Dublin

Working notes from shooting around Dublin. Not a complete guide - just things I notice.

Light

Started shooting here in September so haven't seen much summer light yet. Overcast works well though - soft, even, no harsh shadows.

Been out a lot after sunlight is gone. Not a huge amount of night light to work with. Temple Bar has some, Dame Lane area too. Otherwise finding it tricky enough - street lights aren't always positioned well.

Places

Temple Bar - Touristy but I keep coming back. Cobblestones, narrow lanes. Has some night light which helps. Different crowds at different times.

Capel Street - Mix of everything. Charity shops, cafes, people moving through. Not as polished as some areas, which can be good.

Smithfield - The square is huge, quite open. Still figuring out what works here. Market days probably better than regular weekdays.

Dame Lane area - Narrow, some night light from bars and restaurants. Can get busy evenings and weekends.

Timing

Weekday lunch (12-2pm) has a specific energy. Office workers, quick errands. People moving with purpose.

Evening after work - different pace. Some heading home, some meeting people, some just wandering.

Sunday mornings surprisingly quiet in city centre. Almost empty early on.

Culture/Approach

People generally fine with being photographed if you're not aggressive about it. Eye contact and a nod works.

Tourists vs locals have different body language. Tourists look up more, slower pace. Locals usually moving through with purpose.

Weather changes fast. Rain can end a session quickly or add something to the atmosphere depending.

Areas to try

South side outside the obvious centre spots - haven't explored much there yet.

North side beyond Capel Street and Smithfield.

DART stations, seaside areas - Clontarf, Howth direction. Different energy entirely, less dense.

Markets - Moore Street, weekend markets around Smithfield.