shoot. Anticipation, or seeing what is about to happen before it actually happens is a good one.

—What influences the value of a photo? What are its elements?

—For me, the viewer places their own value on a photo.

—Who do you want to take photos of?

—Bungalows. I have an idea that is yet to bear fruit.

—Do you have any professional taboos?

—Lots. I have a strong sense of decorum, it prevents me from crossing even the most modest lines.

—Who would you like to shoot with?

—Todd Hido

—What do you worry about, and why?

—Well, Covid-19 has takenover the world and shuttered the entire wedding industry for the foreseeable future. That gets me sometimes.

—What is the most impressive moment in your life?

—Witnessing the birth of both of my children.

—Would you rather be liked or respected?

—Liked. I know. I know.

—What is the biggest mistake you have ever made at work?

—While shooting a wedding in Charlottesville, I booked a hotel on Charlotte and proceeded to drive there. Until I realised I forgot the "ville" at the end!

—When you're going to travel, what do you take with you and why?

—one camera and one lens only. The last time I went to Italy I took my Nikon D750 and a 500mm lens. Before that, it was a Fuji x100s, one of my all-time-favourite cameras

—Is there anything among your gadgets that you wish you haven't bought? Why?

—I guess if I was to *really analyse everything I ever bought you could make a case as to whether it was essential. I bought a NAS box once, never really used it.

—How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

—Shoot. Then shoot some more. There are certain things you can only learn by constantly doing it.

—Whose work has influenced you most as a photographer?

—Martin Parr showed my what was possible. Nothing is impossible,

—What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

—the 50mm lens is better than you think!(I was a wide angle nut)

—What do you want to say with your photographs?

—I say what I see. its that simple really

—What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

—it's a strong part of my identity. I don't know what else to do!

—Should your parents have been more or less strict?

—my parents were perfect. They got the balance really well.

—If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

—Nothing. Why change??!

—What about life on other planets?

—statistically its quite likely

—What do you do in your spare time?

—eh .... photography. Like i said, it takes up a lot of time!I do love food. And movies if and when I get the chance to watch them.

—What's the side of you that the public never sees?

—Family life. I keep the best part all to myself!

—When are you completely satisfied with your work?

—No. Never. I'm always chasing that rainbow.

—Do you believe in the traditional roles for men and women?

—No.

—Do you make friends easily?

—Yes.

—Where would you like to live?

—I have this discussion regularly and the answer is always the same: there is nowhere I'd rather live that Waterford, Ireland. We have everything here.

—Is there life after marriage?

—Life improves after marriage.

—Do you have a favourite joke? Tell us.

—Did you hear about the magic tractor? It turned into a field.

—Do you like dogs or cats?

—Dogs mainly. Some cats are really sound.

—Who or what do you hate?

—tailgaters.

—The best thing in life is:

—my wife and children

—The most annoying thing in life is:

—my wife and children

—Is there anything around you that you would like to change?

—not a thing

—What would you like to change in yourself?

—I sometimes get these states of inertia – especially when it comes to big projects. I wish i could get sh1t done!

—Can you give a few tips for photographers who are just starting out?

—make mistakes. learn from them.

—If you are called to shoot a movie, what genre will it be?

—comedy-drama

—Tomorrow I will go and do...

—the beach with my kids.