On the COUCH
Cork photographer Raymond Fogarty was an early convert to what can be achieved with a drone camera and he now runs a professional drone photography service, AirCam Ireland. His rst book, From the Air: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is in bookshops on February 18
Who controls the remote in your house?
The remote control is usually to be found with my sister Doireann – when it doesn’t get lost under the sofa.
Do you watch much nature TV?
I watch some nature shows when I get the time: Planet Earth, A Wild Irish Year and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey are favourites. They’re quite relaxing to watch and are very informative of the world around us, and beyond.
Are you a “telly on, laptop on the knees and phone for tweeting” over-load kind of person?
No, not at all. It’s usually one thing at a time for me! If I’m watching something on TV, the phone and laptop are put away. I think it’s best to separate each to either relax or be more productive.
Did television inspire you to get into photography and filming?
In some ways, yes. Nature shows in particular make me curious about the world and spur a desire to travel; to explore and photograph beautiful places both here and around the world. I was always interested in photography of the natural world and its stunning colours and beautiful landscapes. I get a thrill out of showing people my work; there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing their reactions.
Is there just too much good TV now to watch it all?
Absolutely, there are so many options available, and the production value of TV shows has greatly increased in the last 15 years. The golden era of TV for me started when Lost was rst shown on RTÉ 2 back in 2004. There have been so many great shows since, and new technologies – such as drones – allow lm-makers and showrunners to greatly increase production values.
What TV has the most spectacular backdrops in your opinion?
I think Game of Thrones is well up there in terms of scenic backdrops. The massive scope of the production exceeds the ambition of many movies, showcasing amazing locales such as Croatia, Spain, Iceland and the incomparable beauty of Northern Ireland.
All-time favourite TV drama, comedy, soap, documentary and live TV event?
My favourite all-time drama has to be Star Trek: The Next Generation. I think it encouraged my love for all things technological and made me dream of a better tomorrow. Comedy is Father Ted, although Conor and Jock’s continuing adventures in The Young O enders may well trump that… Documentary is Planet Earth for its incredible camera work, locations and the wonderful narration of David Attenborough. And Live TV event: the weather, of course!
Are there any shows you have on box-set, DVR or red button that you haven’t quite got round to watching?
Better Call Saul, Great Lighthouses of Ireland and Narcos: Mexico are next on my hit-list.
What TV drama would you love to be involved in filming?
I love history and historical dramas in general, and would love to be involved in The Last Kingdom.
From the Air: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way by Raymond Fogarty is published by the O’Brien Press on February 18