Author: Donncha

  • 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 colors 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.


    Apertureƒ/2.4
    CameraCYBERSHOT
    Focal length36.6mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/1000s

  • In Camden Town: A Young Man’s Reflections

    A young man in a green patterned coat leans against a wall outside a shoe shop in Camden Town, London. He looks pensive with a hand on a chair, while clothes hang in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere.

    Today’s photo is a snapshot of a young man in his twenties standing pensively in Camden Town, London. He’s wearing a striking green patterned coat, and he leans against a red brick wall with one hand resting gently on a nearby chair.

    Looking at this photo, I can’t help but wonder what the young man is thinking about. Perhaps he’s contemplating his future, or maybe he’s lost in thought about his past.

    What do you think?


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraCanon EOS 6D
    Focal length24mm
    ISO250
    Shutter speed1/320s

  • Say hi to the princess!

    A picture of a princess made from blocks on a pole on a street. A taxi can be seen in the background.

    A princess on the street! She’s made from blocks of wood sitting on a poll. Lovely urban creativity somewhere in London!


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraCanon EOS 6D
    Focal length105mm
    ISO250
    Shutter speed1/250s

  • A Room with a View

    A small room looks out on the Douro Valley. Inside the room are a table, some stools and what looks like a saddle hanging from the ceiling

    This barren room overlooking the breathtaking Douro Valley belongs to the Quinta da Roêda vineyard, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Portugal’s wine country. As you step inside, you’ll notice a quaint wooden table and stools, inviting you to sit and take in the stunning view while enjoying a glass of the vineyard’s finest port. But the most curious thing hanging from the ceiling catches your eye: a saddle, giving the room a rustic and adventurous touch. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the vineyard’s charming ambiance.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length16mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/40s

  • Finding the Next Photo in Camden Town

    A photographer in Camden Town, London. In the background is the North London Line bridge over Chalk Farm Road.

    The bustling streets of Camden Town, London are alive with activity, as a photographer searches for his next subject. Unaware of his own presence in this photo, he scans the crowds for inspiration, his eyes constantly roving in search of that perfect shot. In the background, the North London Line bridge over Chalk Farm Road looms large, its vibrant colours standing out against the blue and white of the sky.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraCanon EOS 6D
    Focal length24mm
    ISO500
    Shutter speed1/320s

  • A Man and His Cigarette

    A man contemplates his cigarette while sitting on the steps of a building. He's wearing a woolly hat and a scarf as it's late December in Malaga.

    During a walk through the bustling streets of Malaga, I happened upon a man who was seated upon the steps of a nearby building. As I approached him, I observed that he appeared to be deep in thought, his gaze fixed upon the cigarette he was smoking. Despite the cool temperature, he seemed content and at ease, bundled up in a cosy woolly hat and scarf. Notably, he wore a vibrant red watch on his wrist, adding a pop of colour to his otherwise understated attire.


    Apertureƒ/2.8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO125
    Shutter speed1/500s

  • Fridays For Future in Cork

    I was in town today and came across a Fridays For Future protest on Grand Parade. They’re a group of very passionate young people protesting at the state of our environment. Their aim is to demand that the Irish government take action on climate change and climate injustice in Ireland.

    They have an uphill fight, unfortunately. The world is going to zip right past the 1.5ºC average rise in temperature.


    Apertureƒ/4
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO200
    Shutter speed1/500s

  • A Relaxed Coffee Shop

    Light streams in through a window illuminating the floor and the bar of a coffee shop. A man leans against the bar, waiting to pay for his purchase.

    Soft, colourful light pours through circular windows, illuminating the coffee shop’s bar and floor. A man casually leans against the bar, waiting to settle his bill for his drink. The gentle lighting filtering through the windows accentuates the coffee shop’s peaceful and tranquil ambiance.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO125
    Shutter speed1/60s

  • Diego: Small Dog, Big Adventure

    Diego, my chihuahua, dressed for a walk in a red and blue coat.

    Diego, our tiny Chihuahua, gazes up at me with his soulful eyes, his tiny tail wagging excitedly. It’s clear that he’s eager for his daily walk, a time when he can explore the world and take in all the scents and sounds around him. Despite his diminutive size, Diego is a ball of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for a new adventure.

    His favourite word? Walkies! In his excitement, when he heard that word, he runs for a toy to play with it with me!

    His second favourite word? That would be “treat”. Of course. He loves his treats.


    Apertureƒ/2.8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length50mm
    ISO40000
    Shutter speed1/125s

  • Digital Secrets in the Shadows

    A young woman in a black coat, boots and a red wooly hat checks her phone while leaning against a wall.

    Against a wall adorned with white arrows, a young woman with foxy red hair leans motionless, her face illuminated by the eerie glow of her phone.

    As shadows creep in from the corners of the scene, she remains lost in her digital world, completely engrossed in the screen.

    The bright red woolly hat atop her head stands out in stark contrast to her black coat, boots, and bag, drawing attention to her enigmatic presence in the dim surroundings.


    Apertureƒ/2.8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO12800
    Shutter speed1/250s

  • The Beatlebums in Coughlans

    Last Friday night, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending a Beatles tribute band called The Beatlebums at Coughlans Bar on Douglas Street.

    It was truly a fantastic performance by a talented group of musicians! They played many of the Beatles’ classic hits, as well as a few lesser-known B-sides that I wasn’t familiar with. And although we were promised a test on the music at the end of the night, I was relieved when that never came to fruition – LOL.

    Despite being a small venue, Coughlans was packed to the rafters with fans who were absolutely loving the performance. We were blown away by the energy and talent of The Beatlebums, and can’t wait to catch them again – whether it’s at Coughlans or in a larger venue.


    Apertureƒ/2.8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO8000
    Shutter speed1/60s

  • Palm trees in the sunset

    Palm trees silhouetted by a sky coloured by a sun that has already set. Loading cranes and buildings can be seen in the background.

    In this scene, a serene moment is captured as palm trees are silhouetted against the stunning orange and pink hues of a setting sun. The warm glow of the sky sets a peaceful and calming mood, contrasting against the harshness of the container ship in the distance. The ship is barely visible, with only the skeletal cranes visible above it in the silhouette. It appears to be in the process of loading, a task that will go on, even though it’s late.


    Apertureƒ/8
    CameraILCE-7M3
    Focal length24mm
    ISO100
    Shutter speed1/50s