Abstract Forest in Motion

While out with Blarney Photography Club in Killarney National Park recently, we came across a small forest of slender tree trunks stretching up towards the sky like spindly fingers. The light was just perfect for some intentional camera movement, so we decided to experiment with a vertical ICM technique.

I set my camera to a slow shutter speed, and then began moving it in a vertical motion as I pressed the shutter button. The result? A beautiful and abstract image that captures the essence of the forest in a unique and captivating way!

The slim tree trunks blend together in a mesmerizing blur of lines, creating a sense of movement and energy that’s almost hypnotic. It’s as though the trees themselves are swaying in a gentle breeze, their branches reaching out to dance with the sunlight.

ICM photography is all about embracing the beauty of imperfection, of letting go of the need for a perfectly sharp image and instead capturing the essence of a moment in a creative and artistic way. And in this forest, with its delicate and slender trees, I found the perfect canvas for my ICM experiment.


Apertureƒ/9
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/2.5s

Horse and Cart in Motion

As I was strolling through the serene beauty of Killarney National Park, a horse and cart leisurely passed by. I couldn’t resist capturing this moment, and so I snapped a photo of the horse and cart using a slightly longer shutter time.

I love the resulting image. The soft light filtering through the leaves and branches of the trees creates an ethereal effect, with wavy lines adding an almost mystical quality to the scene. Most of the picture is a blur, of course, but the horse’s legs are a blur of motion, capturing the essence of its steady trot through the park.


Apertureƒ/11
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/2.5s

The crow wants your dinner

So, picture this: you’re sitting at a table, about to dive into your delicious dinner and dessert when suddenly, a crow appears out of nowhere and lands right on the table in front of you. And what does it want? Well, the half-eaten remnants of your scrumptious meal, of course!

A crow has no shame. It’s not content to settle for its own measly bird seed or whatever else it scavenged from the rubbish. No, it wants your food, and it wants it now.

And let me tell you, this crow is not messing around. It’s standing there on the table, staring you down with its beady little eyes, daring you to try to stop it from taking what it wants. You can practically hear it cawing, “This is my dinner now, human!”

So, what do you do? Do you give in to the demands of this brazen bird and hand over your hard-earned meal? Or do you stand your ground and protect your dinner and dessert at all costs? The choice is yours, my friends, but just remember: when it comes to crows, they always get the last caw.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length178mm
ISO400
Shutter speed1/125s

THAT’S US BTW! YOU ARE EU

The bus shelter is adorned with a poster promoting a message of “Freedom, Peace & Energy Independence. YOU ARE EUROPE”, featuring a group of youthful individuals standing beside the text “YOU ARE EU”. This poster can be spotted throughout the EU, and I even noticed a few on the Europe subreddit last week.

Meanwhile, an advertisement displayed on the bus parked at the stop bears the message “THAT’S US BTW!” with an arrow pointing downwards towards the end of a URL. However, I like to think the arrow is pointing towards the individuals featured in the EU poster.

These types of advertisements and posters serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of people across the EU, and the importance of promoting unity and solidarity among diverse communities. The bus itself is a common mode of transportation throughout many European cities, offering a convenient and efficient way to traverse the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods of these dynamic urban centers.


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

Skeletal Trees by the Pond

As I walked back from shooting the sunrise at the Lakes of Killarney with members of Blarney Photography Club, I caught sight of something that made me pause. Off to the side of the path, there was a small pond surrounded by a stark scene. The bare trees looked almost skeletal in the early morning light, framing the yellowed grass and adding to the eerie atmosphere. In the middle distance, the pond was a reminder to step carefully as the ground was marshy. Off in the distance, a mountain basked in the warm glow of the rising sun. But the sky was heavy with clouds, and it seemed like the rain was on its way.

It was a beautiful scene, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of nature. Almost everywhere you look, there’s a photo to be made. The quiet stillness of the morning was only interrupted by the occasional chirping of birds and rustling of leaves. It was as if time stood still for just a moment, and I was lucky enough to witness it.

As a photographer, moments like these are a reminder of the power of capturing a single moment in time. The way the light falls just right, the way the colours blend and complement each other, and the way nature creates a canvas that is beyond our wildest imagination. I’m grateful for this moment and the opportunity to share it with others.


Apertureƒ/4.5
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/250s

Night Time Light Streaks at Busy Junction

The hustle and bustle of city life can be captivating, especially at night, when the bright lights of passing vehicles streak into the distance like stars in the sky. This particular photo captures the vibrant energy of a busy junction, with cars and buses whizzing by in a blur of colour and motion.

Despite the darkness of the buildings lining the street, the glow of street lights are like stars and provide illumination. The long exposure of the photo creates an almost dreamlike effect, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

It’s fascinating how a single photo can encapsulate so much energy and movement, bringing to life the bustling rhythm of urban living. As the city continues to evolve and grow, scenes like this will always remain a constant reminder of the vibrant pulse of urban life.


Apertureƒ/16
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed15s

The Old Weir Bridge in Killarney

The Old Weir Bridge is a picturesque bridge over a small river near the Lakes of Killarney in Ireland. The bridge is an old stone structure with arched openings, and it looks particularly beautiful against the natural backdrop of the river and trees.

The trees on both sides of the river are mostly bare, which creates an interesting contrast against the dark and heavy clouds in the sky. It’s a moody and atmospheric scene, and the bridge adds a touch of history and charm to the landscape.

It’s a popular spot for photographers and visitors who want to take in the beauty of the area. I highly recommend taking a stroll by the river and checking out the Old Weir Bridge.


Apertureƒ/13
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length65mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/20s

Golden Glow over a Wheat Field

As the golden hour approaches, the sun illuminates a section of a wheat field, casting a beautiful warm glow across the landscape. In the midst of the field stands a single pole, which is illuminated by the soft light, creating a stunning contrast against the shadowy surroundings. The tall wheat stalks gently sway in the light breeze, while the shadows cast by the wheat blades create a mesmerizing circular pattern around the pole.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/500s

A Room with a View

This barren room overlooking the breathtaking Douro Valley belongs to the Quinta da Roêda vineyard, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Portugal’s wine country. As you step inside, you’ll notice a quaint wooden table and stools, inviting you to sit and take in the stunning view while enjoying a glass of the vineyard’s finest port. But the most curious thing hanging from the ceiling catches your eye: a saddle, giving the room a rustic and adventurous touch. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the vineyard’s charming ambiance.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/40s

A Man and His Cigarette

During a walk through the bustling streets of Malaga, I happened upon a man who was seated upon the steps of a nearby building. As I approached him, I observed that he appeared to be deep in thought, his gaze fixed upon the cigarette he was smoking. Despite the cool temperature, he seemed content and at ease, bundled up in a cosy woolly hat and scarf. Notably, he wore a vibrant red watch on his wrist, adding a pop of colour to his otherwise understated attire.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/500s

Fridays For Future in Cork

I was in town today and came across a Fridays For Future protest on Grand Parade. They’re a group of very passionate young people protesting at the state of our environment. Their aim is to demand that the Irish government take action on climate change and climate injustice in Ireland.

They have an uphill fight, unfortunately. The world is going to zip right past the 1.5ºC average rise in temperature.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/500s

A Relaxed Coffee Shop

Soft, colourful light pours through circular windows, illuminating the coffee shop’s bar and floor. A man casually leans against the bar, waiting to settle his bill for his drink. The gentle lighting filtering through the windows accentuates the coffee shop’s peaceful and tranquil ambiance.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/60s