8 Stunning Locations for Long Exposure Photography in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers some spectacular landscapes from the Dark Hedges, made famous by the Game of Thrones, to the cranes of Harland and Wolff, home of the Titanic. Here are just suggested locations for long exposure photography in Northern Ireland.

As a former Fujifilm X Photographer, I use my Fujifilm X100V or Fujifilm X-E2 cameras to capture my long exposure landscape images. I am a massive fan of the Lee Filter Seven5 system, and combined with the Fujinon XF 23mm and XF 14mm lenses, it is tough to beat.

My advice is to approach long exposure photography in two stages. When approaching a location, it is essential to consider the composition before setting up the camera for a long exposure capture, a process that fills you with anticipation for the stunning image you’re about to create.

Long exposure photography can yield stunning and creative results but requires careful planning and execution. Here are five tips to help you capture better long exposure photos:

Long Exposure Photography in Northern Ireland

1. ST JOHN’S POINT

St. John’s Point, located on Northern Ireland’s coastline, is a favourite spot for photographers. For a safe and rewarding experience, it’s best to visit during the golden hours and as the tide recedes, allowing you to navigate the jagged rocks and high waters with ease.

This photo was taken using the XF 23mm Fujinon lens paired with the Lee Filter Seven5 system. The XF 14mm was too wide as I tried to strike a balance between the lighthouse and capturing the water.

2. HOLYWOOD, COUNTY DOWN

The old yacht club in Holywood is a fantastic spot for testing new photography equipment. The jetty is situated on the edge of Belfast Lough and is best captured at high tide.

Keep an eye out for the wake caused by the Seacat, which passes through regularly. I used the jetty’s leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye to the center of the frame.

3. TOLYMORE COUNTY DOWN

I captured one of the first images with a preproduction Fujifilm X-Pro1 and 18mm lens using B+W screw-on ND filters. Be cautious on the slippery green rocks to ensure your tripod stays stable during 10–30-second exposures. The Fuji cameras employ a cable release system. It also offers a very useful countdown on the LCD screen to ensure the correct exposure time.

Generally, my long exposure captures are at most 30 seconds, so the T mode is all I ever need to use. If you don’t have a cable release, set the timer on the camera for 2 seconds. This will help avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

4. CRUMLIN GLENN, COUNTY ANTRIM

This image was also captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 18mm lens with B+W filters. It’s best to avoid this location after heavy rain or during the summer when rainfall is scarce.. I wanted to make the water appear as soft as possible to ensure the rocks in the foreground were extra sharp to create contrast.

5. DUNLUCE CASTLE

This is another brilliant long exposure photography location in Northern Ireland. Take care when walking from the car park to sea level. This image was captured with the Fujifilm XE-2 and a 14mm lens around midday. The water flows at a rate that means a 3-4 second exposure is enough to smooth the water and keep the colour rich in the surrounding environment.

6. THE VIEW FROM BALINTOY

If you visit Northern Ireland, the North Coast has to be on the list of places to visit. Famous for the Giant’s Causeway and a favourite location for the brilliant Game of Thrones, the views are breathtaking. This image was captured during a late summer evening using the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and ND filter.

7. THE OLD OIL JETTY

A local fisherman told me about this remarkable Jetty on the County Antrim coastline. It is silent, eerie and cold. This image was captured with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and XF 35mm lens using B+W ND filters. I converted the image to mono in Lightroom to reinforce the intimidating silence experienced under the Jetty. Please note this location by not always be accessible to the public.

8. LAWSON’S JETTY

Northern Ireland has some stunning beaches, but Castlerock is extra special. Overlooking my Mussendon Temple, it is a view to behold as the sun goes down. Just around the corner from the bar mouth sits the old Lawson’s Jetty. This image was captured with the Fujifilm X100 and the Lee Seven5 filter system. I convert my photos to mono when trying to draw out the texture of the materials or create a stark contrast with the water.

If you haven’t experimented with long-exposure photography, I highly recommend exploring your local area equipped with a camera, tripod and ND filter. It can be an addictive process, but better still, you will find locations on your doorstep you never even knew existed. Then, come for a visit to Northern Ireland and capture all the beauty we have to offer. 

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