I was there too
I was out walking in Valencia and spotted a cyclist headed in my direction at speed. That’s not so uncommon, but he was cycling really fast through the area.
He caught my attention, I photographed him. High ISO FTW!
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 12800 |
| Shutter speed | 1/320s |
A Western lowland gorilla from the Republic of the Congo sits on the ground outside a viewing area where humans gaze at him.
He lives in the Bioparc in Valencia, Spain, and I think his name is Mambie. He was born in 1991 and is a beautiful animal, but when we were there, he charged and rammed into the glass windows twice. The Wikipedia page for these gorillas describes that behaviour as stereotypic behaviour, or abnormal or compulsive behaviour. It’s easy to imagine that he’s not happy there, but he is hand reared, as he was born in a zoo. This life is all he knows. These animals are endangered, and there’s a population of 500 living in zoos worldwide.
I was sad to see him in captivity. Valencia Bioparc is small, compared to wildlife parks like Fota in Co Cork, but the larger animals had room to roam about. At least, as much room as a 10 hectare site will allow.
It is definitely worth going to visit if you’re in the city. Just don’t eat in the overpriced restaurant.
| Aperture | ƒ/3.5 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 1000 |
| Shutter speed | 1/60s |
A stag buries his head in grass, to decorate his antlers and make himself more attractive to female deer.
Killarney National Park, October 2023.
| Aperture | ƒ/6.3 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 514.7mm |
| ISO | 1250 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
If you do the Caminito del Rey hike, you’ll come across this bridge at the end of your journey. The old bridge isn’t used any more as a modern suspension bridge has been built right next to it.
It’s still quite a sight as you walk over it and definitely not somewhere to go if you have a fear of heights.
| Aperture | ƒ/7.1 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 23mm |
| ISO | 125 |
| Shutter speed | 1/160s |
“Well, it is in here somewhere. I’ll find it eventually.”
“Oh sure, you forgot it, didn’t you?”
“Give her a chance. It probably fell between the seats.”
“OK, GOT IT!”
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 160 |
| Shutter speed | 1/500s |
In Valencia, Spain, they rerouted a river that ran through the city, making a very long park through the city. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the science museum, is behind me, nestled in the space the river once took, while in front is the Pont l’Assut de l’Or. It’s a beautiful bridge spanning the gap over the old river.
In the background is the Caixa Forum, and further on, out of view is the Museu Oceanogràfic, the fabulous aquarium in the city.
All along the old river run paths and play fields, grassy areas, trees, and benches for sitting on. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re in the city. Bikes can be hired too, but I found it stressful because there were so many people around. Getting the bus is easier.
The photo above was shot before sunrise, when the only people around were joggers and people working in the local area. Lovely and quiet!
Unfortunately, there’s a bin at the end of every bench. Not much I could do about it. I wanted to remove it in Photoshop, but I appear to have this bug where no tools work. Uninstalling and reinstalling did not help. 🙁
| Aperture | ƒ/10 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 16mm |
| ISO | 400 |
| Shutter speed | 2.5s |
As the sun sets, one thing I like to do is intentionally moving the camera lens, so the resulting picture is more abstract, but still captures the colours and shadows of the sunset.
This is what I did in Youghal a few months ago with Blarney Photography Club. Standing in the water, I swung the lens horizontally. The sun had almost set, so it caused a streak at the horizon and the groynes in the water looked like shadowy transparent obstructions.
| Aperture | ƒ/4.5 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 44mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 2s |
I had the privilege of capturing this electrifying event for the first time ever, and let me tell you – it was an experience unlike any other!
Despite the chilly weather and occasional rain showers, the participants’ spirits were unwavering as they danced, sang, SCREAMED and shambled along as zombies. ?
As the procession made its way along Shandon Street, North Gate Bridge, North Main Street, Castle Street, and finally Cornmarket Street, a massive crowd gathered to watch and cheer on the fun! ? I chatted with some enthusiastic spectators who followed the zombies and monsters from Shandon Street to Cornmarket Street to make sure they didn’t miss anything.
At the very end, we were treated to dancing and singing by the groups in the parade, and it was wonderful. I’m sure it’ll be on next year. You should go see it if you’re in Cork!
Continue reading “The 2023 Dragon of Shandon Parade”| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 400 |
| Shutter speed | 1/15s |
Happy Halloween!! Last night was my first time photographing the Dragon of Shandon parade, and it was incredible! The weather was pretty bad, with intermittent rain showers, and it was a cold October evening. Brrr.
That didn’t dampen the spirits of all the participants, who danced and hollered and stumbled along like zombies or medieval executioners. Not to mention the fabulous floats!
More photos to come. I haven’t had time to look over them all yet. Check out the ones Fergal shared here on Facebook!
Remembering you, Robert, the first time I went to this, and you’re not there with your camera.
| Aperture | ƒ/2.8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 24mm |
| ISO | 800 |
| Shutter speed | 1/20s |
The waters of Malaga harbour are quiet, but there are many people walking around as the sun sets over the city. A lifebuoy could be the difference between life and death.
| Aperture | ƒ/8 |
| Camera | ILCE-7M3 |
| Focal length | 75mm |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shutter speed | 1/25s |
