Gordon Ashbridge: Photographer/Fire Fighter

A highlight for me thus far has been the lecture by photographer/fire fighter Gordon Ashbridge.  His work emanates his love for the medium of photography.  It is evident that he is drawn to the simple beauty of life, from the mystery of a mid-morning landscape to the quiet beauty of a child. Being a photographer myself, I was intrigued by the advice that he had to offer for our own photographic work here in Ireland. His advice was applicable both to the novice and the experienced. Tips like finding a creative angle, or understanding that it is not the equipment but the person behind the equipment that makes the photo are vital to be constantly reminded of. 
Aside from photographic tips, Gordon made obvious the lack of confidence that many Northern Irish are guilty of.  Even though he gave us a marvelous lecture and backed it up by allowing us to view his brilliant photographs, he described himself as an uneducated man of low confidence.  I would definitely vouch against that, but his lecture offered me insight into the general attitude of the Northern Irish due to the conflict that has saturated their history.