Browsing in the record store

Vinyl records are in vogue again and upstairs in Golden Discs in Patrick Street, Cork is devoted to these black disks.

I have to admit I’ve rummaged through their selection of Queen records from time to time.

And look, is that Rory Gallagher on the wall? I went looking online for that photo, but can’t find it anywhere. If you recognise it, comment with a link!


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO3200
Shutter speed1/500s

All you need is love, JFK

Late last year I visited Youghal on a Sunday. Most of the shops were closed, including this one but the display in front caught my eye.

JFK is still highly regarded by many people who don’t know how unfaithful he was to his wife, and maybe they do know and ignore that part of him. I thought the juxtaposition of a sign saying “All you need is love” right next to a photo of a famous philanderer and his wife was delicious.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO4000
Shutter speed1/500s

A kite at the Basant Festival

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.


Apertureƒ/9
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/1600s

A Collie in Gougane Barra

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.


Apertureƒ/1.7
CameraGalaxy S23 Ultra
Focal length6.3mm
ISO80
Shutter speed1/180s

Happy Henry

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 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

The eye on 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

Framing the Cathedral and the Church

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

Reflections at Gougane Barra

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

Howya Derelict Cork!

A building on the corner of Sheare Street and Moore Street in Cork appears to be derelict for a number of years. If you take a look at the location on Google Maps you can go back through the years.

In 2014 it appears someone broke the right hand window as it is covered by wood but in the next photo the window is covered by that paint again. Some time between 2017 and 2019 the front of the building was given a lick of paint. The pavement in front was upgraded in that time too so that might account for that.

There’s a bouquet of flowers outside the building in 2017 making me dread to think what reason it was there. 🙁

Anyway, this building is in a great location. It appears to have been an office. This and other buildings around the city that are underused might find more use as a residential building.


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