Sony A7 III – Page 43 – In Photos dot Org

Breathtaking Border Mountains in Germany

Mountains on the German and Austrian border. Dark clouds threaten rain and snow.

Here’s another photo from my recent team meetup in Germany, where we got to see these incredible mountains that span the border of Germany and Austria. We were up pretty high too, around 1500m at Bergstation Herzogstandbahn, which made for a wonderful view.

Of course, the weather wasn’t exactly on our side – those ominous black clouds overhead made it feel like it could start raining or snowing at any moment. But honestly, it only added to the atmosphere and the sense of adventure. It wasn’t too cold at first, but on the way back to the gondola, the weather turned, and it got noticeably colder up there. It was totally worth it to see this incredible natural wonder. I just can’t get over how powerful and peaceful nature can be at the same time.

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	172mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1250s

Vineyard Vistas in Portugal

Blue skies over a vineyard in Portugal. The vines run off into the distance. A tree stands nearby while tall, thin, evergreen trees break the horizon up the hill.

Amidst the stunning scenery of Portugal’s Douro Valley, we found ourselves at Quinta da Roêda, a picturesque vineyard nestled under a breathtaking blue sky. As far as the eye could see, the vines stretched out into the distance, beckoning us to explore further.

A solitary tree stood tall nearby, while on the horizon, two tall, thin evergreens created a natural border against the rolling hills. It was a serene moment, a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature and the splendour of the Douro Valley’s vineyards.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	31mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/160s

Framing the Cathedral and the Church

The view from Bell's Field, Cork looking over towards The Cathedral Of St Mary & St Anne, on towards Cathedral Road and up the hill to The Church of the Ascension. Cars on the road and lots of houses visible too.

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

Exhausted on Snowy Slopes

Two skiers prepare to go downhill, while in the foreground a sign warns "Halt" and "Skilift" pointing to the right but the sign is leaning precariously to the side

We had trudged up and down rugged hills, wearing snow shoes, until we finally came to a stop, feeling sore and utterly exhausted. The sun blazed down on us as we stood at 1500m on a crisp, clear day. Ahead of us loomed another hill, descending a valley and then ascending at a steep incline. At the bottom, we spotted two skiers preparing to travel further down the slopes.

In the foreground, a sign attached to a precarious, leaning pole caught our attention. It commanded us to “Halt”, but the sign pointing to the ski lift pointed upwards towards the sky, which was fitting because the ski lift itself ascended the side of a dauntingly steep hill.

Wisely, I believe, we decided to take a break for lunch instead of attempting that treacherous incline. 🙂

Aperture	ƒ/9
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	146mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/2000s

Reflections at Gougane Barra

The small chapel at Gougane Barra reflected in the lake there in early morning light. Trees are near it and fields and hills in the distance. It's a cloudy day.

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

Howya Derelict Cork!

The window of a derelict building in Cork City with the greeting HOWYA on it.

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

Descending through the Clouds

The view from the gondola station high up over a valley. Blue water of a lake is seen below as well as tiny houses, roads and trees surrounding green fields.

We stood atop the towering mountain, surrounded by billowing clouds, preparing to leave. As I gazed downwards, my eyes traced the steep slope all the way to the tranquil blue waters of the lake below. Tiny houses and buildings speckled the landscape, and a winding road traced the shoreline.

Having just dined at Berggasthaus Herzogstand, a restaurant nestled at nearly 1600 meters above sea level, we were eager to descend. However, the weather had taken a turn for the worse, with rain pelting down and the wind picking up. It was the last gondola ride of the day, too.

As we embarked on the journey, the gondola suddenly came to an abrupt halt. We hung suspended in mid-air for several minutes as the operator communicated over the radio. It turned out that some passengers had been left behind on the mountain, and we realized they were fortunate to have caught a ride down with us!

Aperture	ƒ/9
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	160
Shutter speed	1/30s

Surfing on the Isar

A surfer on the River Isar sits on his surfboard

I had a fantastic time in Munich with my team recently. We explored the city and enjoyed its sights and sounds. But the most surprising and thrilling thing I saw was in the city park.

As we walked along a path, I heard a roaring sound of water. I peeked through the trees and saw two men in wetsuits carrying surfboards. They were heading back up the banks of the River Isar, where a crowd awaited them. I ran to the riverbank and witnessed a spectacular scene: surfers riding a fast and furious wave in the middle of the city! I quickly grabbed my camera, and snapped some remarkable shots of this incredible spectacle.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	112mm
ISO	12800
Shutter speed	1/250s

The Service at Coughlans Bar

Members of the band, "The Service" performing on stage in Coughlans Bar.

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

Capturing Sunrise in Killarney

An vibrant yellow sunrise over the calm waters of the Lakes of Killarney, with misty mountains in the distance.

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

The Robin with the Attitude

He perched on the tree trunk, looking around. He was a robin, and he knew it. He had a bright red chest, and a loud song. He had a sharp eye, and a fast wing. He had everything he needed, and wanted.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	194mm
ISO	64000
Shutter speed	1/200s

The Wrong Tour

A man walking on the street. The breeze blows his orange tie over his shoulder. People are visible in the background.

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.

Aperture	ƒ/2.8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	24mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/1000s