Author: Donncha

  • Selfies and Greetings

    People taking selfies in Edinburgh Castle while in the background an older couple greet each other.

    Edinburgh Castle in Scotland is a huge attraction for tourists and on the day I was there it was busy. It was a gorgeous day, with the sun beating down.

    I really like this photo as I photographed two couples. One couple taking a selfie to remember the day, and in the background an older couple greeting each other and going in for a hug.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length28mm
    ISO250
    Shutter speed1/500s

  • Happy Henry

    A Henry vacuum cleaner on top of an old style fridge out on the street in front of a hardware store

    As I walked past Phil O’Sullivan Electrical, I noticed Henry, the vacuum cleaner, sitting on top of an old fridge. He looked happy, but it also made me wonder if he was okay. I mean, how could a vacuum cleaner be happy without his hose? Maybe it was lost or misplaced, and that’s why he had to resort to sitting on top of a fridge. My heart goes out to you, Henry!


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO500
    Shutter speed1/500s

  • Dawstown Point to Point, 2023

    A horse and jockey jump the fence, with others before and after him
    A horse and jockey race to the finish, followed closely by others.
    A horse and jockey jump the fence
    A horse and jockey jump the fence, closely followed by others
    A horse and jockey jump the fence, with others before and after him

    I had a great time today at the Dawstown Point-to-Point horse racing event! The races started at 2 pm and continued until 4.30 pm, and I went with some of my buddies from the Blarney Photography Club. We positioned ourselves near the second last jump, and it was a super fun day filled with lots of action and photography opportunities. I’m excited to share this selection of my favourite shots with you!


    Apertureƒ/6.3
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length600mm
    ISO2500
    Shutter speed1/2000s

  • Savouring the Warmth of Spanish Nights

    A couple enjoying a meal on a warm evening. They're dressed for the weather, and sitting in chairs at a table with the remains of their meal on plates there.

    As I strolled towards our apartment, the tantalizing aroma of Spanish cuisine filled the air. My eyes scanned the street and landed on a cozy restaurant, where the lively chatter of people enjoying their meals echoed through the evening air. Among them, I spotted a couple fully engrossed in a deep conversation, savouring the last bites of their scrumptious dinner.

    At that moment, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “This is the life!” The warm weather, light fare, and refreshing drinks – all in the company of loved ones – made for the perfect recipe for relaxation.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length35mm
    ISO5000
    Shutter speed1/500s

  • The eye on the street

    Hoarding around a derelict site in Cork City has graffiti on it and an eye looks out of the corner while a young woman walks up the street

    If you’re a fan of street art, you’ll love this vibrant and eye-catching hoarding in Cork City. What was once a dull and drab barrier around a derelict site has been transformed into a colourful canvas of graffiti. The hoarding is situated on the corner of Sheare Street and Grattan Street and it’s impossible to miss its bold and striking presence.

    While the small one-storey building that once stood on this spot may be long gone, the art that has taken its place is alive with energy and creativity. I was particularly drawn to the striking eye that gazes out at the world from the corner of the hoarding. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the midst of decay and neglect, there is always beauty to be found in unexpected places.


    Apertureƒ/2.8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/1600s

  • Breathtaking Border Mountains in Germany

    Mountains on the German and Austrian border. Dark clouds threaten rain and snow.

    Here’s another photo from my recent team meetup in Germany, where we got to see these incredible mountains that span the border of Germany and Austria. We were up pretty high too, around 1500m at Bergstation Herzogstandbahn, which made for a wonderful view.

    Of course, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side – those ominous black clouds overhead made it feel like it could start raining or snowing at any moment. But honestly, it only added to the atmosphere and the sense of adventure. It wasn’t too cold at first, but on the way back to the gondola, the weather turned, and it got noticeably colder up there. It was totally worth it to see this incredible natural wonder. I just can’t get over how powerful and peaceful nature can be at the same time.


    Apertureƒ/6.3
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length172mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/1250s

  • Vineyard Vistas in Portugal

    Blue skies over a vineyard in Portugal. The vines run off into the distance. A tree stands nearby while tall, thin, evergreen trees break the horizon up the hill.

    Amidst the stunning scenery of Portugal’s Douro Valley, we found ourselves at Quinta da Roêda, a picturesque vineyard nestled under a breathtaking blue sky. As far as the eye could see, the vines stretched out into the distance, beckoning us to explore further.

    A solitary tree stood tall nearby, while on the horizon, two tall, thin evergreens created a natural border against the rolling hills. It was a serene moment, a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature and the splendour of the Douro Valley’s vineyards.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length31mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/160s

  • Framing the Cathedral and the Church

    The view from Bell's Field, Cork looking over towards The Cathedral Of St Mary & St Anne, on towards Cathedral Road and up the hill to The Church of the Ascension. Cars on the road and lots of houses visible too.

    In the midst of a mellow July evening, I met with members of Blarney Photography Club at Bell’s Field, a blissful backdrop boasting breathtaking views of the north side of Cork City. From my lens, I looked upon The Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, majestically standing on Cathedral Road, and The Church of the Ascension, nestled amidst the cityscape.

    My eyes drank in the details of countless cosy homes while cars careened along the winding road below, adding a dynamic dash to my dreamy, detailed composition. It was an awe-inspiring moment, an alliterative adventure accentuating the essence of Cork City in one captivating click.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length240mm
    ISO12800
    Shutter speed1/200s

  • Exhausted on Snowy Slopes

    Two skiers prepare to go downhill, while in the foreground a sign warns "Halt" and "Skilift" pointing to the right but the sign is leaning precariously to the side

    We had trudged up and down rugged hills, wearing snow shoes, until we finally came to a stop, feeling sore and utterly exhausted. The sun blazed down on us as we stood at 1500m on a crisp, clear day. Ahead of us loomed another hill, descending a valley and then ascending at a steep incline. At the bottom, we spotted two skiers preparing to travel further down the slopes.

    In the foreground, a sign attached to a precarious, leaning pole caught our attention. It commanded us to “Halt”, but the sign pointing to the ski lift pointed upwards towards the sky, which was fitting because the ski lift itself ascended the side of a dauntingly steep hill.

    Wisely, I believe, we decided to take a break for lunch instead of attempting that treacherous incline. 🙂


    Apertureƒ/9
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length146mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/2000s

  • A Florida Dragonfly

    A dragonfly resting on a wooden fence.

    Behind the town of Seaside in Florida lies a lake which no doubt contributes to the humidity during the day there.

    Early one morning I photographed this dragonfly resting on the fence on a small pier on the lake. The air was still cool, so the dragonfly was probably still sluggish until the day warmed up.


    Apertureƒ/6.3
    CameraCanon EOS 40D
    Focal length200mm
    ISO400
    Shutter speed1/400s

  • Capturing Seaside’s Sunrise Splendor

    Blue parasols provide shade for beach chairs on the beach by Seaside in Florida as the sun rises

    In Seaside, Florida, a photowalk in September is best enjoyed in the early morning to avoid the oppressive humidity and heat that sets in later in the day. But the silver lining is that this early start allows us to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, casting a golden glow on the pristine white sandy beach nearby.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraCanon EOS 40D
    Focal length48mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/125s

  • Reflections at Gougane Barra

    The small chapel at Gougane Barra reflected in the lake there in early morning light. Trees are near it and fields and hills in the distance. It's a cloudy day.

    So, a few weeks ago, I went with fellow members of Blarney Photography Club to Gougane Barra to catch the sunrise. Sadly, the clouds were pretty thick that day, but we still managed to get some cool photos. One shot I was particularly happy with was the reflection of the chapel on the island. Despite some showers here and there, we were lucky to catch some good light for our shots. Can’t wait to share more of these photos with you all in the coming months!


    Apertureƒ/11
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/50s