LX5 Test Drive - RAW

Random street shot taken with the LX5 while walking. If you are using PS5, you'll discover that it's necessary to download and install the most current plug-in for Adobe Camera RAW (6.4.1). This will enable CS5 to read the Panasonic RW2 Raw file format. I must say, I was very surprised with the quality of the captured image which was not very impressive when viewed on the camera's LCD display. Rightly or wrongly, apart from the upgraded sensor in the LX5, I feel the modest pixel count of 10 mega-pixels, is a definite advantage. Interestingly, the race to cram more pixels into the sensors of compact and bridge cameras seems to be at an end and manufacturers are putting greater emphasis on enhancing the sensors ability to capture light in the most challenging environments - places where the compact camera currently cannot compete with a digital SLR. The LX5 is a vast improvement on my Canon G9 in this regard although I am aware that Canon have been active in sensor upgrades of which the current G12 is the beneficiary. Not going to harp on about this but I like the feel of the LX5 and it is fully loaded with a lot of creative shooting modes that are visually appealing. In the weeks ahead, I might deal with some of these in more detail here. For now, I hope you all have a good weekend. T

LX5 Test Drive

I'm currently test-driving the Panasonic Lumix LX5, seriously excellent pro-pocket camera. I'm rediscovering the beauty of JPEG and loving it! This is a serious street photographers camera and at the moment a favourite over the Canon G12.


Photo: I'm standing on the platform of Carrick-on-Shannon railway station looking into the convex mirror at the end of the track which is covered in bird shit. Camera set to iA (intelligent Auto) mode. The 1:1 format is done in-camera but I did indulge in a 'lomo' action to grunge this up a bit for effect. Apart from holding the camera, it's the technology that's doing the work here.


ps - apologies, I'm doing some digital 'Lomo' workshops at the moment so current work is in that exaggerated contrast zone.

Lunar Eclipse Boyle

A respectable gathering assembled at the Gaelic Chieftain just outside Boyle this evening to view the lunar eclipse. Personally, such events don't hold a great deal of interest for me, however my 9 year old son was most anxious to witness this fairly rare phenomenon. At about 10.15pm, a crescent moon began to materialise through a haze covered horizon, we didn't see the total eclipse at all. It was very subtle at first but gradually it brightened as it climbed into the night sky. Over the subsequent 50 minutes or so, the shadow cast by the Earth on the surface of the moon receded until it eventually disappeared to reveal a bright full-moon. Although it was a pleasure to stand there for an hour or so in the cold to witness the event, it was not as dramatic as I had hoped. I believe it was to be much more dramatic in the Eastern parts of the country. None the less, I was grateful for the clear sky and absence of rain and I'm sure it will be very memorable for my son too.


Photo: A single exposure. I wasn't bothered trying to shoot the moon on it's own in the sky, instead I wanted to record the scene and light as accurately as it existed. Shot with a 70-200mm lens @ 155mm simply resting it on the tripod. ISO 800. 1/80 @ f/2.8. Focusing on the foreground area with a wide aperture, I was content to sacrifice the detail on the surface of the moon.

Young Art Teachers of the future

The National College of Art & Design in Dublin opened their graduate show on Friday evening. I was delighted to be there to wish this group of young art teachers, who graduated from the Faculty of Education, the very best of luck for the future. Have a look at their catalogue HERE.

Gallery of Photography - Dublin

Graduates from Dublin Institute of Technology are currently having their annual show at the Gallery of Photography in Temple Bar, Dublin. I visited the show on Friday. As always, it's worth look to see the direction the landscape of Irish photography is taking. While there, I took this shot through the window which looks out on what used to be a very nice square that led to the National Photographic Archive. At the moment, as you can see, it is very much an archaeological excavation.

Archaeologists uncovered a Viking settlement, on what was once an island in here. Two Viking homes were found during excavations at Meeting House Square in advance of building work at the site. It is believed the settlement was built on an island in the River Poddle in the 10th or 11th century before it was destroyed by flood waters. A number of pottery artefacts from a later date have also been discovered during the dig, which began in late April this year. Four large retractable umbrellas are to be built at the site for shelter during outdoor events. The dig is expected to last six weeks.

Summer in Dublin

Located at the top of Parliament Street on the city's southern side, Dublin's City Hall stands next to Dublin Castle, the centre of British government in Ireland until 1922. The street had been built in 1753, providing a continuation of Capel Street on the north bank of the Liffey, across the newly widened Essex Bridge, and so the exchange ended (and still ends) a long streetscape.

The large size and fine fittings of the Royal exchange, with carved capitals by Simon Vierpyl, and plasterwork by the leading stuccodore Charles Thorpe, reflect the standing and prestige of Dublin in the 18th Century. The neo-classical building contains a central entrance hall or Rotunda, with a large dome supported by twelve columns which is surrounded by an ambulatory where the merchants strolled and discussed business meetings.

The building was restored to its 18th-century appearance at the beginning of the 21st century, and Dublin City Council has won awards for the conservation of this historic building.

Most Dublin City Council staff are located in the relatively new and controversial Civic Offices, built from 1979 on the site of a national monument, the Viking city foundations on Wood Quay.

Dublin Corporation itself was renamed in the early 21st century as Dublin City Council, previously the name of the assembly of councillors only. Council meetings take place in City Hall.

Jump-Ball

A great evening's entertainment had yesterday when Boyle U8's and U10's played East Harps under the gaze of Keashcorran Mountain, Co. Sligo. Despite the presence of one of the darkest skies I've seen this year so far, the thunder and rain stayed away. The light was stunning and the backdrop of the dramatic sky was exceptional. All the young men and women of both teams gave an excellent performance. Fair play to players and their coaching staff.

Not Another Fashion Book!

The library at NCAD has the finest collection of books on the Visual Arts in Ireland. The photography section alone would fill the shelves of most regional County Libraries. In these days of computers and the internet, it's very refreshing and enlightening to spend time here and thumb through the pages of some exceptional books by some of the finest artists and photographers on the planet. Today was one of those days, a brief interlude at a time of madness and hysteria in the academic year.

The Gallery

In the context of the 2011 National Year of Craft, the National College of Art and Design Gallery presented an exhibition of new work by textile designer and lecturer in Textiles at NCAD, Nigel Graham Cheney. ‘Gone to the Dogs’ brings together Cheney’s most recent work, a group of intricately embroidered and quilted textile prints. These richly coloured works feature images of decommissioned banknotes and purebred dogs, reflecting upon associations of value and speculation and playing on notions of the counterfeit. While celebrating the beauty and detail of the imagery of these, decommissioned banknotes, Cheney’s heavily hand-worked surfaces also invest a new value into the objects.

This exhibition showcases a body of work that treads a line between craft, fine art and design. The work exploits both hand operated and computer driven machinery, placing it at the centre of current debates around the role of technology in contemporary craft practice. However, The ‘hand-made’ is also an essential element in this work, with the hundreds of hours spent stitching each piece clearly in evidence.

The exhibition closes this Monday 30th May.

Showing Off ... Again!

An out-take from a bit of photo-fun in the garden a few weeks ago. Sometimes models can be very uncooperative and cantankerous!

Photo: Not staged, caught them like this while making exposure adjustments. A blend of two separate exposures, the first with the two children propped on ladders and the second, with no little people or ladders in the frame. In PS the first shot was brought in on top of the second as a layer and a layer-mask added. Subsequently, the area of the ladder supporting the girl is removed to reveal the empty landscape on the background layer. A very simple but effective technique which can be exploited greatly for creative effect.

Forest Fire in Cornameeltha

For many years I've been very content living pretty much in the middle of a modest hardwood forest on the side of the Curlew Mountains. These past two years however, have shattered whatever romantic illusion I harboured of a peaceful and tranquil existence here. April is fast becoming the month of fire here in Ireland and those living in close proximity to woodland are particularly vulnerable. For the second year in a row, the forestry about my home has come close, too close to threatening flames. We are lucky to have very vigilant neighbours and an efficient and dedicated fire service, but often when pitched against the roaring flames of a woodland fire, in the absence of a local water supply, there is limitations to what can be done. The shot above was taken during a forest fire beside my home this year, the jumping flames and dancing sparks were a sight to behold but for the mercy of the prevailing winds, that ensemble of fire-fighting vehicles would be at my front door!

A view down the driveway looking across the road to the fire that burns through the forestry beyond.

Is Féidir linn, Mr. President!!

Monday - 23rd May 2011. I didn't get to see the big man today but he certainly made a big impression on the crowd that stood about in the wind and rain on College Green, Dublin to hear his encouraging words. The queue started forming at 11am this morning and by 2pm, when the barriers opened to allow people proceed to College Green, it extended all the way back to Christ Church Cathedral. Unfortunately, because I had a rucksack, I was not allowed onto College Green so contented myself with a few shots of the waiting crowd before proceeding to the railway station and home. Must say, it looked like people were really getting into the swing of things, young and old gathered to share and embrace this historic event.

West Coast Sea Study

Since Easter, the weather here seems to have turned, we were spoiled with sunshine in April but where has it got ... and will we see it again ... this side of Christmas? We are promised winds of up to 140km over the next two days, time to put the garden furniture in again. President Obama visits our shores in the morning, I wish him the very best of luck and hope he enjoys his brief stay.

Photo: 10-20mm lens @ 10mm. ISO 100. 25 second exposure @ f/16. I used a B+W 10 stop filter to get that slow shutter speed.

This unusual house is built into the hillside in the vicinity of Inishbofin Harbour. I have mixed feelings about it's design and location. I guess on one level, I admire the boldness of it's form and colour but on the other hand I'm asking how the hell they got planning permission and am a bit upset about the apparent lack of consideration for the surrounding landscape. When I reconcile my position on this, I'll let you know.

Photo: 17-55mm lens @ 55mm. ISO 100. 1/200 @ f/9.

More from Inishbofin HERE.

Sunny Day in Galway Bay

The Inishbofin Ferry service runs between the island and Cleggan, Co. Galway two or three times daily, depending on the season. The crossing is about 40 minutes (give or take). Give me boats any day over flying!

Photo: Ferry leaving the island for Cleggan. 70-200mm lens @ 170mm. ISO 200. 1/1600 @ f/4

Inishbofin Grotto

Known locally as 'The Grotto', this spectacular 'blow-hole' is situated in the West Quarter of Inishbofin. This one is unusual because not only can you walk down into it, the sun also shines directly to the bottom, illuminating the gapping hole for about an hour each day. Above you can see the eroded passage out to the sea, the blue area in the mid-distance is light entering from a second 'blow-hole', a short distance away to the North. While taking this shot, a large seal came up the passage to the rock in the distance, stuck it's head up, then disappeared. A really beautiful place, shot in perfect weather and light. I'm guessing it would not have the same visual impact on a dull day.

Photo: Shot in bright sunlight. 10-20mm wide-angle lens @ 16mm. This is a 3 frame, in-camera multiple exposure. ISO 100. 30 seconds (x3 = 90 seconds). f/13. A B+W 10 stop filter was used to achieve the slow shutter speed.

On the subject of 'grottos', here's one taken of an old wreck on the beach.

Inishbofin Harbour

The 'Blue Hour' is a very special time of the day, particularly for strobist photographers. However, the location and subject matter are very important. It's not without it's challenges, metering can be problematic as the light can change dramatically in a matter of minutes ... even seconds. I must say, I love this kind of challenge though and would encourage others to give it a go. A tripod is essential, a remote shutter release is useful too and while you're at it, bring some gloves and a hip-flask (provided you don't have to drive of course!).

Photo: This shot was taken during a walk on Inishbofin at the weekend, the shot I was hunting for didn't happen so I headed for home. Initially I wasn't bothered about it as the light was fading fast, and I didn't think the scene terribly interesting. In fact, compositionally, it wouldn't stand up to criticism but I think the light is noteworthy, if only as a sample.

Single exposure. 17-55mm lens. ISO 100. 13 seconds @ f/8.

You may notice that my 365 has ceased to be, I just found it impossible to meet the demands of daily posts and must admit defeat. However, I intend to keep the blog going with the intention of making 'almost' daily posts whenever I can.

Anticipating Sunrise

At the weekend, a contingent of photographers from Boyle Camera Club headed for Inishbofin, an island off the coast of Galway. At 4am on Saturday morning, we braved the elements on a quest to photograph the sunrise. After finding a suitable location, we waited patiently for it's arrival ... but it never really materialised. Instead it rained. Not to be too put-off, during our retreat, I attempted to capture the moment for posterity. As it turned out, the day that followed was one of the best so far this year. My gratitude to all club members that participated, it was a very memorable trip.

Photo: Single exposure using a 2 stop ND Grad. ISO 100. 5 seconds @ f/22.

The Queen Visits Dublin

I just happened to be there, waiting to get across the road to catch the train home.

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On this day in 1821, Emperor Napoleon I dies in exile on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean.

An experimental 'Blue Hour' shot, taken in haste on the platform of Boyle Railway Station. The sky was full of promise as I drove home this evening so attempted to make the most of it. There was little margin for error here, I set it up as best I could predicting that the train would come on the nearest track ... alas, t'was not to be. I used a 3-stop tobacco ND Grad to bring out the reds in the clouds and off-camera speed-light to kill the shadows on the building to the left. Fellow camera club member, Joe Kennedy, arrived on the scene for some company and additional low-light experimental work.

Photo: ISO 400. 1/4 @ f/5.

It's the technology ... sometimes it will give you the shot, sometimes it won't. It's the often unpredictable nature of the medium that keeps me coming back for more.

248/365

On this day last year, Pablo Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust" sold for $106.5 million.

Climbing Croagh Patrick is the Irishman's Mecca, you have to do it at least once in your lifetime! My son and I climbed it again recently on a warm but cloudy day. None the less, the experience is always worth it.

Tips for the uninitiated;

• Climb Early - start about 9am, shortly thereafter, it can get congested with climbers, Summer and Winter!
• Rent a stick for €2.00, you'll be glad you did on the descent and you get your €2.00 back when you return the stick. Photographers can use a mono-pod as I do when I climb.
• Wear decent shoes ... and proper socks!! I recommend 'Bridgedale' socks, they're the business for any kind of walking. Also bring a jumper and light rain gear - weather is very changeable.
• You'll need at least one litre of water, climbing is thirsty work. While you're at it, put 2 Mars bars and a banana in the sack as well.
• Allow at least 2.5 hours to get up at a comfortable pace ... unless you are being paid or want to die early, take your time, rest often, admire the view and thank your God you are alive to take in the wonderful view. Try not to sit down until you get to the top.
• At the top, have a decent rest. Look around the site, you've earned it. Spend about 20 minutes there, any longer and you'll be getting cold. Take pictures to brag and prove to friends you made it to the top!
• Allow about an hour and twenty minutes to get down, this is the most difficult part of the climb.
• When you make it down, give back your stick and head for Campbell's for well earned pint's of stout. Call a friend to bring you home.

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On this day in 1789, George Washington took office as first elected U.S. president.
In 30 a.d. a man known as Jesus of Nazareth was allegedly crucified.

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On this day in 1916, Irish nationalists surrendered to British authorities in Dublin.

I recently spent some time on the West coast of Mayo in the Louisburg area. I'll be posting a few images from the trip in the coming weeks. This shot was taken behind the harbour at Oldhead looking out towards Clear Island.


Photo: The tide was coming in and made dramatic wave-splashes against the rocky shore, although this experimental long-exposure disguises the energy of the wave activity.
In-camera Multiple exposure. 10 x 30 second exposures @ f/11. ISO 100. Set-up includes B+W 10 stop filter.

'World Press Photo Award' winner Tim Hetherington dies in Libya

Tim Hetherington, photojournalist, filmmaker, and Vanity Fair contributing photographer, was killed yesterday while covering the conflict in Misrata, Libya. Three other journalists were also hit in an R.P.G. attack, one being Getty photographer Chris Hondros (Robert Capa Gold Medal Award in 2006) who has subsequently died from his injuries, photographer Guy Martin, of the Panos Agency, who is in very serious condition; and a freelancer, Michael Brown, who is slightly wounded.

The U.K.-born, Brooklyn-based Hetherington, 40, who had dual British and American citizenship, was best known for his work in Afghanistan, much of it shot for Vanity Fair. In 2007, he won the coveted World Press Photo of the Year Award for his coverage of American soldiers in the Korengal Valley—one of four World Press prizes he received. Those assignments in Afghanistan served as the basis of the 2010 Oscar-nominated documentary Restrepo, which he directed with Vanity Fair contributor (and his longtime journalistic collaborator) Sebastian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm. The film was recognized for its decidedly apolitical approach to the war. Hetherington also created short films about the G.I.’s he encountered in the Korengal and released a book of photographs, Infidel, examining the lives of the men of a battle company of the 173rd Airborne.

Hetherington was widely respected by his peers for his bravery and camaraderie. His imaginative, even artistic, approach to photojournalistic subjects led to many honors, including a fellowship from the National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts, as well as grant from the Hasselbald Foundation. He released two other films, Liberia: An Uncivil War (2004) and The Devil Came on Horseback (2007).

Tim Hetherington's 2007 World Press Photo Award winning image of an exhausted American soldier in a bunker in Afghanistan.

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On this day in 1902, Scientists Marie and Pierre Curie isolated the radioactive element radium.

The Glasshouse Hotel in Sligo, viewed from the Hyde Bridge. It's not long ago since this site was occupied by the Silver Swan Hotel, I remember the place very well. I was in Sligo last Monday evening for the Blue Hour, scouting for some locations for a low-light photo shoot. Must say, I found the job challenging. That said, the place is not without it's appeal and there are some very suitable spots. I didn't venture about too much but I'm guessing you might see some more of this building in the coming months.

Photo: Using a 10-20mm wide-angle lens on tripod, I approached the shot in my preferred 'landscape' format, vertical compositions rarely have appeal for me. I subsequently went for a square crop. The building barely squeezed into the frame, I'd have preferred to have more of the pier at the bottom. All part of the learning. Light was also fading fast, my advice if you're going to shoot here; do it with light in the sky, ask the manager to put on the lights in all the rooms and get the guests to wave their underpants out the windows - that would do it for me!

ISO 100. A single 13 second exposure @ f/8.

Tip; I'm often asked why I simply don't use the lens minimum aperture for this kind of shot. The answer is this; firstly, a lens rarely performs at it best using the smallest aperture and second, smaller apertures have a tendency to make unsightly flare anomalies about bright lights. I will usually experiment with various apertures to find a happy medium between broad depth of field and controlling lens flare anomalies.

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On this day in 1912, The ocean liner Titanic sank at 2:27 a.m. in the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg the evening before. 1,517 people died and more than 700 people survived.

The village of Ardagh lies to the south east of Longford town and owes its name to the diocese in which the greater part of the county is situated. It is said that St. Patrick founded a church here in the 5th century and installed St. Mel as bishop. The ancient ruins of Saint Mel's Cathedral are near the present Church of Ireland and St. Mel himself is said to be buried within the walls. Ardagh is a very attractive Estate Village and its distinctive architecture as a planned estate has led to its designation as a Heritage Village. It has featured regularly in the forefront of the National Tidy Towns Awards.

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On this day in 1606, England adopted the original Union Jack as its flag.

Fallow deer have been present in Phoenix Park, Dublin since the seventeenth century when they were hunted for sport by the gentry of the day. The present-day herd is descended from those deer who were chased for enjoyment and hunted for food.

They are wild animals, and their relationship with man has sometimes been a stormy one, like when calls were made to remove the animals to a special enclosure so twentieth-century motorists could drive through the park on the way to somewhere else without having deer wandering the roads and precipitating accidents.

In fact, their wanderings during the Second World War and pressure on space in general in Phoenix Park saw most of 1,200 herd members being officially shot dead. Just thirty-eight animals constituted the herd, following the 1942 cull.

Some 200 fawns can be born each year in Phoenix Park. By 2005, the herd had grown to some 800 animals once more and a major reduction was ordered by the Office of Public Works. Some 350 animals were to be killed to reduce the herd to a manageable size of 450 animals once more. A deer population of this size was regarded as the maximum carrying capacity of the park. The cull was to be carried out over a number of years taking into account the number of healthy or infirm specimens that are extant from each year of birth.

Text courtesy of Phoenix Park.

Photo: 70-200mm lens @ 200mm. ISO 400. 1/2500 @ f/2.8

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On this day in 1998, Northern Ireland's biggest political party, the Ulster Unionists, announced its backing of the historic peace deal.

Boyle U-10 GAA Football Team 2011

In training for the All-Ireland Football Championship 2022

I watched the lads play in a football blitz last Sunday and was amazed to see how far they've come this past two years. Enthusiasm, skill and effective team work was in abundance. My gratitude to Ciaran and Odran for the fine job they are doing.

224/365

On this day in 1912, The Titanic set sail from Southampton, England.

"What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure."

Gene Perret

223/365

On this day in 1865, At Appomattox Court House, Virginia, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Confederate Army to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in the parlor of William McClean's home. Grant allowed Rebel officers to keep their sidearms and permitted soldiers to keep their horses and mules. Though there were still Confederate armies in the field, the war was officially over. The four years of fighting had killed 360,000 Union troops and 260,000 Confederate troops.

The sale of hot chestnuts on the street is a popular trade in Italy. Unlike Ireland with it's late-night chippers and Chinese take-aways, the Italians seem to have a different take on fast food. It's worth mentioning also that you'll go a long way to find a 'public house' in the Irish sense of the word. In Italy, you can buy a beer to drink on the street, in a cafe or restaurant, but there are very few establishments devoted souly to the activity of 'drinking'. Maybe there's a link between the absence of pubs and the number of late night chip shops:-)

Photo: Taken in Rome. Very poor lighting conditions here, there were no street-lights. The light from the chestnut seller's stall looked all the more inviting and dramatic as a result. On holiday, I just use a single, light and compact lens which is slow compared to some of the others I use. The shot is hand held, so I first decided on a 1/60 shutter speed. With my aperture fully open at f/5, I was able to get the ISO to come in at 1000. The result however is a little softer than I'm used to getting and I struggled with focusing. That said, I was pleased with the atmosphere which reflected the scene accurately and sometimes that's simply good enough.

221/365

On this day in 1970, John Wayne won his first and only Oscar for his role in "True Grit." He had been in over 200 films. The Coen Brothers have made their own version which is currently in Irish cinemas. Give me John Wayne any day!

I took this photo a few days ago when I was driving back to my home-town of Ballina in Co. Mayo to attend the funeral of my Uncle Tommy who tragically drown in the River Moy while searching for the son of one of his close friends who had fallen into the river days before and had not been found.

My Uncle was an unassuming man, easy going and a very popular Ballina man. Like tens of thousands of his generation in the recession that constituted the 1970's, he left home to work abroad but returned some ten year ago to settle back in Ballina. One of my earliest memories of Tommy goes back to my being pulled from the River Moy as a child and being brought back to my Grandmother's house where I was stood, naked, on a chair to be dried-off. I remember nothing of the incident except my Uncle, then in his teens, talking to me sympathetically to help me get over the shock. Some time later, I remember him coming home from abroad and giving me the full Republic of Ireland kit, socks and all, when such things were rare in Ballina. I think I wore that jersey until the threads that held it together burst.

Tommy was a gifted footballer in his youth, his friends would often tell me 'he was as good as George Best' if it wasn't for his carefree nature and fondness for a few pints. I knew little of his life since he came back home to Ballina. He lived in Barrett St. the home of his birth, worked locally as a barman and maintained a passion for sport ... horses, GAA and soccer, he was a dedicated Arsenal fan and there was no length he wouldn't go to to attend Republic of Ireland games, at home and abroad.

I never realised the impression and influence Tommy had on so many people's lives until I witnessed the file of friends that came to pay their last respects ... a fitting testament to his generosity of spirit and kindness. I know he brought great joy to the lives of others and placed great value in friendship more than anything else. I hope that where ever Tommy now resides that they have cable TV and a well stocked bar to tend. Farewell T, you are missed by more people that you realised.

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On this day in 1916, Charlie Chaplin became the highest-paid film star in the world when he signed a contract with Mutual Film Corporation for $675,000 a year. He was 26 years old.

On Saturday evening, I joined a few friends from Boyle for an experimental low-light photo shoot in Dublin. The lads spent a very productive day on the street before we met en route to the Samual Beckett Bridge. One of the biggest thunder storms this year marked our arrival, the rain and hailstones bounced off the ground in dramatic fashion. The light left a lot to be desired but we made the most of it. We stuck to two locations mainly, firstly the aforementioned bridge and later about the Grand Canal Theatre.
The theatre was designed by McCauley Daye O'Connell Architects in collaboration with world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. This iconic 2000-seat Theatre building forms the striking centrepiece of the Grand Canal Square development in the Dublin Docklands. The new waterfront public piazza has been designed by Boston based Landscape architect Martha Schwartz as a dramatic ‘red carpet’ sweeping up to the Theatre entrance. If you haven't visited this very special building, you should do so. Impressive during the day, it comes alive at night although I found it challenging to photograph on this particular occasion. Well worth a re-run though.
My sincere gratitude to Joe for organising the event, we had a great oul time. I look forward to the next installment.


Photo: Single frame, camera on tripod with low view-point. Lens is a wide-angle 10-20mm @ 10mm. ISO 100. 30 second exposure @ f/18. Tweaked in ACR, otherwise it's pretty much 'off the camera'.

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On this day in 1963, Alcatraz Island, the federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay, CA, closed.

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On this day in 1963, The first "Pop Art" exhibit began in New York City.

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On this day in 1702, Upon the death of William III of Orange, Anne Stuart, the sister of Mary, succeeds to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland.

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On this day in 1989, A 4,400-year-old mummy was discovered at the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt.

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On this day in 461, St. Patrick, died in Saul. Ireland and most of the World celebrates this day in his honor.

St. Patrick's Day in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Morning started with a clear blue sky and full of Spring promise but post-noon the sky darkened and cold rain showers came. The parade started at 3.30pm and contained many fine local floats. There was a good turn-out and the mood was cheerful and relaxed. Well done to all that took part.

Photo: This gentleman passed me on the bridge in Boyle, I'm afraid I don't know his name but he was kind enough to pose for a photo. I thought he very much reflected the mood on the day, joyous and carefree. My gratitude.

ISO 200. 1/320 @ f/2.8

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There's a nice bit of sunshine about at the moment, but there's money going for anyone that can stay in the water off the West coast for more that 60 seconds! This one of a very brave lady taking a brisk dip in Salthill, Galway on Sunday.

Photo: Lens 10-20mm wide-angle @ 10mm. ISO 100. 1/320 @ f/4. No filters used here, colour conveyed as captured.

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On this day in 44BC, Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was assassinated by high ranking Roman Senators. The day is known as the "Ides of March."

Pretty much on a serious Roman theme at the moment. The 'Piazza of St. Peter' by Bernini - "Four rows of simple and majestic Doric columns, 300 all together, carved from Roman travertine, form an oval 650 feet across the long axis marked by three monuments: laterally by fountains propelling tall jets of water and in the center by an Egyptian obelisk that had served as a turning post in the chariot races at the ancient Circus of Nero. As they enter the piazza, the faithful are embraced by "the motherly arms of the church," Bernini's own description of his Colonnade. The Colonnade becomes simultaneously a dramatic frame for the church, a nurturing enclosure for the crowds of faithful, and a stage for the processions and other sacred spectacles on which, at this particular period, the Catholic Church so strongly depended for its appeal."

Marvin Trachtenberg and Isabelle Hyman. Architecture: from Prehistory to Post-Modernism.

197/365 Rebirth

On this day in 1932, George Eastman, the founder of the Kodak company, committed suicide.

It’s been many weeks (33 days) since I temporarily abandoned my commitment to this blog, however, like the promise of a warm Summer, I hope to return. It is unlikely that my contributions will be daily but I’ll do my best, I’ve already resigned myself to forking out for dinner at the end of this 365 period (my 6 co-blog conspirators will know what this means!). It’s been an interesting interlude for me, I’m still working, taking pictures and traveling. The country has seen changes, but I’m not getting into that now. It’s a bright morning and a time to be optimistic, I hope this finds faithful followers well.

Photo: Taken during a recent trip to Italy, not a photographic excursion but sometimes it’s hard to resist. I had no tripod here, I simply placed the camera on an overflowing rubbish bin and used the self-timer. Rome is a stunning city but (for me) not the most visually interesting at night, there is an abundance of yellow halogen lights that contaminate the atmosphere and low cloud cover. This can play havoc with white-balance issues, but I wasn’t overly concerned, I’d been to Rome previously and taken all the predictable photos of the landmark architectural features. This is simply one of the few photos I managed to take.

ISO 100. 25 second exposure @ f/8.