I was there too
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
| Aperture | ƒ/8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 240mm |
| ISO | 12800 |
| Shutter speed | 1/200s |
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!
| Aperture | ƒ/11 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 1/50s |
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.
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 1/1000s |
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 |
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 |
Being late was something he hated. He had an important tour to join and he couldn’t afford to miss it. He had been planning this trip for months and today was the day he would see the sights of Dublin. He hoped they would be amazing. He hoped they would be worth it. He hoped they would make him happy.
Down O’Connell Street he ran, dodging pedestrians and cars. The wind in his hair and his tie flapping over his shoulder but he didn’t have time to adjust. His cap almost went flying too. He didn’t have time for anything. His map was checked and he cursed. He was lost.
His hands were put in his pockets, holding his coat behind him. He wore a white shirt and a shiny brown suit, his usual attire for formal occasions. He didn’t care if they looked odd or outdated. He liked them, and he thought they made him stand out. Looking like a tourist and adventurous was what he wanted, but he felt confused and scared. He wondered if he had everything he needed. He wondered if he had forgotten something.
The Spire of Dublin, a tall and slender monument that rose above the street, was reached by him. It looked impressive and futuristic. A surge of excitement and hope was felt by him. He recognized it from the brochure.
The street was crossed, and he looked for the tour guide who was supposed to meet him there. He saw a man wearing a green jacket and holding a sign that said “Dublin City Tour”. He waved at him and ran towards him.
He smiled nervously and said, “Hello, I’m sorry I’m late”.
The man looked at him with a puzzled expression and said, “Late for what?”
He pointed at the sign and said, “The tour, of course”.
The man shook his head and said, “Sorry, mate, you’ve got the wrong guy. This is not a tour sign, this is a protest sign. I’m here to protest against the Spire. I think it’s an eyesore and a waste of money”.
The sign was looked at more closely, and he realized that it had another word under “Dublin City Tour”. It said “Boycott”.
A wave of embarrassment and disappointment was felt by him. He had made a mistake.
He apologized and walked away.
He hoped he wasn’t too late.
He hoped he wasn’t too late.
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 1/1000s |
She needed a break. Hours of non-stop work had taken a toll on her, typing away on her laptop, answering emails, making calls, and dealing with deadlines. She felt like she was drowning in work and stress. Grabbing her jacket and her cigarettes, she headed to the front of the building, where there was a large window that faced the street.
A cigarette was lit, and she took a long drag, exhaling slowly. The nicotine calmed her nerves and relaxed her muscles. Leaning against the wall, she looked at the window. Next to her stood a mannequin, dressed in a short denim dress. It was part of a display for a clothing store on the ground floor.
The mannequin made her frown. It looked so casual and carefree, so different from how she felt. What would it be like to be a mannequin, to have no worries or responsibilities, to just stand there and look cute? She imagined swapping places with it, wearing its dress and shoes, posing in the window. Would anyone notice?
Another drag of her cigarette was taken and she flicked the ash. A man walked by on the street and stopped to look at the window. He seemed to be staring at her. A surge of self-consciousness and embarrassment filled her. She quickly looked away and pretended to be interested in something else.
She glanced back at the mannequin. It was still looking at the window, unfazed by the attention. Its smug expression seemed to mock her. A pang of envy and resentment hit her. She wished she could be as cool and confident as it was. She wished she could have its life.
Her cigarette was finished, and she threw it in the dustbin. She straightened her jacket and her hair and headed back to her office. She had work to do. She couldn’t afford to waste time fantasizing about being someone else.
She walked past the window and gave the mannequin one last look. It was still looking at the window, oblivious to her existence.
She sighed and walked on.
| Aperture | ƒ/4 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 16mm |
| ISO | 500 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
The hustle and bustle of city life often leads to interesting and unexpected moments, and I was lucky enough to capture one such moment on camera. A young man was leaning against a wall, squinting up at the bright sky opposite, while a young woman sat on the steps nearby, checking her phone. They both seemed lost in their own thoughts, but were still somewhat connected by their proximity.
| Aperture | ƒ/4 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 16mm |
| ISO | 250 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
