Behind the Property Lens: The Keen Eye of Kelvin Gillmor

'There is nothing more rewarding than bringing a building to life by capturing it in the right light at the right time of day".

Award-winning professional photographer Kelvin Gillmor is passionate about property and how it is presented. "So much time, effort and money goes in to a building project, it deserves to be captured at its very best".

As one of Ireland's most trusted and lauded photographers he has finely honed the art of giving both residential and commercial property that five-star feel, maximising light and capturing those stand-out features that tell the individual story of each particular building. "I love photographing buildings of all sorts – and of all shapes and sizes".

Ashford Castle, which has recently undergone a €68 million makeover and is regularly named in the 'World's Best' awards, features in Kelvin's broad photographic portfolio. "There's the most extraordinary attention to detail there, but while it is high-end there is also such comfort: walking in to the Connaught Room and the suites at Ashford is like being enveloped in a warm hug"

Kelvin has also recently enjoyed photographing the new façade of Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel which has undergone a meticulous restoration giving new life to the splendour of the Grand Old Lady of St. Stephen's Green. Another recent project has been the glamorous contemporary show apartments at Bloomfield House in Donnybrook that aim to bring "a touch of London's Mayfair" to Dublin.

Closer to home, the Galway-based photographer, who is originally "a country boy" from Dromahair, Co. Leitrim has been involved in the launch of the new Western Region Garda Headquarters in Galway – photographing the state-of-the-art contemporary building designed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) Architectural team.

So what is the best way to ensure a residential property is showcased to its best and prepare for the arrival of a photographer? Kelvin recommends to "always declutter as much as possible if you want to show off the space. Remove stacks of magazine and general clutter – it is essential".

"One of my personal bugbears is cables and power cords. Get them out of sight to the best of your ability," advises Kelvin. He also emphasises the importance of cleaning windows "a very laborious task and while it's obvious, it's well worth it". "It's all about the attention to detail – fluffing up pillows and ironing bed linen with a steam iron. It will pay off".

While Kelvin Gillmor has found himself much in demand and specialising more and more in architecture and homes over the past number of years and has noticed a significant resurgence in Ireland's property market "but not in all areas of the country" one of his biggest passions is sharing the beauty and drama of Irish landscapes, particularly Connemara with its "sweeping light".

His stunning landscapes have featured in National Geographic and whether it's perching on a cliff edge to photograph Dunquin Pier from a height or timing the skies for moody and atmospheric images of Maam Cross - "working at the crack of dawn or last light – it's good for the soul."