News and Events

To mark 'World Photography Day' on the 19th August 2022 leading newspaper, The Belfast Telegraph, asked me to contribute to a article.

The article is available here:
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/weekend/world-photography-day-five-top-ni-snappers-choose-their-favourite-pictures-41907417.html

The full article is available to download as a PDF here:
Belfast Telegraph Full Article


https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/causeway-flowers-giants-causeway

Very pleased to see that two of my international photos have been selected for the Irish Light International Shortlist 2019. It was a announced a few days ago I was on the shortlist but I didn't know how many.



The first is from what started off as a wet and dreary morning in Slovenia. After 2 days of non stop rain it finally stopped, you can see the very low clouds blocking the view of the Alps behind Bled Castle. Out of nowhere came this amazing shaft of light which lit up the fabulous 100m high rock formation that the castle was built on. The castle overlooks Lake Bled, perhaps one of the most picturesque locations I have ever visited.


https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/bled-castle-light-slovenia

The second photo is from Sørvágsvatn on the island of Vagur in The Faroe Islands. What an amazing location standing on a cliff edge 150m above the harsh Atlantic Ocean. From this position it appears that the lake is on top of the cliffs so it has been aply named "The Lake Over the Ocean". Like Slovenia we just had a huge rain shower and as the sun broke through the clouds it lit all the moisture up in the air, along with the dark moody clouds it created amazing light.


https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/leitisvatn-faroe-islands

There are a lot of amazing images entered which you can see here:
https://irishlight.ie/international-shortlist-2019-see-the-images/

Dont forget all my work, including these two images, can be purchased as prints, professionally framed photos or canvases through my online store:

www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com

I have been privileged to see some of my recent photographs featured on Northern Ireland's "BBC Newsline" television shows and also on the UK's 'BBC Breakfast' and UTV.

It's been awhile since I submitted anything to the BBC but made today's BBC Newsline with one of my latest autumn images from Gleno Waterfall at the weekend.



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-bridge-gleno-waterfall

Pleased to see this image on today's BBC television shows. A recent image of sunset at Whiterocks seemed appropriate given Portrush plays host this week to The 148th Open Golf Championships with the likes of Tiger Woods on the course. Royal Portrush course is just above the beach in the background.



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/sunset-at-whiterocks-cliffs

"Sunset at Whiterocks, Portrush"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/sunset-at-whiterocks-portrush


"Winter at Cave Hill"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/winter-at-cave-hill


"Fireworks Display, Belfast"




"The Posts, Portstewart Strand"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-posts-portstewart-strand


"Port Moon, Causeway Coast"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/port-moon-causeway-coast


"Murlough Bay"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/murlough-bay


"Portglenone Forest Bluebells"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/portglenone-forest-bluebells


"The Heron"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-heron


"Sunset in The Mournes"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/sunset-in-the-mournes


"The Waterwheel, Glenariff"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-waterwheel-glenariff


"Tollymore Forest Park"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/tollymore-forest-park


"The Temple, Downhill"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-temple-downhill


"Malin Head"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/malin-head


"The Rihanna Tree"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-rihanna-tree


"Galboly, Garron Plateau"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/galboly-garron-plateau


"The Mussenden Temple"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-mussenden-temple


"Binnian Sunrise"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/binnian-sunrise


"Binevenagh Rapeseed Field"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/binevenagh-rapeseed-field


"Oxford Island"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/oxford-island


"Breaking Dawn, Donaghadee"





You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/breaking-dawn-donaghadee


"Scrabo Tower"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/scrabo-tower


"Causeway Light"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/causeway-light


"Dungannon Park"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/sunset-at-dungannon-park


"The Breaking Storm, Castlerock"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-breaking-storm-castlerock-img0336


"Winter at Slemish"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/winter-at-slemish


"Slemish"




"Christmas in Ballymena"

I was pleased to have been personally asked by Cecilia Daly of the BBC to try and capture Ballymena's Braid Arts Centre and Christmas lights which I was glad to have done.



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/christmas-in-ballymena


"Sunset on the Harbour, Ballintoy" which appeared on UTV Live



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/sunset-on-the-harbour-ballintoy


"The Aurora Temple, Downhill", this appeared on both 'BBC Newsline' and the UK's 'BBC Breakfast' show



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-aurora-temple-downhill


"Torr Head"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/torr-head


"Ballintoy Calm"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/ballintoy-calm


"Lough Neagh Trees"





You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/lough-shore-trees


"Shadows in the Flames, Fair Head"





You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/shadows-flames-fair-head


"The Rock Pool, Downhill"



You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-rock-pool-downhill-beach


"Ballintoy Rainbow"





You can see the original image here which is of course available to purchase.
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/ballintoy-rainbow

I am very pleased to have one of my photos of Ness Country Park featured in the 2018 Winter Edition of The Woodland Trust's magazine 'Broadleaf'. Taken at the peak of autumn back in 2012 when I first started into landscape photography.





Here is the original photo, you will note the large moss covered log in the foreground, this was heavy and mucky and took a lot of strength to lift it into position. The same with the 10m long tree branch which I moved to act as a nice leading line through the avenue of trees.



This photo can be purchased through the following link:
https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/autumn-fall-ness-country-park

The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places
I am honoured to have been commissioned to photograph Lacada Point at The Giant's Causeway for the brand new book "The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places" by Neil Oliver. The task was to capture Port na Spaniagh and Lacada Point. It was here in 1588 that one fateful night in 1588 that the galleass of The Spanish Armada, 'La Girona', foundered on the rocks as it made its way eastward along the Irish coast resulting in the loss of 1300 lives.



Neil Oliver was born in Renfrewshire in Scotland. He studied archaeology at the University of Glasgow and worked as an archaeologist before training as a journalist. In 2002 he made his television debut presenting BBC2's 'Two Men in a Trench', in which he and Tony Pollard visited historic British battlefields. Since then he has been a regular on TV, presenting 'A History of Scotland', 'Vikings' and 'Coast'. He was appointed President of the National Trust in Scotland in 2017. He travels all the time, but his home is in Stirling, with his wife, three children and an Irish wolfhound.



The Story of the British Isles in 100 Places is Neil's very personal account of what makes these islands so special, told through the places that have witnessed the unfolding of our history. Beginning with footprints made in the mud by humankind's earliest ancestors, he takes us via Romans and Vikings, through the flowering of Christianity, to civil war, industrial revolution and two world wars.





From windswept headlands to battlefields, ancient trees to magnificient cathedrals, each of his destinations is a place where, somehow, the spirit of the past seems to linger. Beautifully written, his book is majestic, awe-inspiring, a kaleidoscopic history of a place with a story like no other.

You can see the original photo here:


https://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-chimney-tops-giants-causeway

and the trailer for Neil's theatre tour:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvt-HmBR6OU

The book is available through many book stores including Waterstones:
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-story-of-the-british-isles-in-100-places/neil-oliver/9780593079799

There's been many a time I have felt like giving up on this landscape photography malarkey, despite working so hard and investing so much time and money into it we often still have our doubts about our art and our abilities. I would advise any budding photographers, who perhaps feel the same, to just keep on going and getting out there. I turned to landscape photography in 2012 after a very painful relationship breakup and it quite literally saved my life. It brought me from darkness into light, the light that I now try and capture in my images. It has given me a new purpose in life and brought me so many new found friendships.



I am now extremely pleased to announce that I have had 4 of my entries shortlisted for 'Outdoor Photographer of the Year 2017' awards. The amazing 'Lake over the Ocean' at Sørvágsvatn in the Faroe Islands was shortlisted for two categories. The level of talent this year is so good so I feel truly humbled and honoured to be included in the shortlist.

https://www.opoty.co.uk/shortlist/

www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com

I am extremely pleased to have have been approached by leading magazine Outdoor Photography to submit one of my favorite photographs along with a written narrative about why I have come to love landscape photography. This has been featured in the August 2017 edition.







A place to see the light
Landscape photography not only gives Chris Ibbotson the perfect excuse to explore some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular locations, it has also been his lifeline. He reveals the most inspiring places along the Causeway Coast and a special location he escapes to…

It’s Friday, it has been a very difficult week in the office – so what do you do? Do you go home, grab some beers, stop off at the takeaway, put your feet up and watch TV? Or do you put on your hiking boots, grab your camera and hit the road? I choose the latter; I choose life!

I have one of the best hobbies in the world, a hobby that not only gives me freedom to travel and explore, but one that is also good for the soul. I am a landscape photographer based in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. I have always had a love for photography, but it wasn’t until 2012 that it became a passion – a passion that quite probably saved my life. After a painful relationship breakup, landscape photography gave me a newfound purpose. It opened up a fresh way of being and brought me from darkness into light, and I now strive to capture that light in the photographs I take in my homeland.

I am very fortunate to live within an hour’s drive of some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, including a coastline rich in raw beauty, with golden beaches, sweeping bays and rugged cliffs. From the lush green valleys of the Glens of Antrim, to the high, narrow and windy road over Torr Head, it’s a coastline full of charm; one that brings peace and joy to young and old. With many quaint harbours and ancient castles perched high above the ocean, and views that are truly divine, it’s a coastline waiting to be explored. You can experience the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, suspended 30m above sea level, or hike along the magnificent Causeway cliff path before finishing your walk at the Giant’s Causeway. The Causeway is the Antrim coast’s jewel in the crown. Steeped in legend, it’s an area that is both giant by name and giant by nature, with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns.

So, with all this amazing scenery on my doorstep, where do I go to really get away from it all? That place is Murlough Bay, probably one of the most peaceful coastal locations in Northern Ireland. It’s an area I have frequently visited at sunrise – a time for photography that I embrace as often as I can. This beautiful bay is surrounded by high ground, with the immense Fair Head to the west, and Torr Head to the east. With a steep and narrow track down to the sea, you are guaranteed to be free from coach parties; it is just you and the local wildlife – arrive before sunrise and you might just see a deer or two. Bliss.

Now I ask you again… it’s Friday, work is over… how will you relax this weekend?

I am pleased to announce I have now added canvases to my list of available products.
These will be available in a range of size options which can be accessed by using the 'Buy Now' button beneath each photograph.



Each is printed onto heavyweight canvas using genuine HP Vivera Inks at 1440 dpi, producing unrivaled image quality and a stunning canvas print. The surface is laminated for the ultimate protection. No cracking, water resistant, cleanable, scratch proof and UV protection of up to 200 years.





The canvas is wrapped on a 38mm deep European pine stretcher frame for that high quality contemporary finish. The stretcher bars are knot free to prevent warping. Real wood wedged corners for that perfectly tensioned canvas. All canvases have the galvanized staples taped for a neat appearance and to protect your walls along with felt coins for added protection. They also come with an award winning specialised pre-fitted canvas hanger.





Prices as Follows:

Standard Sizes
18" x 12" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £70
24" x 16" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £90
30" x 20" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £120
36" x 24" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £150
42" x 28" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £180

Square
12" x 12" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £60
18" x 18" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £80
24" x 24" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £120
30" x 30" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £150
36" x 36" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £180

Panoramics
24" x 8" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £60
30" x 10" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £80
36" x 12" Canvas on a 38mm stretcher frame - £100

It brings me great pleasure to announce that I am now supplying and selling a selection of my Giant's Causeway photos at McConaghy's Souvenir Shop.



McConaghy's is a small family run business and was established in 1947. It was originally one of 8 shops that were along the bottom of the cliffs at the Giant's Causeway by the basalt stones. These were little timber-framed cabins covered in galvanised iron where visitors could buy postcards, china, rings, etc. When the National Trust took over the management of the site in 1962 the shops where sadly removed.



McConaghy's Souvenir Shop can now be found adjacent to the famous Causeway Hotel which is a 'stones' throw from the Visitors Centre and the world famous UNESCO World Heritage site. They do a a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery, confectionery, sandwiches, coffee and their famous ice cream and I would encourage you all to pop your head in, meet some friendly faces like Julie, Ann or Tommy who is a character.

You can see below links to the photos currently on sale there:

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/giants-causeway
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/port-noffer-giants-causeway
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/lacada-point-giants-causeway
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-magnificent-causeway-coast
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-causeway-stones
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-giants-causeway-stones
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/causeway-light
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/dusk-at-the-jetty-portcoon
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/causeway-storms
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-giants-causeway
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/dusk-at-the-giants-causeway
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/basalt-columns-the-giants-causeway

WINNER of 'The People's Choice Award 2016'



I am delighted to announce that not only was I runner up for Northern Ireland with my photograph of 'Whiterocks, Portrush' but I have also received confirmation today that I am the winner of 'The People's Choice Award 2016' in the UK wide 'Through the Lens' photography competition run by Millennium Hotels & Resorts.

Thank you all for supporting me and voting as each and everyone is truly appreciated.

This photo is available to purchase in a variety of sizes and formats
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/whiterocks-portrush

Remember my 2017 Calendars are also selling fast, I am fast approaching only having 25% of my stock left so order quick to avoid disappointment:
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/ireland-calendars-2017

It was an honour to get a nice comment from the local judge Ian Gazzard of 54 Degrees North Photography:

Judge's Comments: This alluring time exposure from Chris finds a superb balance with the composition to compliment soft tones of fading light with the movement of sea and sky in a technically challenging location. Another well earned shot and deserved runner up in this category..

Very pleased to have been commissioned by The National Trust to use one of my photographs of The Mussenden Temple on their 'Our Amazing Coast' display on Bedford Street in Belfast and also in a small A6 pocket guide. My photo forms part of 17 Nr. huge 8 feet high panels detailing the Trust's charity work and are in a very prominent position directly opposite the Ulster Hall. These are expected to be on display for a couple of years.





You can see the original photograph here which is available to purchase:
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/mussenden-temple-img0230

I am very pleased to have two of my landscape photos featured in the Summer Edition of "Northern Ireland Visitor's Journal", a leading bi-annual tourism guide which is available in newsagents, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs.

"Ballintoy Rainbow" features in the "Through the Lens" article alongside work from some of Northern Ireland's finest Landscape Photographers. "Scrabo Tower" is also featured as a double page spread to introduce County Down.









Both these images can be viewed at the following links and are available to purchase in a variety of sizes and formats.

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/ballintoy-rainbow

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/scrabo-tower-img0256

It gives me great pleasure to be a major contributor to this years edition of "The Wild Atlantic Way", a large and very comprehensive tourism guide on the 2500 km coastal route around the western coastline of Ireland. This guide will be available in Tourism Offices and Airports etc.

The full online version can be read here:

http://online.flipbuilder.com/lfpr/inxw/#p=4

I am extremely pleased to announce 5 of my landscape photographs were chosen to appear in the September 2014 publication of leading UK photography magazine "Digital SLR Photography Magazine". It is a real honour to have my work showcased in their Portfolio Section. The magazine can be purchased through their website at http://www.digitalslrphoto.com/

Here is the cover to the magazine.



Inside we find one of my images for Fanad Lighthouse in Donegal which features largely on the Contents Page which was an unexpected surprise:



An amazing double page spread of Fanad Lighthouse opens my Portfolio:



As we continue we have "Dusk at the Causeway", "St. John's Point Lighthouse", "The Land that time forgot" and "The Old Jetty" along with a short written explanation about each, technical settings and lens filters used:



All these images are available to purchase through this website using the following links:
http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/dusk-at-fanad-donegal-img0351

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/dusk-at-the-giants-causeway

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/st-johns-point-lighthouse-1

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-land-that-time-forgot

http://www.chrisibbotsonphotography.com/the-old-jetty-lough-neagh

30th August 2013
Joint overall winner in Discover Northern Ireland's, Northern Ireland's leading tourism company, photographic competition and also winner of the 'Glorious Gardens' category.

15th May 2013

Awarded Winner of 'Let the Dance Begin' category in Discover Northern Ireland's, Northern Ireland's leading tourism company, photographic competition.