Oyster farmer Joe Bennett pictured at the Get Shucked Oyster shack, Bruny Island, Tasmania. Joe has transformed a derelict oyster farm at Great Bay in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, in the state's South, into a thriving business. His oysters, which are harvested, shucked, transported and served in a day, are served at many restaurants and out of his shack.

Pictures by James Horan

www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

I recently spent some time in Tasmania photographing a travel guide for Frommers. Luckily I got to go out to Bruny Island and sample the delicious cheese. Set in the bush Bruny Island Cheese Company is an artisan cheese maker in southern Tasmania, owned and operated by Nick Haddow. Their cheeses are all made and matured using traditional techniques and are some of the finest artisan cheeses made in Australia.

Pictures by Sydney editorial photographer James Horan

www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

 

I got my first iphone ever last week. After resisting for years I now cant live with out it (damn you Apple) and I have "developed" a serious Instagram addiction" Check out my page here http://instagr.am/p/HvVUVUI4WK/

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On my way from Hobart to Devonport to catch the Spirt to Melbourne I saw a sign for the Ross Rodeo. A few years back when I first lived in Australia I shot a long term project on Rodeo. Have a look at the project here http://goo.gl/0NQlh. I excitedly turned off the highway to check it out but it had already finished. I did manage to shoot some portraits of the beautiful barrel racing girls.

Pictures copyright James Horan www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

The boys from the Black Uhlans Motorcycle club and Larry owner of Speedway Road Motorcycles and Tattoos, Latrobe, Tasmania. The shop specialize in repairing, servicing and customizing Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Pictures by James Horan

www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

Kevin Regan self proclaimed Prime Minister of Arthur River at his shack called "Parliament House R.C.T" (Regan Capital Territory) on the North West Coast of Tasmania.

Picture James Horan

www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

Now I'm living down under I'm already home sick for Ireland so I have decided to share one of my long term projects "Irish horse Culture"
To see the whole series go to http://goo.gl/dCECr

After almost five years in Australia I came home and found myself looking at Ireland with fresh eyes. With so much change going on in the country and the Celtic Tiger economy in decline I decided to document one aspect of my culture that has remained largely unchanged but will most likely fade into the history books.

The project focus on inner city Limerick and Dublin, the annual horse fairs and in particular the monthly Smithfield fair. Smithfield is one of Dublin's oldest traditions dating back to the 17th century. Dealers come from around Ireland to buy and sell horses but the market is also popular with local teenagers keen to show off their ponies and their bare back riding skills on the cobbled stone square. In recent years the Smithfield area has been redeveloped for modern high density inner city living with apartments, cafes, hotels and a cinema all of which contrast greatly to the horse market. The new residents and local authorities are keen to close the market. There is also an attempt to control ownership of the horses (The Control of Horses Act) Ultimately leading to the extinction of this unique sub-culture.
The horse fairs are also important places for travelers (indigenous Irish gypsies) to trade and socialize. Young traveler's in particular use the fairs as occasions to find husbands and wives. The girls walk around in groups dressed in scantly clad outfits to get the attention of the boys dressed in tailored suits. Traditionally the boys speak to a match-maker who makes arrangements with the girls family for a date and a possible marriage.

All images copyright James Horan, for usage contact info@jameshoranshootspeople.com

After years of procrastinating Megan and I finally moved back to Australia. After a week of a serious Angry Bird addiction, jet lag, wondering why our bags were 10kgs heavier on the Virgin Blue scales than the Etihad Airlines scales and a quick visit to Brisbane and Noosa.We are now chilling out in Megans Mums place at Battery Point, Hobart. Phew!!!! (until Christmas), then it's a mega camping road trip ending in Sydney late January.

P.S the internet here is crap, future updates will be made by pigeon.

Images copyright James Horan www.jameshoranshootspeople.com

On my last day as a dublin press photographer I got to high five the Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD (Irish Prime Minister) at Government Buildings during a visit from the Palestrina choir. I am moving to Sydney with my lovely wife Megan on the 1st of December.

I'm really going to miss the craic with all my fellow shooters. It's been a great experience working with all of you.

Big thanks to PA Photographer Niall Carson for the awesome photo.