'Ireland' and 'Location'...

...are two words that I'm not keen on together when it comes to modeling work :) but the breathtaking landscapes more than make up for the often challenging weather in this corner of the world.

My latest experience of this was a two day stint in the Kildare countryside, south of Dublin, with photographer Eamonn Farrell, for his ongoing project The Nude In The Irish Landscape. The whole country was flooding, it was wet, cold & very windy, making it difficult to work but we made the most of what we had, plus Eamonn and his assistant Nancy Pineda took great care of me, having my thick coat to hand and giving me breaks with lots of yummy food in warm pubs with open fires. We cut the afternoon short on the first day as it was such poor light, but with everything crossed overnight we got some gorgeous light the next day, also taking advantage of the rich wet colours and dramatic blustery atmosphere.

Looking at the images I remember how bone chillingly cold it was; my feet were frozen numb, my skin sore, eyes watering, the wind was literally taking my breath away... but, the results are stunning...

Eamonn explained to me the concept was to use the female form in the landscape, to demonstrate the very delicate relationship between the human race & the planet, and how our future is dependent on us treating the environment with respect and consideration. This was a beautifully strong message for me to run with, and I embraced my role with grateful duty.

When put into the wild in your naked state, it's very interesting how pure it makes you feel - without clothes, image & modern details determining who you are. You are just flowing with the circle of life, sheltering beside stone built by hands of centuries past, leaning against trees that have stood firm against a thousand storms, posing on rocks that formed at the beginning of time & will be there for millions of years after you have disintegrated into the ether.

It is very humbling, and makes me feel both vulnerable & energised, so lucky, and at peace. Feeling wet leaves against your bare skin as you lie on a bed of ivy, standing at the summit of a historic mountain as the sun sets before you, are experiences that you will never forget, and I feel very proud to be part of such beautiful captures.

Pictures Copyright of Eamonn Farrell
www.photocallireland.com
www.modelmayhem.com/1293354
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P.S - Just have to add this... at the end of shooting with Eamonn we stopped at a shopping centre in Newbridge for hot chocolate, and there were twinkly Christmas lights everywhere, with this gorgeous tree at the centre, and I just thought it was so beautifully done... super pretty or what? :)