In Photos dot Org

The Valentia River Viaduct

A viaduct crossing the River Valentia in Co. Kerry. Flowers are seen blurred in the foreground

The now unused viaduct over the Valentia River in Co Kerry caught my eye away back in 2019.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	125
Shutter speed	1/250s

I visited Carrigaline yesterday for the Basant Kite Festival. It was a lovely day, and the forecast rain stayed away for most of the afternoon. Here’s one of those kites flying high over the bandstand in the town. There weren’t many kites flying but it was lovely to see them!

I asked Bing to generate an image for me of people flying kites at this festival and it came up with some odd looking ones. DALL-E really is nowhere near as good as Midjourney, but this was the best one.

Aperture	ƒ/9
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	240mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1600s

A Collie in Gougane Barra

A collie walks across the narrow road next to the lake at Gougane Barra in Co Cork, Ireland. The chapel can be seen in the background.

When I went to Gougane Barra with Blarney Photography Club a few weeks ago, I met the cutest collie ever. He was so chill and friendly, and he had this gorgeous white and brown fur that matched the scenery perfectly. I think he works at the hotel nearby, but he didn’t charge me for his cuddles.

Aperture	ƒ/1.7
Camera	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Focal length	6.3mm
ISO	80
Shutter speed	1/180s

Evening Walk on Achill Island

A yellow sign warns car drivers that children are running around, while the Moon shines down out of the early evening sky

A few years back, during our holiday on Achill Island, we decided to take a stroll on a beautiful evening. The warm air and clear sky set the perfect ambiance. As we walked, I noticed a sign that cautioned drivers about children playing in the area, while the Moon shone brilliantly in the evening sky.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	58mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/25s

The Youghal Line in the Sun

The old railway line to Youghal in the setting sun. A small house in the middle distance and poles and cables off further and houses off in the background.

The old railway line to Youghal lies neglected and deserted in this photo I took last November. The sun was setting, and I was almost over Covid 19, but it was a cold evening, and I retreated to the warmth of the car.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	1000
Shutter speed	1/500s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	28mm
ISO	250
Shutter speed	1/500s

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!

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	500
Shutter speed	1/500s

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, closely followed by others

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!

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	600mm
ISO	2500
Shutter speed	1/2000s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	35mm
ISO	5000
Shutter speed	1/500s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/2.8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1600s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	172mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1250s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	31mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/160s