This evening was calm and clear, with the sun illuminating the west of Ireland with great colour and warmth.

The last rays of golden sunlight beam off the angular faces of the rocks usually submerged under the deep and sometimes dark waters. The level of water in the lake has been falling steadily over the summer, just like in many parts of Ireland where waterfalls, streams, rivers and lakes have all changed markedly due to the dry and warm conditions prevailing. Little precipitation and lots of evaporation combined with a large, fast outflow from the lake to create lots more shoreline with more submerged rocks visible just under the surface.

Camera on tripod it was only a matter of waiting for the right conditions before making a long exposure. There was little noise save for the lapping of gentle waves, a flock of geese nearby, and being further into the lake than is usually possible it was a great evening for landscape photography as the sun slowly set on another fine day.

I have on numerous occasions taken a swim in the lake, with the golden light penetrating the surface and illuminating the sub-aquatic world it is unbeatable despite being cold and potentially dangerous. Here's a short video I made from one of my aquatic expeditions. 

Panoramic Ireland run photography tours in Galway and throughout Ireland including coastal photography workshops where it is also possible to go swimming.