Author: Donncha

Donncha Ó Caoimh is a software developer at Automattic and WordPress plugin developer. He posts photos at In Photos and can also be found on Twitter.

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A Snapshot of Rainy Dublin Nightlife

A group of young people heading out for the night in Dublin on a gloomy, rainy evening. The Luas can be seen on the left.

As the rain poured down on a gloomy evening in Dublin, a group of young people were out and about, determined not to let the weather dampen their spirits. Among them was a woman with pigtails and a sky-blue dress, looking like a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dreary night. Her companion, a man carrying an umbrella, hurried to catch up with her as they made their way through the rain-soaked streets.

In the background, the Luas could be seen with its doors open, having just disgorged its passengers. It was a snapshot of city life in all its glory – the hustle and bustle of people going about their business, the constant movement of vehicles and public transport, and the determination to keep moving forward even in the face of bad weather. It was a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little moments of human connection and perseverance that make life worth living, even on the gloomiest of nights.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO12800
Shutter speed1/125s

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A Moment on a gloomy Halloween Night

2 young men share a moment, looking at a phone in a doorway, sheltering from the rain. 3 mannequins in a shop window stare out into space.

It was a typical wet and gloomy Halloween night, and I was walking past a shop doorway when I noticed two young men huddled together, seeking shelter from the rain. One of them was dressed in a frog costume, and they were engrossed in something on the other’s phone. As I watched them, I couldn’t help but think about the magic of Halloween, how it brings out the child in all of us, and how it can turn a rainy night into a playful adventure.

In a nearby shop window, three male mannequins stood in a row. Despite being inanimate objects, they seemed to be staring into space, almost as if they were lost in thought. The light from the window chased away the shadows, creating a surreal scene that contrasted sharply with the dark and rainy night outside. It was a reminder that even in the midst of the ordinary and mundane, there is always a touch of magic waiting to be discovered.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO10000
Shutter speed1/500s

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Photos

Hurry! WordPress 6.2 comes out soon!

A WordPress plushy with a clock

WordPress 6.2 comes out at the end of the month, so make sure your plugins and themes are ready for it by running the latest release candidate (currently RC2) on a test server!

Tick, tock. Time’s running out! If you don’t test it, the Wapuu will be very disappointed!


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length44mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/100s

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Abstract Forest in Motion

The slim trunks of trees in the forest near Torc Waterfall are blurred by intentional vertical camera movement.

While out with Blarney Photography Club in Killarney National Park recently, we came across a small forest of slender tree trunks stretching up towards the sky like spindly fingers. The light was just perfect for some intentional camera movement, so we decided to experiment with a vertical ICM technique.

I set my camera to a slow shutter speed, and then began moving it in a vertical motion as I pressed the shutter button. The result? A beautiful and abstract image that captures the essence of the forest in a unique and captivating way!

The slim tree trunks blend together in a mesmerizing blur of lines, creating a sense of movement and energy that’s almost hypnotic. It’s as though the trees themselves are swaying in a gentle breeze, their branches reaching out to dance with the sunlight.

ICM photography is all about embracing the beauty of imperfection, of letting go of the need for a perfectly sharp image and instead capturing the essence of a moment in a creative and artistic way. And in this forest, with its delicate and slender trees, I found the perfect canvas for my ICM experiment.


Apertureƒ/9
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/2.5s

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Horse and Cart in Motion

A horse and cart drives past in Killarney National Park.

As I was strolling through the serene beauty of Killarney National Park, a horse and cart leisurely passed by. I couldn’t resist capturing this moment, and so I snapped a photo of the horse and cart using a slightly longer shutter time.

I love the resulting image. The soft light filtering through the leaves and branches of the trees creates an ethereal effect, with wavy lines adding an almost mystical quality to the scene. Most of the picture is a blur, of course, but the horse’s legs are a blur of motion, capturing the essence of its steady trot through the park.


Apertureƒ/11
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/2.5s

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The crow wants your dinner

A crow standing on a table. A half-eaten dinner and dessert are what it wants.

So, picture this: you’re sitting at a table, about to dive into your delicious dinner and dessert when suddenly, a crow appears out of nowhere and lands right on the table in front of you. And what does it want? Well, the half-eaten remnants of your scrumptious meal, of course!

A crow has no shame. It’s not content to settle for its own measly bird seed or whatever else it scavenged from the rubbish. No, it wants your food, and it wants it now.

And let me tell you, this crow is not messing around. It’s standing there on the table, staring you down with its beady little eyes, daring you to try to stop it from taking what it wants. You can practically hear it cawing, “This is my dinner now, human!”

So, what do you do? Do you give in to the demands of this brazen bird and hand over your hard-earned meal? Or do you stand your ground and protect your dinner and dessert at all costs? The choice is yours, my friends, but just remember: when it comes to crows, they always get the last caw.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length178mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/125s

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THAT’S US BTW! YOU ARE EU

A poster on a bus shelter proclaims "Freedom, Peace & Energy Indepence. YOU ARE EUROPE" A group of young people are huddled together next to the text reading "YOU ARE EU" An advert on the bus at the bus stop says "THAT@S US BTW!" with an arrow pointing down to the end of a URL.

The bus shelter is adorned with a poster promoting a message of “Freedom, Peace & Energy Independence. YOU ARE EUROPE”, featuring a group of youthful individuals standing beside the text “YOU ARE EU”. This poster can be spotted throughout the EU, and I even noticed a few on the Europe subreddit last week.

Meanwhile, an advertisement displayed on the bus parked at the stop bears the message “THAT’S US BTW!” with an arrow pointing downwards towards the end of a URL. However, I like to think the arrow is pointing towards the individuals featured in the EU poster.

These types of advertisements and posters serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of people across the EU, and the importance of promoting unity and solidarity among diverse communities. The bus itself is a common mode of transportation throughout many European cities, offering a convenient and efficient way to traverse the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of these dynamic urban centers.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/500s

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Skeletal Trees by the Pond

Bare trees, almost like skeletons, frame a scene containing, yellowed grass. A small pond in the middle distance and a mountain in the background catches the rays of a low sun. The sky is heavy with clouds promising rain.

As I walked back from shooting the sunrise at the Lakes of Killarney with members of Blarney Photography Club, I caught sight of something that made me pause. Off to the side of the path, there was a small pond surrounded by a stark scene. The bare trees looked almost skeletal in the early morning light, framing the yellowed grass and adding to the eerie atmosphere. In the middle distance, the pond was a reminder to step carefully as the ground was marshy. Off in the distance, a mountain basked in the warm glow of the rising sun. But the sky was heavy with clouds, and it seemed like the rain was on its way.

It was a beautiful scene, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of nature. Almost everywhere you look, there’s a photo to be made. The quiet stillness of the morning was only interrupted by the occasional chirping of birds and rustling of leaves. It was as if time stood still for just a moment, and I was lucky enough to witness it.

As a photographer, moments like these are a reminder of the power of capturing a single moment in time. The way the light falls just right, the way the colours blend and complement each other, and the way nature creates a canvas that is beyond our wildest imagination. I’m grateful for this moment and the opportunity to share it with others.


Apertureƒ/4.5
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/250s

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Night Time Light Streaks at Busy Junction

The lights of passing cars and buses streak into the distance on this busy junction at night.

The hustle and bustle of city life can be captivating, especially at night, when the bright lights of passing vehicles streak into the distance like stars in the sky. This particular photo captures the vibrant energy of a busy junction, with cars and buses whizzing by in a blur of colour and motion.

Despite the darkness of the buildings lining the street, the glow of street lights are like stars and provide illumination. The long exposure of the photo creates an almost dreamlike effect, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

It’s fascinating how a single photo can encapsulate so much energy and movement, bringing to life the bustling rhythm of urban living. As the city continues to evolve and grow, scenes like this will always remain a constant reminder of the vibrant pulse of urban life.


Apertureƒ/16
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed15s

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The Old Weir Bridge in Killarney

A bridge over a small river next to the Lakes of Killarney. Mostly bare trees to be seen on both sides of the river, and the sky is heavy with clouds.

The Old Weir Bridge is a picturesque bridge over a small river near the Lakes of Killarney in Ireland. The bridge is an old stone structure with arched openings, and it looks particularly beautiful against the natural backdrop of the river and trees.

The trees on both sides of the river are mostly bare, which creates an interesting contrast against the dark and heavy clouds in the sky. It’s a moody and atmospheric scene, and the bridge adds a touch of history and charm to the landscape.

It’s a popular spot for photographers and visitors who want to take in the beauty of the area. I highly recommend taking a stroll by the river and checking out the Old Weir Bridge.


Apertureƒ/13
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length65mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/20s

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Golden Glow over a Wheat Field

Golden light illuminates a wheat field as the sun sets, casting a warm glow on a solitary pole while surrounding shadows deepen.

As the golden hour approaches, the sun illuminates a section of a wheat field, casting a beautiful warm glow across the landscape. In the midst of the field stands a single pole, which is illuminated by the soft light, creating a stunning contrast against the shadowy surroundings. The tall wheat stalks gently sway in the light breeze, while the shadows cast by the wheat blades create a mesmerizing circular pattern around the pole.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/500s

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Talking to a Lone Swan

Photo of a young couple standing by a lake, with the woman leaning towards a lone swan. In the background, bare trees and a hill can be seen, and the colours are cool and muted.

It’s been almost twenty years since the day I witnessed this scene by the Gougane Barra. The man standing before me appeared to be a little bored, his gaze wandering away from the swan that the young woman beside him was leaning towards. She was wearing a sky-blue jacket and brown baggy pants, and her voice carried softly as she whispered to the lone swan in front of her. The man, dressed in a dark blue hoody, stood idly by her side, his hands in his pockets.

The bare trees in the background indicated that it was April, and the onset of spring was palpable. It was as if time had paused for a moment to let this little corner of the world bask in stillness.