MAYO-BORN filmmaker Kev L Smith has spent 365 days capturing the “beauty and magic” of the Cliffs of Moher.
Living close by in Co. Clare, he decided in 2018 to capture a year in the life of the Irish beauty spot, which is a UNESCO Heritage site and ever popular tourist attraction.
The Cliffs of Moher, as photographed on May 22 (PIC: Kev L Smith)True to his word, he painstakingly photographed the Cliffs every day that year, whatever the weather.
Now, having found time in lockdown 2020 to collate his work for publication, he has revealed the fruits of his labour in a weighty and impressive photobook.
Cliffs of Moher captured on August 3 (PIC: Kev L Smith)Daily Cliffs: A Year Long Photo Journal of the Cliffs of Moher was published in November.
In it the photographer explains what inspired his ambitious project.
“As a filmmaker fortunate enough to live near the Cliffs of Moher in county Clare, I have spent many hours photographing their beauty and magic,” he says.
The Cliffs of Moher as captured on November 3 (PIC: Kev L Smith)“Whether shot looking upward from my kayak or downwards from my hikes along the clifftop walks above, I have always been amazed by the variety of the dramatic views they offer, whatever time of year.
“As the seasons change, so too does the light and texture of the cliffs and the seas below them.
“Visitors arrive too, trekking the cliff trail from Liscannor to Doolin, or surfing the world famous Aileens wave far below.”
Photographer Kev L SmithHe adds: “In 2018 I decided to try to document the life of the cliffs over the course of that year.
“My idea was to take a picture of the same view as Winter became Spring and Summer and Autumn followed.
“As it turned out, 2018 was quite the year weather wise. Between January and February alone there were four major storms, a spring snow drift and one of the hottest weeks Ireland has experienced in over 40 years.”
The finished product, Daily Cliffs by Kev L SmithA percentage of every sale of the book – which Smith describes as a “snapshot of a year of the cliffs” – will be donated to Enable Ireland.
Daily Cliffs: A Year Long Photo Journal of the Cliffs of Moher, by Kev L Smith. €40 (HB). For further information or to purchase the book click here.
