I was there too
It was October 2019 and JD Sports had yet to open their shop on Patrick’s Street in Cork. The back of the building, on Drawbridge Street, featured JD Sports hoarding, but now it’s derelict, with “TO LET” signs in the windows, and the SAVOY entrance is boarded up.
A sign of the times. The city can’t compete with online sales.
| Aperture | ƒ/4 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 16mm |
| ISO | 125 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
Exactly a month ago, I ventured out with Blarney Photography Club to see Wonderlights at Fota House. The grounds were transformed into something straight out of a cyberpunk fairy tale. This particular shot caught my eye – a grove of trees bathed in blues and magentas, with disco balls dangling from gnarled branches like some sort of woodland rave.
The fog machines were working overtime, creating this ethereal atmosphere that had me half expecting to see digital faeries emerge from behind the trunks. It’s amazing what a few well-placed lights can do to transform these old trees into something so otherworldly. I shot this at ISO 100 for a lengthy eight second exposure with my tripod, and I was thrilled with how it came out.
| Aperture | ƒ/8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 8s |
There’s never a bus when you want one, and suddenly four come along when you least expect it. A very busy Bridge Street in Cork last week with commuters on the way home.
| Aperture | ƒ/6.3 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 169mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 1/8s |
The blurred Christmas lights along St. Patrick Street and Cook Street transform into a dreamy tapestry of golden and multicoloured bokeh, creating a magical backdrop above a person wearing a studded black beanie and glasses near Opera Lane.
Nollaig shona duit! Hope you had a nice day today if you celebrate!
| Aperture | ƒ/6.3 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 240mm |
| ISO | 8000 |
| Shutter speed | 1/250s |
Nollaigh Shona Dhaoibh go léir! Now that no more shopping is possible, maybe we can return to normality. Of course, in cold and dreary January, we might look back with nostalgic eyes at the bright lights, decorations, and all the stress excitement.
| Aperture | ƒ/18 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 208mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 5s |
Two fabulous Mockie Ah! queens posed for me in the middle of the street yesterday when I asked if I could take their photo. The cold weather was freezing, but they put on a smile and stopped for a moment to chat, and I was very grateful for the photo. Their vibrant presence transformed an ordinary winter’s day into something extraordinary.
These glamorous performers graced The Pav‘s stage last night, with another appearance scheduled for New Year’s Eve, promising to end 2024 with the perfect blend of sparkle and spectacle.
| Aperture | ƒ/11 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 320 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
The tower of St. Anne’s Church, or Shandon Bells, towers over the surrounding buildings and is visible from the big wheel on Grand Parade.
Behind it is the North Cathedral and the distinctive roof of the Firkin Crane is off to the left. In the foreground is the brand-new Capitol building.
First time on the big wheel. Nice view from up top. Thanks Henry!
| Aperture | ƒ/8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 240mm |
| ISO | 2500 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
The big wheel on Grand Parade in Cork spins and makes a lovely shape when captured by a long exposure shot. Also missing from this are a few friends who thankfully kept walking back and forth so they wouldn’t be captured in the image!
| Aperture | ƒ/6.3 |
| Camera | ILCE-7RM5 |
| Focal length | 33mm |
| ISO | 250 |
| Shutter speed | 8s |
