The Truman House

A sign outside a home in Seaside, Florida, tells the curious passer-by, “The Truman House”. It was used as the home where Truman Burbank lived in the film, The Truman Show.

The house itself sits at 31 Natchez Street in Seaside. I didn’t see anyone about, but then again I walked past at around 8am in the morning before the oppressive heat of the day got too bad.


Apertureƒ/7.1
CameraCanon EOS 40D
Focal length28mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/80s

A Metal Flag with Heart

The Stars & Stripes made from corrugated metal outside someone’s house in Seaside Florida. I guess it was a child’s project, especially with the heart attached to it.

It was so rusted then, I doubt it’s still there now, 13 years later!


Apertureƒ/5.6
CameraCanon EOS 40D
Focal length88mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/800s

Sunset at Seaside

It was the end of another sweltering day at Seaside, Florida. The sun was setting in a blaze of glory. The sky was on fire with dramatic rays of orange and pink, and the clouds were playing their part perfectly.

I spotted a swimmer going into the water, and she made for a nice silhouette on a fiery evening.


Apertureƒ/4.5
CameraCanon EOS 40D
Focal length18mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/50s

Surfing on the Isar

I had a fantastic time in Munich with my team recently. We explored the city and enjoyed its sights and sounds. But the most surprising and thrilling thing I saw was in the city park.

As we walked along a path, I heard a roaring sound of water. I peeked through the trees and saw two men in wetsuits carrying surfboards. They were heading back up the banks of the River Isar, where a crowd awaited them. I ran to the riverbank and witnessed a spectacular scene: surfers riding a fast and furious wave in the middle of the city! I quickly grabbed my camera, and snapped some remarkable shots of this incredible spectacle.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length112mm
ISO12800
Shutter speed1/250s

Morocco: A Rooftop Perspective

In February 2013 I was in Morocco with my team for a week. The food was fantastic and we had booked a whole building for our lodgings in Marakesh.

From the rooftop, I gazed at the endless sprawl of buildings, interrupted only by the majestic mountains in the horizon. On almost every roof, a satellite dish pointed up towards the sky, a striking contrast to the humble and rustic materials of the local architecture.


Apertureƒ/11
CameraCanon EOS 40D
Focal length106mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/500s

A Morning Walk in Santa Cruz

Way back in 2013, at the Automattic Grand Meetup, I took an early morning walk along the promenade in Santa Cruz. The sun had already risen, but the world was quiet, and I enjoyed a solitary walk before the day’s work had to be done.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/1000s

The Service at Coughlans Bar

Last Saturday night, I had the opportunity to see ‘The Service’ perform live at Coughlan’s Bar on Douglas Street, and I must say it was a truly unforgettable experience. The atmosphere created by the band’s performance of Ska music from the early 80s was electrifying, and the audience loved it.

For those unfamiliar with Ska music, it originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and became popular in the UK and Ireland during the 2 Tone movement in the late 1970s and early 80s. Ska is characterized by a syncopated beat, horn section, and upbeat tempo. It has been influential in the development of many modern music genres, such as reggae, punk rock, and hip-hop.

The Service’s performance was a tribute to this influential era of music, and they did an excellent job of capturing the energy and excitement of the genre. It’s impossible to listen to this music and not start bouncing up and down with the beat!


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO8000
Shutter speed1/500s

Capturing Sunrise in Killarney

In the middle of February I joined members of Blarney Photography Club for a sunrise photoshoot over the Lakes of Killarney. The scenery was stunning, with early morning light casting a warm orange hue over the still waters of the lake and misty mountains in the distance.

We were over by Brickeen Bridge, a good 30 minute walk from the car park, but worth it for the glow of the sky on the water.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length50mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/640s

The Woman with the Red Fan

A woman walking on the street with a red fan shading her face

She wandered on the street, holding a red fan to block the sun from her face. It was a sunny day, and the sun was shining brightly. But she didn’t mind. She enjoyed the breeze, and the sight. She enjoyed how they made her feel calm, and relaxed. She wore cool, white clothing that contrasted with the colour of her fan. Her gold coloured handbag was over her shoulder, and she held it with comfort. She had nothing to stress, or worry her. She had everything to explore, and discover.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/1000s

Motionless in speed

I watch the subway train speed by, feeling a rush of wind and sound. It’s like a flash of light, but I can see the faces of the people inside. They look like they’re in a hurry or a trance. I wonder what their lives are like.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO500
Shutter speed1/13s

The Wrong Tour

Being late was something he hated. He had an important tour to join and he couldn’t afford to miss it. He had been planning this trip for months and today was the day he would see the sights of Dublin. He hoped they would be amazing. He hoped they would be worth it. He hoped they would make him happy.

Down O’Connell Street he ran, dodging pedestrians and cars. The wind in his hair and his tie flapping over his shoulder but he didn’t have time to adjust. His cap almost went flying too. He didn’t have time for anything. His map was checked and he cursed. He was lost.

His hands were put in his pockets, holding his coat behind him. He wore a white shirt and a shiny brown suit, his usual attire for formal occasions. He didn’t care if they looked odd or outdated. He liked them, and he thought they made him stand out. Looking like a tourist and adventurous was what he wanted, but he felt confused and scared. He wondered if he had everything he needed. He wondered if he had forgotten something.

The Spire of Dublin, a tall and slender monument that rose above the street, was reached by him. It looked impressive and futuristic. A surge of excitement and hope was felt by him. He recognized it from the brochure.

The street was crossed, and he looked for the tour guide who was supposed to meet him there. He saw a man wearing a green jacket and holding a sign that said “Dublin City Tour”. He waved at him and ran towards him.

He smiled nervously and said, “Hello, I’m sorry I’m late”.

The man looked at him with a puzzled expression and said, “Late for what?”

He pointed at the sign and said, “The tour, of course”.

The man shook his head and said, “Sorry, mate, you’ve got the wrong guy. This is not a tour sign, this is a protest sign. I’m here to protest against the Spire. I think it’s an eyesore and a waste of money”.

The sign was looked at more closely, and he realized that it had another word under “Dublin City Tour”. It said “Boycott”.

A wave of embarrassment and disappointment was felt by him. He had made a mistake.

He apologized and walked away.

He hoped he wasn’t too late.

He hoped he wasn’t too late.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/1000s