Sony A7 III – Page 43 – In Photos dot Org

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

The Mannequin and Me

A woman standing in the street lighting a cigarette next to a window with a mannequin

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

A Sunset Dog Walk in Malaga

A dog and his owner waiting to cross the road, in Malaga, Spain.

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.

Aperture	ƒ/6.3
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	240mm
ISO	400
Shutter speed	1/500s

Young Adults in the Shade of the City

A young man leans against a wall and squints into the bright sky opposite, while a young woman sits on steps nearby checking her phone.

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

A Boat on a Lake with Clouds

A boat on a lake. Reeds in the foreground and cloud covered hills in the background.

There’s something about a small boat on a calm lake that just begs to be photographed. And when you add in the backdrop of hills shrouded in clouds and the texture of the reeds in the foreground, it becomes a picture-perfect moment.

Capturing that moment, though, can be a challenge. You want to make sure you get just the right angle and lighting to do it justice. But when you finally get that shot and see the results, it’s all worth it.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	77mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/80s

The Tree in Muckross Abbey

A very tall tree grows in the middle of the abandoned, but restored Muckross Abbey.

When you visit Muckross Abbey in Killarney, one thing that immediately catches your eye is the magnificent tree that grows right in the middle of the building. The tree is so large that it almost looks like it’s part of the abbey, as if the building had grown around it over time.

Taking a photo of this tree is an absolute must if you’re a photography enthusiast. As you stand there, camera in hand, you can’t help but marvel at the sheer size of this tree, as its branches extend high into the sky. It’s truly a sight to behold. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, the way the light filters through the leaves is simply magical.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	16mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	1/160s

Invisible Motion on the Lake

A long exposure photo of a lake. The water is smooth, the reeds obscured by their motion while the trees are bare on this February evening

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Lakes of Killarney with Blarney Photography Club and snapped this long exposure photo near Ross Castle. The scene was magical, with the reeds gently swaying in the breeze and the bare trees looking like skeletons on guard. It was an otherworldly experience, and I couldn’t wait to capture it on camera.

It was also freezing that February evening, so this is one of the last shots of the day for me. Totally blown out and over exposed, but I love it.

Aperture	ƒ/8
Camera	ILCE-7M3
Focal length	38mm
ISO	100
Shutter speed	30s