Smartphone Photographer
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pocket-ireland.com
Smartphone Photographer
@pocket-ireland.com
1.6K followers 71 following 3.7K posts
I take and edit my pictures with a smartphone.
(My current phone is a Google Pixel 10 Pro XL).

I only follow accounts I'm genuinely interested in. No follow-backs expected.
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pocket-ireland.com
Damp boots and (sometimes even) muddy knees are a small price to pay for shots like this. Back in the autumn, I spotted this bunch of friends little up on a ledge near the forest path. #photography #EastCoastKin #wildireland #mushrooms #autumnvibes #nature
A close-up, low-angle shot capturing a cluster of small, tan-capped mushrooms growing out of a decaying tree stump. The wood is blanketed in thick, vibrant green moss and tangled roots, creating a rich, textured landscape. The scene evokes a damp, earthy atmosphere typical of an autumn forest floor, with soft, diffused light highlighting the smooth stems of the fungi against the rough, organic background.
January 19, 2026 at 8:34 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Watching the morning sun burn through the clouds from the Black Castle Ruins in Wicklow. Totally worth the early alarm. #EastCoastKin #photography #Wicklow #sunrise #Ireland #smartphonephotography
A vibrant, high-contrast landscape capturing a sunrise over the sea, framed entirely by the dark, silhouetted jagged edges of a rock formation or ruin. The sun bursts over a distant dark headland, creating a bright flare and casting a reflection on the calm water below. The sky is filled with horizontal clouds illuminated in deep oranges, golds, and muted yellows, creating a warm and dramatic atmosphere. The image evokes a feeling of quiet solitude and the intense beauty of the golden hour.
January 19, 2026 at 8:20 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Johnstown Castle is an absolute treasure trove for photographers in the south-east. Whether you want gothic architecture or serene ornamental lakes like this one, it’s worth the trip. I loved these backlit branches. #photography #EastCoastKin #VisitWexford #IrelandTravel #NatureWalks
A moss-covered tree trunk stretches horizontally across a calm, dark lake, creating a textured foreground. Behind it, a bright, hazy winter sun shines directly through the intricate network of bare branches, creating a dramatic backlit silhouette against a pale sky. The entire scene, including the complex branch patterns and the sun's glow, is reflected perfectly in the glass-like water below, evoking a peaceful, crisp winter atmosphere.
January 19, 2026 at 2:03 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Standing under this tower in the snow last winter felt like stepping straight into a frozen fairytale. Duckett's Grove transforms completely when the temperature drops, turning from a moody ruin into something truly magical. #photography #EastCoastKin #Carlow #snowday #gothic
A low-angle, vertical shot of a gothic stone tower at Duckett's Grove in County Carlow. The scene is cold and atmospheric, with heavy snow falling against a pale, overcast sky. The tower is capped with battlements and features narrow, dark windows. Fresh white snow clings to the textured stonework and ledges, creating a high-contrast, moody winter scene that evokes a sense of silence and historical mystery.
January 19, 2026 at 1:05 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Mist makes everything look like a scene from a fantasy novel. Ballymoyle Forest is one of my favourite spots for these moody woodland walks, especially when the weather turns. I’ve popped the location details on my site https://www.pocket-ireland.com/places/ballymoyle-forest
A moody, vertical shot taken deep within a dense forest. Tall, dark tree trunks are covered in vibrant green moss, standing out against a carpet of reddish-brown autumn leaves. A thick, ethereal white mist drifts through the background, softening the distant trees and creating a silent, mysterious atmosphere. Complex, leafless branches weave through the foreground, adding texture to the misty scene.
January 19, 2026 at 8:13 AM
pocket-ireland.com
Pulling the car over was the only option when the sky turned this colour. I was just heading home, minding my own business, when the sun decided to put on a massive show behind the hedgerows. #photography #EastCoastKin #Wicklow #sunset #smartphonephotography
A dramatic winter landscape captured at sunset in rural Ireland. A bright, golden sun bursts through heavy clouds, illuminating a rolling green hill in the middle distance. In the foreground, tall, wet blades of grass and the dark, intricate silhouette of a bare winter tree frame the left side of the view. Overhead power lines cut across the sky, adding a touch of roadside realism to the serene, golden-hour atmosphere.
January 18, 2026 at 6:21 PM
pocket-ireland.com
The air was completely still at Tomnafinnoge Woods last week, I just had to stop and soak it all up. The way the light catches that incredible moss on the ancient trees is just magic. 🌳✨ #photography #EastCoastKin #smartphonephotography #Wicklow #Tomnafinnoge
A vertical photograph capturing a mystical, ancient woodland path in winter. Towering, gnarled trees covered in thick green moss lean over a leaf-strewn track that curves out of sight. Pale, hazy sunlight filters through the intricate web of bare branches, creating a soft, ethereal glow in the distance. The atmosphere is quiet, damp, and feels incredibly old, almost like a scene from a fairytale. The rough textures of the bark and the soft moss are very prominent.
January 18, 2026 at 10:45 AM
pocket-ireland.com
While most of Kilmacurragh is still sleeping, these tiny white heads have already pushed through the damp earth. It’s officially 2026 in the plant world. Get this as a phone wallpaper free at https://www.pocket-ireland.com/wallpapers #photography #EastCoastKin #Kilmacurragh #Snowdrops #Wicklow
A close-up, ground-level photograph of a cluster of white snowdrops blooming in a garden setting. The flowers droop delicately on green stems, with small raindrops clinging to their petals. The background is a soft, out-of-focus mix of deep greens and earthy tones, suggesting a woodland or garden floor on an overcast winter day. The image conveys a sense of quiet resilience and fresh beginnings.
January 17, 2026 at 9:14 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Shooting silhouettes in flat, rainy light can be tricky with a smartphone. In Snapseed, I used the 'Structure' tool to recover just enough texture in the dark foliage without losing that imposing silhouette. #photography #EastCoastKin #GooglePixel #Snapseed #MobilePhotography
A towering, dark evergreen tree dominates the vertical frame, standing as a near-silhouette against a turbulent, cloudy sky in shades of bruised purple, grey, and teal. To the right of the tree, a solitary black crow is captured in mid-flight with wings spread, providing a sense of scale against the massive foliage. In the far distance, a rolling hill is barely visible through the mist and rain. The image feels cold, atmospheric and slightly ominous.
January 17, 2026 at 4:39 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Framing a new day through centuries-old stone. Standing at the Black Castle ruins at sunrise, watching the sun crest the horizon, felt like peering through a portal in time. I had to stand on tiptoes to get this shot! #photography #EastCoastKin #Wicklow #Sunrise #Ireland
A view of a sunrise over the sea, seen through a rugged, jagged stone window of a castle ruin. The sun is just rising above the distant headland, casting a warm golden glow across the water and low-hanging clouds, contrasting with the dark, textured silhouette of the stone foreground.
January 17, 2026 at 8:41 AM
pocket-ireland.com
Want a winter walk that delivers on drama? Head for Glenmalure. Not the biggest Wicklow waterfall, but the setting makes it one of my favourites to photograph. More location details at https://www.pocket-ireland.com/places/coolalingo-waterfalls #photography #EastCoastKin #VisitWicklow #HikingIreland
A vertical shot of a split waterfall cascading over dark, moss-covered rocks in a forest setting. The water appears silky and smooth due to a long exposure effect. In the foreground, wet boulders sit in the stream, while the background features winter woodland with ferns and bare branches.
January 16, 2026 at 10:08 PM
pocket-ireland.com
I don't know why, but it's always magical when you spot a cluster of fungi on a woodland walk like this. It’s like stumbling upon a tiny, secret village on the forest floor. The textures here were just begging to be photographed.

#photography #EastCoastKin #nature #fungi #forestbathing
A close-up, eye-level photograph of a large, dense cluster of golden-brown mushrooms growing from the ground. The smooth, rounded caps vary in size, with lighter cream edges and darker tan centres. They are surrounded by blades of green grass and dry, brown pine needles, creating a natural, earthy scene with soft, diffused lighting.
January 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
pocket-ireland.com
I’ve given my photos a home! 🌿 So excited to launch Pocket Ireland. My favourite shots, guides to the places I’ve visited & smartphone photography tips. Take a peek & let me know what you think! pocket-ireland.com #SmartphonePhotography #photography #Ireland #Fungi #Pixel10ProXL
January 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Ballyfad Wood is a little hidden gem right on the Wexford-Wicklow border. Perfect for these moody winter walks where the trees frame the light perfectly. #EastCoastKin #IrelandTravel #hikingadventures #GetOutdoors
A vertical photograph taken from a low angle on a forest path in Ballyfad Wood. Tall, dark trees line both sides of the trail, creating a natural tunnel. A bright sunburst shines directly through the intricate, bare branches at the top centre, creating a warm lens flare. The light reflects off the wet, muddy path below, illuminating it in shades of gold and brown against the shadowy forest.
January 16, 2026 at 11:27 AM
pocket-ireland.com
I’ve visited this spot several times, but I’ve never seen the water volume this high. The roar and spray were so cool. Tiny figures at the bottom for scale! #photography #EastCoastKin #Wicklow #Powerscourt #NaturePhotography
A dramatic black and white photograph of Powerscourt Waterfall in County Wicklow, Ireland. A massive volume of water cascades down a dark, rocky cliff face, creating a mist that obscures the top of the ridge. The scene is framed by dark trees on the left and a large Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle) tree on the right. Tiny figures of people standing at the base of the waterfall illustrate the immense scale of the scene.
January 16, 2026 at 8:59 AM
pocket-ireland.com
It is rare to catch the water quite this still. The Lower Lake at Johnstown Castle was absolute glass yesterday, perfectly doubling that crisp tree line. A moment of pure zen in the sunny southeast. #photography #EastCoastKin #Wexford #reflections #nature
A vibrant landscape photograph featuring a calm lake acting as a perfect mirror. A deep blue sky with wispy white clouds fills the upper half, while a line of trees with bare winter branches and patches of green holly sits along the bank. The water below reflects the trees and sky with flawless symmetry. The lighting is bright and sunny, illuminating the textures of the woodland.
January 16, 2026 at 8:36 AM
pocket-ireland.com
There is a real intelligence behind the eyes of a Striated Caracara. Spotted this beauty at the heritage centre in Wexford. The contrast of the orange face against that dark, streaked plumage is just stunning to see up close. #photography #naturephotography #birdwatching #Wexford
A close-up, side-profile photograph of a Striated Caracara bird perched on a thick wooden branch. The bird has dark, brownish-black feathers with distinctive thin white streaks running down its neck. It has bright orange skin around its dark eye and the base of its beak, which fades to a pale blue-grey at the hooked tip. The background is a blurred, vertical wooden fence.
January 16, 2026 at 8:26 AM
pocket-ireland.com
Caught in a heavy downpour while the sun is still splitting the stones. 🌦️ The way the backlight caught the falling rain at Johnstown Castle created this incredible, glittering atmosphere. Absolutely worth getting soaked for! #photography #Wexford #sunshower #IrishWeather #nature
January 15, 2026 at 8:08 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Woodland Shadows and Shapes. Sometimes the most interesting view is straight up. Stripping away the colour reveals the incredible battle of textures between the rough bark and the smooth fungi. A quiet, monochromatic moment in the Wicklow woods. #photography #nature #monochrome #forest
A dramatic black and white photograph taken from a low angle, looking straight up a tree trunk. The bark is dark and heavily textured, contrasting with numerous light-coloured, shelf-like fungi growing vertically up the tree. The background features blurred, leafless branches against a bright, overcast sky.
January 15, 2026 at 12:17 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Delving into the archives today and found this moment from Northern Germany a few years back. You can almost feel the cold air just looking at the frost on those branches. #photography #winter #snow #travel #nature
A vertical photograph of a dense forest in the depths of winter. Tall, dark coniferous trees stretch upwards, their branches heavily laden with thick white snow. The ground is completely covered in a blanket of snow, with a faint path leading towards the centre of the image, disappearing into the trees. The lighting is cool and diffuse, suggesting an overcast day.
January 15, 2026 at 9:31 AM
pocket-ireland.com
Shot on the Google Pixel. The dynamic range here was tricky with the bright sky behind the dark trees. I edited to bring up the shadows in the foreground bracken while keeping that silhouetted, high-contrast look in the branches. #photography #GooglePixel #MobilePhotography #EditingTips
A vertical shot of a dense forest scene in Ballygannon Wood, Ireland. Tall, dark tree trunks rise vertically, their leafless branches creating a complex, silhouetted web against a bright, hazy white sky. The foreground features fern-covered ground illuminated by dappled, golden sunlight, contrasting with the darker, shadowy middle ground of the forest. The overall mood is atmospheric, slightly mysterious, and natural.
January 14, 2026 at 9:51 PM
pocket-ireland.com
There is something undeniably intense about the stare of a black swan. I met this character in Rabat; he glided over with total confidence, that crimson beak cutting through the murky green water. A moment of quiet amidst the city bustle. #photography #nature #blackswan #morocco #birdwatching
A close-up profile view of a black swan's head and neck. The swan has dark, textured black feathers, a bright red eye, and a vibrant red beak with a white band near the tip. The background is out-of-focus, murky green water with soft light reflections.
January 14, 2026 at 9:32 PM
pocket-ireland.com
Veil Through the Birch. There is something incredibly grounding about the sound of water crashing against rock, filtered through the silence of winter trees. It’s a reminder that even when nature sleeps, it’s still moving. A perfect moment of calm in the chaos. #photography #Ireland #nature #Wicklow
A vertical shot of a tall, narrow waterfall cascading down a dark, rocky cliff face. The view is partially obscured and framed by the bare, white-barked branches of birch trees in the foreground. The image has a cool, moody aesthetic with muted greens, greys, and whites.
January 14, 2026 at 4:53 PM
pocket-ireland.com
There is a specific kind of silence in the Irish woods when the sun breaks through the canopy like this. It transforms a regular walk into something almost magical. Just you, the crunch of leaves, and those long, stretching shadows. #photography #nature #Ireland #mindfulness #forest
A vertical photograph of a forest path illuminated by bright sunlight bursting through the trees on the left. The light creates a strong, high-contrast scene with a long, dark shadow of a tree trunk stretching across the gravel path. The ground is covered in patches of fallen autumn leaves. The atmosphere is hazy and warm, suggesting early morning or late afternoon light.
January 14, 2026 at 9:23 AM
pocket-ireland.com
Orange Fungi Stack. #fungi #woodlandwalks #mushroomspotting #forestfinds #naturetextures #mossy #macronature #ballyfad #wicklow #outdoors #naturelovers #earthytones #mycology #fungusphotography #smartphonephotography #photography
A close-up, vertical shot of a tree trunk in a forest, densely covered in vibrant green moss. A large cluster of shelf-like bracket fungi, coloured in shades of beige, cream, and light orange, climbs up the centre of the trunk. The fungi appear soft and illuminated, contrasting with the dark bark. The background is a cool-toned, out-of-focus blur of vertical tree trunks, creating a depth of field that highlights the textures in the foreground.
January 13, 2026 at 5:25 PM