Watch: Stunning ‘blue hour’ photos from across Tyrone and Sperrins

The Old Cross at Ardboe captured by John O'Neill

The 47-year-old professional photographer who originally hails from Coalisland but now resides in Ballinderry bridge, has created a stunning range of photographs from some of Mid-Ulster and the Sperrin’s best known areas of natural beauty.

These unique set of images were taken by John after sunset in what is known as the ‘blue hour’.

John explains: “For about 30 minutes during this time, the sky is inky blue in colour and so I use high powered lighting to put light where there is none. The colours the camera captures help make surreal looking images.”

John was presented with his second successive Coca-Cola award in October last year, by John Craven from BBC Countryfile at a special awards ceremony hosted by “Keep Northern Ireland beautiful” at Stormont.

Before embarking on life as a professional photographer 15 years ago, John was previously employed as a Glass Blower at Tyrone Crystal.

He then decided to pursue his passion at City and Guilds where he studied Photography.

In 2001, John was also awarded a Gold Medal for excellence at Buckingham Palace.

Today, most of John’s photography is centred around Weddings, commercial/cars although he also teaches beginner classes in photography. Despite his busy schedule John said he always finds time to pursue his love for landscape photography.