where eagles soar

Returning to a place you have been thinking about for years always brings a mix of expectation and curiosity. This spot in Killarney National Park has stayed on my mind for a long time, and even though I had been there before, it felt new in many ways. I had never shared it on the channel, and autumn felt like the right season to finally bring people along. The colour was at its peak, the air had that cool stillness you often get at this time of year, and I felt that sense of anticipation that usually comes before a good session.

During the day I had been speaking with my friend Jaro, and he decided he would come out and join. That added to the feeling that the afternoon might turn into something memorable. When you have someone with you who also enjoys the process of exploring locations, it changes the rhythm of the day. It feels more like a shared experience, and that usually brings more energy to the shoot. I was already optimistic because the drive into the area was full of colour. Every bend in the road showed more detail in the trees, and I found myself hoping the light would line up with the location when we reached it.

We met up and started along the river. It is not a long walk, but each part of it takes you a bit deeper into the forest until you reach the crossing. Once you get across the river, the small climb takes you to the rock that sits above the waterfall. The moment you step onto that rock, the view opens straight out toward the tree line and the distant mountains. Carrauntoohil sits clearly in the background, and the waterfall drops into the forest below. It is a simple scene, but one that has enough depth to keep you busy. Even after years away, it felt exactly how I remembered it.

The light was already moving, so I took the camera out immediately. I did not want to hesitate because autumn light is known for being short-lived. I barely had time to think about anything other than getting the shot. I remember saying something to camera about how this could be the best light we would get, and in the end that turned out to be the case. The warm glow hit the ridge lines at just the right moment, and for a few minutes everything aligned. Those are the moments you hope for, and when they appear, you react without delay.

Once the light faded, the session changed pace. The urgency was gone, but the scene was still strong. I took time to look for small adjustments and see what else I could pull from the location. The space is limited, so moving around is more about finding balance rather than major changes. Even a few steps can shift the relationship between the waterfall, the trees, and the mountains. That is what I focused on. I also moved down lower toward the water, which took a bit more effort than usual because of how slippery the rock was. At one point I had to plant my foot directly in the flow to maintain balance, which is never ideal but sometimes necessary when the angle you want requires it.

The thing that always stands out to me in situations like this is how important it is to respect the ground you are working on. Wet rock is not something to take lightly, and I found myself constantly checking my footing. The shots worked out well, though. Even without the golden light, the composition held the image together. That reinforced something I believe strongly in: if the structure of the frame is good, you do not need dramatic light to make a worthwhile photograph.

While taking a break between shots, something unexpected happened. I noticed movement in the distance and realised an eagle was gliding across the valley. The park has a reintroduction programme, and although I knew the birds were present, this was the first one I had seen with my own eyes. It was am amazing moment. I did not have time to switch lenses, but I managed to capture some video before it disappeared behind the ridge. That small moment added something extra to the day. Even though I was there for the landscape, seeing the eagle made the place feel even more alive.

Eventually the clouds thickened, and the last of the brightness slipped away. We decided to head down to the lower part of the waterfall for one final shot. It was not as impressive as the upper view, but it was still worth taking. I like ending a session with one last frame, even if it is simple. It helps wrap up the day and gives a sense of completion before packing everything away.

The walk back felt relaxed. The pressure of chasing light was gone, and we talked through the shots and the unexpected appearance of the eagle. Days like this remind me why I enjoy these locations so much. They offer space, perspective, and moments you cannot always predict. Having the chance to revisit a place that had been sitting in my mind for years made it even more rewarding.

This location sits high on my personal list. The tree line in autumn, the waterfall, the view toward Carrauntoohil, and the narrow slab of rock that forces you to think carefully about each movement all combine to make it memorable. I know I will return again, because each season brings a different version of the same view. For now, though, I am glad I went back. It felt overdue, and sharing it with the audience and with Jaro made it one of the more meaningful sessions of the season.