The Mannequin and Me

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.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO500
Shutter speed1/500s

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

Young Adults in the Shade of the City

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.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO250
Shutter speed1/500s

A Boat on a Lake with Clouds

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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length77mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/80s

The Tree in 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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/160s

Invisible Motion on the Lake

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.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length38mm
ISO100
Shutter speed30s

Shadows of Everyday Life

It’s a common sight in today’s world – a woman walking down the street, engrossed in her phone, completely unaware of her surroundings. But on this particular day, I noticed something that caught my eye. As she walked, her silhouette cast a clear shadow on the pavement, and the Nike swoosh on her runners was prominently visible.

It was a simple moment, but it got me thinking about how much of our lives are spent glued to our screens, oblivious to the world around us. In this age of constant connectivity, it’s easy to get lost in the virtual world and forget about the beauty of the physical one. But seeing that shadow on the pavement was a reminder that there is still beauty to be found in the simplest of things, if only we take the time to look up from our screens and appreciate it.

So, the next time you find yourself lost in your phone, take a moment to look up and take in the world around you. You never know what hidden beauty might be waiting to be discovered, even in the most mundane of moments. And who knows – you might just end up seeing things in a whole new light.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/800s

Red Hot Discounts in Shop Window

As the woman walked down the street, her attention was drawn to a vibrant red sign in the window of a shop. The sign read “REBAJAS HASTA – 50%,” indicating a significant sale. Intrigued, she paused to take a closer look at the window display.

Dressed in red herself, the woman peered through the door of the shop to catch a glimpse of the discounted items inside. She couldn’t help but wonder what treasures awaited her within the store. With the promise of discounts up to 50%, she knew it would be worth investigating further.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/500s

Phone-Obsessed Youth in the City

As I was walking down the street, I noticed two young men engrossed in their phones. The first was casually leaning against the wall, while the second was perched on his motorbike, which was parked nearby. Despite being in different positions, they were both completely absorbed in their screens, lost in their own digital worlds.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/500s

Bench Talk and Poster People

A woman sitting on a bench, engrossed in her phone. The bench is a unique design, held up by what appears to be a human figure on one end, and a dog on the other, giving it a whimsical and artistic look. Behind her, a poster catches the eye, featuring two people staring out with the text “You’re On,” likely an advertisement for a product or service.

As I walk by, I can’t help but marvel at the creativity and quirkiness of the bench design, and how it adds character to the urban landscape. Meanwhile, the poster behind the woman adds an intriguing element, leaving me to ponder what it could be advertising and how it connects to the theme of being “on.” It’s moments like these that remind me of the small, yet interesting details that make our daily surroundings unique and worth exploring.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO320
Shutter speed1/500s

Luxury and Cost: Split Your Payments

Oh, isn’t it just lovely to walk past an expensive jewellery store and gaze at the beautiful displays of necklaces and rings that most of us can’t afford? Oh, but wait, what’s that? A sign that says, “Split Your Payments”? How considerate of them to offer such a generous payment plan for those of us who just can’t resist the temptation of their overpriced products. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go into debt for a shiny bauble, right?

But in all seriousness, let’s be real. We all know that jewellery is expensive. And while the displays in the front window may be beautiful, they often come with a hefty price tag. So unless you’re a millionaire or have someone willing to foot the bill, it’s best to just admire from afar and save your hard-earned money for something a little more practical.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO500
Shutter speed1/500s

Workers on the Tracks

On an overcast day near the train I was on, four men wearing hi-vis vests were busy repairing something on the ground. They worked in the shadow of a large container that stood on brick lined pillars, with a wall behind providing further support. While one man worked diligently, the other three were huddled together, engrossed in a phone.

It was a scene that spoke to the modern age – even while carrying out manual labour, these workers were still connected to the digital world, using a phone to communicate, check messages or browse social media. Or just doss off while someone else does the work …


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO800
Shutter speed1/500s