Capturing Irish agriculture in a fresh light
AS a child Maurice Allen used to go the Ploughing Championships with his family every year, an annual tradition which instilled in him a love of all things farm-related.
So, when he received a present of a digital camera it was only natural that the first thing he would photograph was some of the local agriculture. Thus began a hobby which has since morphed into a potential career.
‘I have always loved machinery so when I received my first camera as a present, I thought I would give photography a go,’ says Maurice (25). ‘It really all started with the New Ross Bypass and Enniscorthy Motorway in 2017, I did a project on that and really loved it.’
The Courtown native is currently in his final year of a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in Harper Adams University in Shropshire, but when he’s not stuck in the books he’s taking pictures of some of Ireland’s most notable tillage farmers and contractors.
He has worked Cooney-Furlong, Alfie Byrne, Kinsella’s of Allenwood and Curracloe Farms using his natural talent to capture Irish agriculture at its very best.
‘My skills with the camera have all been learnt through trial and error, it’s self taught, and perhaps after my studies I can dedicate a year to it,’ Maurice said.
The purchase of a second-hand drone last year has, Maurice says, brought his work to another level and enabled him to capture video footage of farmers cultivating and sowing.
While growing his followers on social media, Maurice, the previous 12 months have proved extremely difficult for a college academic attending university overseas.
With fluctuating restrictions and changing recommendations on travel in particular, the agricultural student is currently committed to his studies at home in North Wexford.
Contracts with machinery brands and perhaps advertisements for certain agricultural products may be on the cards but for now, the final year student is mastering his skills and honing in on the resources around him.
‘ This year, I hope to get the full drilling to harvest season of Cooney-Furlong, a full season of growth would be fantastic on video,’ Maurice said. ‘I know every back road in Wexford, there are lovely places around. I hope to film in different parts of Ireland this year if possible and begin framing. I currently out-source the framing of photographs and see great potential in doing this in-house.’
You can see more of Maurice’s work on Facebook and Instagram @mauriceallenphotography