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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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I will be out of circulation for a while and may not be able to post regularly for about two weeks ... but I will be back. T


Photo: Taken last week, hand-held shot of the roof of the main exhibition area at The F.E. McWilliam's Gallery Banbridge, Co. Down.

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On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" was released. Extra.

Oh for a quiet life! Believe it or not, this is a snap shot of one aspect of Irish life today, a scene that probably looks the same now as it did a couple of hundred years ago.

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On this day in 1979, "YMCA" by Village People peaks at #2 on pop singles chart. 

Is it any wonder that the school desks I remember as a teenager were made of the finest and most durable of native Irish timber with the abuse they received from the generations of youths who sat in them listening intently to teachers rant on about theorems reckoned by mathematicians that died thousands of years ago! It never made any sense to me. I spent a lot of time drawing in the margins of my books or whittling away with a pen or compass on the desktops of Muredach's College when I was supposed to be listening to the teachers. God bless them, they done their best but I was bored to tears most of the time. That said, I guess even then we were conscious of the passing of time. We knew our time at school was short and we were anxious that while we were there, we would make our mark as many had done before us. Isn't it the human thing to do after all ... and weren't our arses red if we were ever caught! We developed a code so they wouldn't know, "not me Sir" ... but the mark was made and some day, like the deciphering of hieroglyphics, we'd be identified and remembered for ever.

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On this day in 1901, Queen Victoria's funeral takes place.

This shot was taken at the back entrance to Dublin Castle at Ship Street. It's a busy day, there's a lot of running about, there's bits and pieces of everything started but nothing is finished ... sound familiar?
I'm very fond of this lane and hope to use it for a shoot some day when the right job comes along. I love it's orientation towards the sun, the arched opening fills with light in the early morning this time of year. I spent almost 30 minutes leaning against the wall, waiting for something to happen in the framed archway, something ... anything! However, I was a little disappointed. I managed to catch a few silhouettes to generate a point of interest against the backdrop of the stepped lane.

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On this day in 1900, Eastman Kodak Co. introduced the $1 Brownie box camera.

In 1900, the Eastman Kodak Company introduced a low-priced, point-and-shoot, hand-held camera, called the Brownie. The Brownie camera was a simple, black, rectangular box covered in imitation leather with nickeled fittings. To take a "snapshot," all one had to do was hold the camera waist height, aim, and turn a switch. The Brownie camera was very affordable, selling for only $1 each. Plus, for only 15 cents, a Brownie camera owner could buy a six-exposure film cartridge that could be loaded in daylight. Kodak promised to develop the film for the camera's owner, rather than the owner having to invest in materials and a darkroom.

No longer was taking photographs just for the professionals and only of grand events, the Brownie camera allowed the capturing of birthdays and other family events. In fact, for the first time, in front of the Brownie, people smiled and said cheese. In just the first year, the Eastman Kodak Company sold over a quarter of a million Brownies, forever changing the future of photography.
Text courtesy of 'About.com'.

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On this day in 1893, the trademark "Coca-Cola" was first registered in the United States Patent Office.

I am regularly surprised by some of the images captured by my digital camera and have occasionally got myself into hot water in certain circles by proclaiming that a 'proportion' of some 'art' photography today is more a gift of the 'medium' rather than the product of the genius of the photographer. I've had many heated debates on this issue with colleagues and peers and struggled, like generations before me, to explain why certain types of photography is called 'art' and others, not. I have no intention of getting into this debate here, it resurfaced today when I was deleting some images from a compact camera I use for teaching. I discovered I'd taken some photos a while ago with the camera in 'manual mode' using long exposures and exaggerated camera-shake. The above is one from the set. I'm not trying to say that this is art but it is a good example of a gift of the medium for me. Firstly the colour, not enhanced in PS by-the-way, but the result of a long exposure taken hand-held in tungsten lighting. I love that deep red and warm yellow mix. The ghostly figure is my daughter peering into the camera lens but not staying still long enough for clarity to be established. I have dozens of this type of image and I am not promoting them as samples of creative photographic practice, however, I'm reluctant to subject them to the delete button treatment. They have their place and they have their value.

Photo: Taken with a Canon G9 compact camera.

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On this day in 1997, It was revealed that French national museums were holding nearly 2,000 works of art stolen from Jews by the Nazis during World War II.

This, taken today in Dublin standing on the LUAS platform in front of BusÁras. I stood at the end of the platform and 'framed-up', waiting for something to happen in the viewfinder. This was a famous Cartier-Bresson tactic on the streets of Paris in the 40s and 50s. He had been a big-game hunter and was used to waiting for and stalking his prey. He often used the same approach in his photography. Unlike Cartier-Bresson however, my prey never really materialised so I had to be content with this mouse instead. I simply liked the way the various elements came together in the frame and the combination of colours on this otherwise dull and colourless day, were visually appealing. I was waiting for an interesting subject to diagonally cross the track towards me to complete the composition, but it was not to be ... maybe next time.


Photo: Hand-held, single frame. It was late afternoon and the light was very poor, a dull and cloudy day, I thought it might even rain, thus ISO 400. 1/100 @ f/3.5.