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

A Sunset Dog Walk in Malaga

There’s something special about taking photos of everyday moments, especially when they involve dogs. As I was walking through Malaga, Spain, I came across a man and his furry companion waiting to cross the road. The setting sun cast a warm glow on everything around us, and the long shadows made for an interesting composition.

The dog, a small but scruffy pup, stood obediently at his owner’s side, tail wagging slowly as he looked up at his human. The man wore a relaxed smile, one that spoke of contentment and peace. Together, they waited for the signal to cross, the dog’s ears perked up, taking in the sounds and smells of the street.

It was a simple moment, one that might go unnoticed by others, but it felt like a privilege to capture it through my lens. Sometimes, it’s these unassuming moments that hold the most beauty.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/500s

Diego: Small Dog, Big Adventure

Diego, our tiny Chihuahua, gazes up at me with his soulful eyes, his tiny tail wagging excitedly. It’s clear that he’s eager for his daily walk, a time when he can explore the world and take in all the scents and sounds around him. Despite his diminutive size, Diego is a ball of energy and enthusiasm, always ready for a new adventure.

His favourite word? Walkies! In his excitement, when he heard that word, he runs for a toy to play with it with me!

His second favourite word? That would be “treat”. Of course. He loves his treats.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length50mm
ISO40000
Shutter speed1/125s

Oscar in the snow

Twelve years ago today, it had snowed heavily in Blarney. I took Oscar out for a walk that morning and brought my camera along because of the snow!

I don’t think he really minded the cold, but he was always happy to get home, snow or not!


Apertureƒ/10
CameraCanon EOS 40D
Focal length10mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/125s

My comfortable Pets

First up is Hoppy. She’s around 13 and only has three legs but she’s a fast mover. In the past she didn’t mind the cold but now she likes to avoid it.

A cat on a bed looking at the camera

Here’s Mommy Cat. She’s Hoppy’s mom.

She’s around 16 as best we can guess, as she was around for a few years before she brought her kittens in to us.

For years, she would never come into the house, but now she spends 99% of the day inside, asleep. She doesn’t go any further than the garden now.

We can’t touch her as she’ll take a swipe at us if we do, but we still love her.

A chihuahua in a bed looking at the camera

Then there’s Diego, our chihuahua. He was 8 this year. A middle aged dog with a special diet and who absolutely loves cuddles.

The cats and him sort of ignore each other, but if the cats get a treat, Diego makes sure that we know he wants one too.

It’s so very cold outside but Hoppy, Mommy Cat and Diego are inside in the warmth and putting up with me taking photos of them.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO20000
Shutter speed1/60s