A Kick Up The Arts ‘#8 – Jenny Coughlan

My name is Jenny Coughlan, I am a wife, mother and photographer, though not always in that order. I have always loved to take photographs, and like most people it was of holidays and children, and family occasions, where the camera was always present. But about seven or so years ago I really got interested in taking ‘proper’ images. I joined the Greystones Camera Club about three years ago and that really fired me up – it is great to have like-minded people to get out and about with.

Like most photographers, I hate having my photograph taken and when the dreaded “self portrait” theme comes up in the club I tend to look for a comic way out! Can you see the terror in my eyes?

Foodscape by Jenny Coughlan (2014)
While I enjoy all genres of photography, the type of image that I enjoy doing most would be something that I create from scratch. I can get lost in time when I start to create an image and spend hours trying to get the look I am after. This image took me about five hours from start to finish, ingredients include Tortilla, spaghetti, chillies, peanuts, crushed linseed, advocado, bread, turnip, Weetabix, etc.

Windy Trees by Jenny Coughlan (2012)
This would be one of my favourite images, though favourites tend to be the last image that I was pleased with! This was the first image that I sold; it was such a buzz to think that one of my images would be hanging in someone’s home. It was also my entry into the Camera Clubs first exhibition. I love the shape of the trees, bent by years of winds. It was taken at sunset, the light was really good, and the clouds made a nice backdrop for the trees. The only thing I didn’t like was the amount and voracity of the midgies… I was eaten alive.

Bump In The Night by Jenny Couglan (2014)
I have quite a collection of props, though some might call them toys! My next image was an idea I had lurking in the back of my mind for a while, it involved a lot of crawling around the floor, getting the ‘model’ into the right position and making sure the lighting was in the right place and angle to cast the shadow I was looking for – whilst also dusting the skirting boards!
This image also was included in my Panel for the Irish Photographic Federation when I successfully completed and attained my Licentiateship.

Foodscape by Carl Warner
As for what influences my photography, I cant really say. A couple of people come to mind. Carl Warner is an amazing food photographer, his images are superb, so intricate and precise you would never imagine they were made of food. Puts my foodscape image to shame!

Migrant Mother by Dorothy Lange
Another photographer whose images really make you stop and think is Dorothea Lange. She took images during the American Depression of immigrant workers and families. Her images are very moving and tell a story – something I would love to try in the future.

My fellow club mates would be a great inspiration, especially the ones that have recently taken up the hobby, and to see the progress that they have made in such a short time. It is a wonderful hobby to have and enjoy and if my images manage to bring a smile or inspire others to take up the camera, then it has been a good day!

Hit the Greystones Camera Club logo for further info on this motley crew. Hit Jenny’s selfie above to visit her flickr account.