There’s nothing quite like shooting on location in Ireland. The dramatic coastline, rolling green landscapes, and moody skies create a dream setting for any photographer. On a recent trip, I packed light with the Canon EOS R50 V as my travel camera, paired with professional RF lenses, and set out to do a behind-the-scenes photoshoot on the beach at the Doonbeg golf course.
Equipment Used:
Camera: Canon EOS R50 V
Lens: Canon RF15-35 f2.8
Light: Natural Light
Team:
Photographer: Sal Cincotta
Model: Alissa Cincotta
Choosing the Right Gear for Destination Photography
When traveling, gear selection is critical. I wanted something compact that wouldn’t weigh me down but still delivered professional results. The Canon EOS R50 V fit perfectly in my backpack with just one or two lenses. Even though it’s a crop-sensor camera (APS-C, 1.6x crop factor), it handled my L-series glass beautifully. For quick reference, here’s how the crop factor translates:
- A 35mm lens acts more like a 50mm.
- A 50mm lens behaves more like an 80mm.
- A 15–35mm zoom feels closer to a 24–56mm range.
Keeping these conversions in mind helps when planning focal lengths for destination shoots.
Tips for Working in Natural Light
Ireland’s beaches can be windy and unpredictable, which means light is constantly shifting. Here are a few tips I used during this shoot that can help with your own destination photography:
- Work with the wind – instead of fighting flyaway hair, use it for dynamic movement.
- Embrace overcast skies – clouds act as natural diffusers, giving soft, flattering light.
• • Incorporate environment – elements like seaweed, waves, or cliffs add context and scale.
Settings: f/2.8 @ 1/800, ISO 100
Playing with Color Modes
One of the fun features of the EOS R50 V is its built-in color filters. While I prefer shooting in RAW for maximum flexibility, I experimented with JPEG color modes like teal & orange and bright amber. They added creative looks straight out of camera, but I still wish Canon allowed RAW + filter simultaneously. For now, it’s something to keep in mind if you want instant stylized results while traveling.
Settings: f/2.8 @ 1/800, ISO 100
Settings: f/2.8 @ 1/800, ISO 100
Settings: f/2.8 @ 1/800, ISO 100
Final Thoughts
This behind the scenes Ireland photoshoot was a reminder of why I love destination photography. With the right gear and a bit of creativity, you can capture images that feel timeless and cinematic. Whether it’s finding leading lines on a pier, using the environment to your advantage, or adjusting to the quirks of a crop-sensor camera, every shoot is a chance to learn and experiment.
If you’re planning your own destination photoshoot in Ireland, travel light, stay flexible, and let the landscape inspire you.
