I was born in the U.K. to Belgian and English parents and moved to Ireland as a child. I now reside in Kinsale, County Cork.

My photographic life started in Ireland. The first click of the shutter for me was during a school project – I used a small Kodak Instamatic camera to photograph the fishing boats in Kinsale. The first darkroom I used was in a beautiful old house in Kinsale and this is where I discovered the thrill of an image appearing for the first time. I’m entirely self-taught in photography, and it was during my early travels in the 1980s that I became captivated by the medium. The ability to capture fleeting moments, especially landscapes and nature, felt like the perfect way to communicate what I was seeing and experiencing. In 1988, I opened my first gallery in Kinsale and, in 2017, my wife Catherine and I opened the Giles Norman Townhouse, which has since become an extension of the gallery. It serves as both a luxury accommodation and a creative space, housing my studio and gallery.

37 years on, the chance to capture fleeting moments and the essence of nature still motivates my work. The Irish landscape remains a constant source of inspiration, and my gallery continues to be a space where I can share the images that reflect this ongoing journey. The longer I work, the more I strive for perfection. In my early work, skies were often left out, but over time, they’ve become a key element in my landscape photography. I’ve learned to consider the entire image, not just focus on the main subject. As I’ve evolved, I’ve learned the importance of perfect composition. My approach now is far more deliberate.

 I’m inspired by the Irish landscape – how the light falls on the water, the abstract erosion shaped by nature’s elements, and the timeless beauty of Ireland’s West Coast. The stillness of reflective waters, landscapes untouched by man, and the raw simplicity of nature all fuel my creativity. I’m also inspired by the great cities of the world, their diverse cultures, and the way they each tell a unique story through architecture and people.

A good photograph captures more than just an image – it should evoke emotion, convey a sense of place, and tell a story. Composition, light, and timing are all critical, but at the heart of it, a good photograph resonates with the viewer and leaves a lasting impression.

www.gilesnorman.com
@gilesnorman
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