2023 – Page 24 – In Photos dot Org

The Service at Coughlans Bar

Members of the band, "The Service" performing on stage in 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!

Aperture	ƒ/2.8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	8000
Shutter speed	1/500s

Capturing Sunrise in Killarney

An vibrant yellow sunrise over the calm waters of the Lakes of Killarney, with misty mountains in the distance.

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.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	50mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/640s

A Boat on a Lake with Clouds

A boat on a lake. Reeds in the foreground and cloud covered hills in the background.

There’s something about a small boat on a calm lake that just begs to be photographed. And when you add in the backdrop of hills shrouded in clouds and the texture of the reeds in the foreground, it becomes a picture-perfect moment.

Capturing that moment, though, can be a challenge. You want to make sure you get just the right angle and lighting to do it justice. But when you finally get that shot and see the results, it’s all worth it.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	77mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/80s

The Tree in Muckross Abbey

A very tall tree grows in the middle of the abandoned, but restored Muckross Abbey.

When you visit Muckross Abbey in Killarney, one thing that immediately catches your eye is the magnificent tree that grows right in the middle of the building. The tree is so large that it almost looks like it’s part of the abbey, as if the building had grown around it over time.

Taking a photo of this tree is an absolute must if you’re a photography enthusiast. As you stand there, camera in hand, you can’t help but marvel at the sheer size of this tree, as its branches extend high into the sky. It’s truly a sight to behold. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the way the light filters through the leaves is simply magical.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	16mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/160s

Invisible Motion on the Lake

A long exposure photo of a lake. The water is smooth, the reeds obscured by their motion while the trees are bare on this February evening

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Lakes of Killarney with Blarney Photography Club and snapped this long exposure photo near Ross Castle. The scene was magical, with the reeds gently swaying in the breeze and the bare trees looking like skeletons on guard. It was an otherworldly experience, and I couldn’t wait to capture it on camera.

It was also freezing that February evening, so this is one of the last shots of the day for me. Totally blown out and over exposed, but I love it.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	38mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	30s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/9
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/2.5s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/11
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/2.5s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	178mm
ISO	400
Shutter speed	1/125s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/2.8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	200
Shutter speed	1/500s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/4.5
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/250s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/16
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	15s

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.

Aperture	ƒ/13
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	65mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/20s