Avalard Photography

Avalard Photography Photography page of visual artist Robert JE Simpson. Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Avalard Photography is the banner for writer and artist Robert J.E.

Simpson's photographic work. Born in Belfast in 1981, Robert developed his photographic skills while studying for his art A-level. Whilst at Queen's University Belfast, Robert gained a First with his BA in Film Studies (2003) and an MA in Film and Visual Studies, with both degrees including photographic modules. His film background tends to lend a photographic element to his moving image work, and

a moving image sensibility to his still work. He continues to learn and experiment. He is particularly interested in heritage subjects, nostalgia and abandoned buildings. His library of photographs is available for licensing and he is always happy to take on new commissions and opportunities.

The iconic Sunflower Public House & Live Music in Belfast, snapped this evening.
02/01/2025

The iconic Sunflower Public House & Live Music in Belfast, snapped this evening.

was in today to celebrate her gold medal win in Paris - NI's first female Olympic gold medalist since 1972!We po...
14/08/2024

was in today to celebrate her gold medal win in Paris - NI's first female Olympic gold medalist since 1972!

We popped by to watch the victory parade.

Managed to find a great location and then was swiftly thwarted from getting a clean shot by the security detail and entourage wandering back and forwards.

And not enough time to change lens either.

She signed autographs for kids either side of me, and shook hands as she was applauded. The town was evidently very proud of their sporting hero! The positivity was good to see!

Oliver Jeffers, 2014.I spent a few months working on BBC Northern Ireland's much-missed The Arts Show. During that time ...
06/08/2024

Oliver Jeffers, 2014.

I spent a few months working on BBC Northern Ireland's much-missed The Arts Show. During that time I met and photographed a number of the guests.

Here's a portrait of author and artist Oliver Jeffers I snapped on the roof of the Merchant Hotel, Belfast, just after he finished his filmed interview.

More images from my archives to come.

Popped into Portrush yesterday for A much more intimate affair than last week's Belfast Pride, but a lovely warm vibe ...
04/08/2024

Popped into Portrush yesterday for

A much more intimate affair than last week's Belfast Pride, but a lovely warm vibe from most folk (with the exception of the usual protesters). It's good to see this country become more embracing and accepting of diversity - it's come a long way since I was a kid.

Was a privilege to be surrounded by lovely people for a late marking of Ruaidhri Rohdich's birthday and a ceremonial bur...
29/07/2024

Was a privilege to be surrounded by lovely people for a late marking of Ruaidhri Rohdich's birthday and a ceremonial burning of this strange figure on the beach...

Most of you know how fond I am of (I've written a book on it, if that isn't evidence enough!) and when this was described to me ahead of time, that was all I could think of. So when the fell I had to whip out the cameras and pay homage.

What was this then? ? ?

Certainly special. Had to share the pics so you can experience it too. Got me wanting to do something similar!*

* Living on the North Coast of NI is a privilege - the entire group did all we could at the end of the evening to put things back as we found them, removing all debris from the gathering. Responsibility is important.

I was down in yesterday for meetings, and then caught the Belfast Pride parade in full for the first time.Did some sna...
28/07/2024

I was down in yesterday for meetings, and then caught the Belfast Pride parade in full for the first time.

Did some snapping while I was there - here's a small sample. If you see anyone you recognise, do tag them.

I'll add more when I get a chance!

The Champs-Elysées, Paris.A pic from last summer's adventures in one of my favourite cities.
16/07/2024

The Champs-Elysées, Paris.

A pic from last summer's adventures in one of my favourite cities.

I was treated to a Kintra Boat Tours trip round Rathlin by my partner a few weeks back as she knew how much I love seals...
16/07/2024

I was treated to a Kintra Boat Tours trip round Rathlin by my partner a few weeks back as she knew how much I love seals and wanted to see some puffins.

A glorious June afternoon on a boat enjoying the air, sea smells and so much nature.

I think too many people obsess now over getting the perfect image. The crispness of digital has taken away the joy of imperfection. And when I'm leading photography workshops I try to embrace the rougher shots many present.

My own telephoto lens kit has decided to play up and so these are imperfect images, the best I could salvage. As frustrating as it was, rather than spend the whole trip face down in the camera, I looked around, took in the atmosphere and snapped very little. The photo is all well and good but you have to enjoy life too and live the moment!

As soon as I get some new lenses I'll be back though. Had such a lovely time, and I hope to finally visit the island itself soon!

- Robert

We popped into the new branch of Themilkparlour late tonight on The Promenade , for its second evening of trade.My fir...
15/07/2024

We popped into the new branch of Themilkparlour late tonight on The Promenade , for its second evening of trade.

My first time trying their and I must say, it was really good.

Staff were patient and friendly, happy to provide samples of the many flavours (avocado anyone?). Scoop sizes were generous and I spent ages on my triple flavour cone (dragonfruit and watermelon sorbet, rum & raisin, and Ground Espresso Bars salted caramel brownie). All solid.

We also tried the new pure honey and ice cream dish that I think should be called Cream Bee (or for the religiously minded, The Canaan).

is from the same people behind Ground Coffee and I met owner Darren Gardiner who was very enthusiastic about his product. Spotting him again outside, I nabbed a photo as the sun set.

Will be back to try more of the flavours soon.

- Not a planned visit, and I'd left the DSLR at home, so everything taken on my ageing phone.

Last night was epic. My first time shooting the , and all from the comfort of Northern Ireland's north coast.We didn't ...
11/05/2024

Last night was epic. My first time shooting the , and all from the comfort of Northern Ireland's north coast.

We didn't head out til after midnight and spent nearly two hours snapping away in quite mild conditions.

Would still love to get out sometime and see them closer to the tundra!

Spotted this taking lots of selfies at last week (Sun 11 June) and missing the bigger image!Think they may have been...
19/06/2023

Spotted this taking lots of selfies at last week (Sun 11 June) and missing the bigger image!
Think they may have been on holiday.
Internet can you find them??

Please share...

We watched them for ages, out in the water searching for what looked to be the perfect frame. But what was lacking to me was their togetherness. It used to be people asked strangers to take photos, but we're too afraid now.

It was a bright but overcast day, the looked like a creeping out of the seamist - lending the whole scene a slightly Pirates of the Carribbean flavour.

It's an instagrammable moment, the sort of unique image the humble tourist hopes for. We all do it.

I've been delving back into my freelance photography archive, and the thousands of frames that have gone unused, unexhibited, unsold. Moments like this remind me that I do actually enjoy expressing my ideas with photography.

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Coleraine
BT51

Telephone

+447906103702

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