A Weekend of Film Photography – The Gathering Dungarvan May 2023

May 19th – 21st — Dungarven Co Waterford

Snap shot of informal actives and timeline – more details below!

Friday 19th – There is a lot to see locally including a horse fair at 1pm. From 8pm in the Enterprise Bar Diz will present some of his 4×5 images
Saturday 20th – Meet in the AM and go photograph some of the delights of the local area or venture out on your own. There is an informal portrait shooting session in the beer garden of the Enterprise Bar at 12 noon. In the afternoon Peter Fitzsimons and John Higgins will hold wet plate demonstrations in the Enterprise Bar from 3-5pm
Sunday 21st is usually a leisurely look at the local area.

The Gathering in Dungarvan, Co Waterford is celebrating its 5th year of bringing film photography enthusiasts together. The event provides an opportunity for film users to meet old friends and make new ones, share their knowledge and experiences, and have fun photographing in and around the town of Dungarvan. Unlike a club or workshop event, there are no fees involved, and participants can come and go as they please.

The event kicks off on Friday evening at the Enterprise Bar, The Square, Dungarvan, where Diz (Paul Disley) will present images he has shot using his 4 x 5 camera. Roughly 8-9pm. Participants can arrive in Dungarvan early on Friday to photograph at their leisure before meeting up with the group that evening. Alternatively, they can visit the Horse Fair on May 19th at the Sports Centre in Dungarvan, which begins at around 1 pm.

On Saturday morning, participants can visit nearby locations to photograph the coast, mountains, forests, or explore around Dungarvan. They can either photograph as part of a group or go their own way. Locations less than an hour from Dungarvan include The Mahon Falls, Crough Woods, Cumshingaun Lough, The Cunnigar, Ardmore, Lismore, and the Copper Coast.

On Saturday afternoon, Peter Fitzsimons and John Higgins will hold a Wet Plate collodion demo from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Enterprise Bar. Later that evening, participants can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town and then meet up at the Enterprise Bar for a friendly gathering, where they can discuss their day and photography.

On Sunday morning, participants can continue shooting in a new location or have coffee with friends to discuss photography. Mid-day, people start heading home, some via the Copper Coast, stopping to do some photography at various locations en route.

There are no set times for The Gathering, but participants can start “gathering” on Friday evening at the Enterprise Bar in the Square. If they travel down early on Saturday morning, they can contact Julian or Peter, who will provide information on where the group has gone.

If anyone is new to film photography and would like to see what it’s all about, they are welcome to attend, even if they don’t own a film camera let us know before hand and we will see if we can find one for you to try.

Locations less than an hour from Dungarvan include:-

The Mahon Falls – Crough Woods (Woods walk, river boulders, waterfalls)

Cumshingaun Lough – (Mountain track to lake surrounded by high cliff)

The Cunnigar (views across to Abbyside and bird life)

Ardmore (Round Tower and Church) – Goat’s Island – Helvick Head harbour.

Lismore (The Towers)

The start of the Copper Coast – Clonea Strand ( Early morning swimmers) – Ballydowane beach (Sea tower, clilf rock strands) Bunmahon beach(Sea Tower – old fronts of workers houses) – Tankardstown (Old Copper Mines workings) – Annestown (Nature walk) On to Tramore or cut up to Kilmacthomas ( join the Greenway)

Dungarvan Town – There’s many unexpected optional images to be shot, one just needs to wander and look.  You never know who might pop-up to photograph as well and plenty of opportunities for some street photo work.

If you want Peter or Julians contact information message me and I will connect you.