This project is about interesting people, from interesting places, doing interesting things today in Northern Ireland. It is funded by the Shared History Fund.
Did you know there’s a Russian-Kazakh taking world class photographs in Northern Ireland today? Neither did we – until now!
Meet Rashid Khaidanov, a world renown photographer snapping some of the best and most recognisable landscapes photos and portraits in NI today. Born in the permafrost of Siberia, he made his way to Northern Ireland after spending his child and young adulthood in the central Asian steppes of Kazakhstan. He is now celebrating his tenth year in NI.
His iconic photograph of Dunluce Castle won the National Geographic’s Traveller Photography Competition in 2017, boosting his art and skills onto the world stage.
Rashid cycled nine hours in ‘Baltic’ ‘Norn Iron’ weather to take this photo, so you better enjoy it! This is what he had to say after winning the award and of his process on the day:
At Dunluce Castle, I had to move very quickly because the last train home left me little time. I found a very narrow rock with enough room for a tripod and just enough space to stand close to the camera, with a sharp fall just behind me. While I quickly changed the filters and took pictures, I was so caught up in the moment I forgot about the drop and didn’t notice the cloudy sky. I went home disappointed that I hadn’t come away with a better shot, but when I inserted the memory card into the computer later, I saw this image. Suddenly, I remembered why this is one of my favourite places in Northern Ireland.
Rashid in National Geographic, 2017
He spends much of his time roaming Ulster’s majestic terrain and taking some of the best photos here has to offer. He’s also gained recognition for his photographic portraits, in which we’d like to proudly announce that some of them will be on display at our ‘Here-ish’ Photographic Exhibition which will be launched on 28th March at the Linenhall Library in Belfast (stay tuned for more details).
Whether it’s a picture of your ugly ‘mug’ or a memory of the Mournes you want captured, we highly suggest getting in touch with Rashid, as he is the man that can make it happen. You can view more of his work and get in contact with him here.
Спасибо and Рақмет сізге, Rashid, for making Northern Ireland your home. Here is better with you and we look forward to more great things to come. It’s quite obvious to us that you’ve picked up a bit of Here-ish on your way.
