Back-Road Shortcut ... My Arse!

I endured the ultimate test of patience this evening on my way home from Galway. Stuck for time, I deviated from main roads for a scenic shortcut. Alas, t'was not to be, and only served to add to my journey time and frustration. What else could I do at 10mph and no chance to over-take only take a photo!


Photo: Bringing home the turf - somewhere on the back roads near Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. I blindly poked the compact camera out the window as we cruised along.

About Sligo

A few from a recent visit to Sligo. I'm very fond of this place and although I live close by, don't really make the effort to spend more time here. It's nice to mooch about the streets and look at folk, savour the atmosphere and take a few photos. I have particularly good memories of Hargadon's Pub which used to be famous for it's Guinness, however it wasn't up to scratch on this visit.

Photos: Lumix LX5

Storm Clouds over Boyle

I was having a doze yesterday evening after a busy and eventful day when a phone call from a friend alerted me to the transformation taking place in the sky about Boyle. I only had time to take my compact camera with me as I tried to find a good vantage point close to home. I had about 10 minutes to take a few snapshots before the rain arrived. I believe I missed the best of the drama but I'm sure there were plenty of other cameras looking up at this beautiful and intriguing gift of nature.


Photo: LX5 Lumix.

A Weekend in August

Here's a few more snapshots from my weekend in Cork. I would use the photos in recent posts to illustrate and reinforce the point that a digital  compact camera is indeed a very powerful photographic instrument. Needless to say, I'm very happy with my Lumix ... no matter what the challenges of light present!

All photos taken with a Lumix LX5 using a variety of Manual and Semi-Automatic/Programme Modes. All are hand-held in difficult lighting situations. Minimal PP in this set.

Rambling in Cork

We stayed in the beautiful village of Rostellan at the weekend while exploring south-east Cork. Trying to make the most of the few remaining days before the challenges of a new academic year kick-in. Butterflies are not usually my thing, nor is macro photography, however these Common Blue butterflies were a perfect subject to try out the very satisfactory macro function of this Lumix compact camera.

All photos taken with a Lumix LX5

Eggleston - A Tribute

'Untitled' Boyle, Co. Roscommom.

Car Boot Sale - Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon Car Boot Sale was originally set up at Supreme Business Park on the Sligo side of Carrick-on-Shannon approximately six years ago. If you have nothing to do after mass on a Sunday morning, then this is the place to come - to buy, to sell or just have a nose about ... if only once in a blue moon. After today's visit, I'll be doing a clear-out of my own attic in the weeks ahead!

We should do a photo shoot here, there are some rare characters about this place:-)

For Enquires and bookings; Contact 087 6277969.

Carousel

The earliest known depiction of a carousel is in a Byzantine bas-relief dating to around 500 A.D., which depicts riders in baskets suspended from a central pole. The word carousel originates from the Italian garosello and Spanish carosella ("little battle"), used by crusaders to describe a combat preparation exercise and game played by Turkish and Arabian horsemen in the 12th century. In a sense this early device could be considered a cavalry training mechanism; it prepared and strengthened the riders for actual combat as they wielded their swords at the mock enemies. European Crusaders discovered this device and brought the idea back to their own lands.

The above carousel is situated at Salthill in Galway and is part of the Leisureland Amusement Park.

Photos: Lumix LX5

Knocknarea - Sligo

Out and about in Sligo at the weekend and caught this very friendly fella on a wall at the bottom of Knocknarea. Shot with a Lumix LX5.

Malachy Costello - 'Selected Paintings' exhibition Boyle

Currently exhibiting in Boyle, Malachy Costello was born in Roscommon, in 1959. He is a graduate of Crawford Municipal School of Art, Cork and the Sligo Institute of Technology. His paintings are inspired by the landscapes of North Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo.

Since he first began exhibiting his work in 1983, Malachy Costello has participated in numerous exhibitions all over Ireland and abroad. He has had solo shows in Foxford Exhibition Centre, Mayo, Dolmen Gallery, Limerick, Castle Art Gallery, Sligo and in the Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon. In October 2007 he held a Solo exhibition at the Leinster Gallery entitled "A Particular Place" which featured landscapes from around his native county of Roscommon. He has contributed to several group exhibitions including the Irish Exhibition of Living Art, the RHA, Oireachtas and the RUA annual exhibitions.

In 2000 his painting Winter Garden was awarded the J.P. Duggan Prize for Outstanding Work at the Carlow Eigse Arts Festival.

His works are in the public collections of M.B.N.A., Co. Leitrim, Sligo VEC, the Municipal Collection in Cesson-Sevigne, France, as well as in many private collections in Ireland, Britain, Holland and USA.

In association with Boyle Arts Festival, Malachy's exhibition runs until 31st July.

Saramai & The Swords play Boyle Arts Festival

These ladies have seriously upped their game since I saw them last year. Saramai and The Swords fronted by aka Saramai and Joy Booth with Cormac O'Keeffe - Lead Guitar/Vocals, Andrew Snow - Drums Vocals & Paddy Smyth - Bass, are an exceptionally gifted group and a very nice bunch of young musicians to-boot. Great gig tonight in The Patrick's Well in Boyle.

Check out last year's shot.

Fregoli perform in Boyle

A very fine performance of 'The Secret Life of Me', performed by the Galway based Fregoli Theatre Company. A thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking drama which, from a male perspective, goes some way to illuminating the difference between what women say and what women think! An effective marriage of monologues, music and lighting, beautifully choreographed - I loved it. Well done to all.

Ballina Salmon Festival 2011

I got to visit my home town, Ballina, for Heritage Day last Wednesday during the Salmon Festival. The weather was a perfect 25°, blue sky and glorious sunshine. Unfortunately we paid the price with the relentless rain that followed for five consecutive days! As ever, this was a fun family day and I snapped a few candids for the album with my LX5. For some reason, this one reminded me of the movie 'UP'.

Fathers and Sons - Self, with my Father and son.

Photos: LX5

Siobhan Cox-Carlos at the Sol Gallery Dublin

My good friend, artist Siobhan Cox-Carlos, is currently exhibiting her most recent paintings at The Sol Art Gallery, Dawson St. Dublin. I was delighted to meet her there and see the work. Her large paintings, done during a residency at Annaghmakerrig, are particularly striking. My favourite was 'Presence', pictured above with the artist herself. Best of luck with the exhibition Siobhan.


Photo: Taken with a Lumix LX5

World's Biggest Glitter Ball

Until recently, Blackpool held the record for the highest rollercoaster in Europe, and now it holds the record for the world’s largest rotating glitter ball. Located on the South Shore sculptural development, the glitter ball is visible for miles around from the air, and gives an amazing light show on the pavement around it. With the slightly curious name, “They Shoot Horses Don’t They”, after a 1960s film and song by a Welsh group called 'Racing Cars'. The ball was designed by artist Michael Trainor and commissioned by the Manchester-based Art Department.

The revolving artwork, featuring 46,500 mirrors, is a permanent fixture on the resort's South Promenade.
The glitterball beat a 2.4m-diameter ball in a Los Angeles nightclub to the world record.
When installed, the artist said: "Hopefully it will be seen as a new icon for Blackpool and the region, and is probably the shiniest artwork in the world (obviously never heard of Anish Kapoor!). "Every second of every day the mirrored facets give a different view of the environment - sea, sky, traffic, trams and promenaders all wrapped up in one mesmorising, moving image."

The glitterball was officially switched on in 2002 by Baron Isherwood, the North West Development Agency Director of Regeneration.


Photo: 'Shite-light' they call it. Taken just before dawn at 4.20 am. July 8th. I should have stayed in bed!! ISO 100. 4 second exposure @ f/10. A lot of noise about nothing if you ask me!! In case you haven't twigged it yet, Blackpool is the 'ballroom' capital of England and the dancing that goes on in the 'Tower' is a pretty serious affair. The Tower is currently closed to the public for long overdue renovations but will reopen in the Autumn to coincided with the annual 'Illuminations' season. Wouldn't mind being there for that!
ps; photos of the Tower later.

Light and Rain

I've been neglecting this space for a while but once again, I'm returning with some new work and hope to have a productive Summer too.

The above shot was taken recently during a trip to England. The seaside town of Blackpool on a mid-week, wet evening was an interesting and challenging subject. I spent about two hours walking about in the rain looking for combinations of street-lights and reflections. This type of shot has made me see the value of investing in a decent umbrella. Here's another one taken from the left of the frame.


Just to remind new visitors to this blog, this is a personal photo diary, the images here are very much 'snapshots' from my wanderings. Images receive very little PP and are visual sketches only. Feel free to comment but don't be offended when comments are not published. My gratitude to regular visitors, I'm glad you have the interest to return and comment so frequently. T

The Apprentice

This young Roscommon man is developing a healthy interest in photography and lately I seem to be calling on him regularly for his assistance and expertise in photographic matters.
Photos: Both these taken with the LX5. The above at the RDS in Dublin.

This gentleman was fully absorbed in his painting of a large rendition of a 'Mocha' inspired illustration. I have great admiration for all Street Artists and Performers, particularly in this day and age when they are struggling to make a living. On this occasion I was a bit strapped for cash myself but was more that happy to share a portion of my €2.00 worth of bananas purchased in Moore Street. The artist was equally happy to accept the offer but too busy for a bit of banter ... otherwise I could have accompanied this post with his name.
Photo: O'Connell St. Dublin.

Happy Wedding Anniversary Mum & Dad!

Bonfire Night at Mockmoyne in Boyle. Thanks to the Dwyer Family, this ancient solstice tradition is kept very much alive. Tonight was my son's first venture out on Bonfire Night, I had a job to get him home. Things were only starting to 'warm up' when we left Mockmoyne at midnight.

My Mum and Dad are 46 years married today. Kisses to you both. XX

Boyle Arts Festival Launched Today In Dublin

Members of the Boyle Arts Festival Organising Committee with local politician Frank Feighan TD pictured in The Culture Box, Temple Bar, Dublin.

Boyle Arts Festival - 21st to 30th July.

View the full programme for this years's event HERE.

Speakers at the launch included Barry Feely and Irene Madden

Bond Girls

I passed this pair of lovely ladies having a friendly morning chat in Oliver Bond Street, Dublin on my way to work. Shot with the LX5, it was a grab opportunity I could not pass up. As I walked past I quickly fired off two frames, this being one of them. Great image clarity assisted by the sharp morning light which happened to be coming from the right direction. Taken in RAW, some minor tweaking done in PS.

Moore Street Dublin

More Good News?

Got the rickety old train home this evening and in the absence of a power source for the laptop, I amused myself with the LX5. Must say, I'm getting to like this camera a lot and it's now a permanent pocket companion. It's light-weight, fast focusing and feature packed and performs very well on the street. The only down side is the absence of an adjustable LCD display, but I was aware of that at the time of purchase and will have to live with it.

I'm currently experimenting with some of the in-camera processing features. There are a variety of 'Film' modes which process captured files by altering contrast, saturation and sharpness to replicate the effects of film, e.g. 'Vibrant' = Velvia, 'Nostalgic' = Polaroid and 'Dynamic B&W' = 3200 Neopan. There is also a 'Colour Mode' feature on the Mode Dial where you can give additional input to the way the captured files are processed with regard to colour, e.g. 'Expressive' = High Saturation, 'Pin Hole' = adding a vignette, 'Elegant', 'Pure', 'Retro' ... the list goes on! Needless to say, you need some time to play around with these and of course the effect has to be suitable to the subject and lighting for best results. At the end of the day, is it any good? Well if you're a compact camera person that does not like to bother with your own processing in the computer, then you'll enjoy this.

Said 'arty' film and colour features are a bit better than the quality of the images produced by your iPhone but you have to remember that the computer in the camera is most likely not employing non-destructive editing processes so the resulting quality is not going to match what you can achieve by running your image files through Photoshop. If atmosphere is desired over image quality, then the aforementioned case won't be an issue. For casual, informal snaps it will be hard to top this camera. The kids will love it! You will get a decent, workable image from it in almost any lighting condition. Anyone want to buy a good second-hand Canon G9 then???

Photo: Shot in JPEG using the in-camera 'Film Grain' effect which converts the image to Black and White and adds a heavy, chunky grain. I thought it worked well for this subject and I was content with the result. Looked great on the camera's LCD but on closer scrutiny in the computer I was less happy. I opened it in ACR and pulled back the shadows a bit (why ARC? I thought that making any adjustment to contrast in 16bit would not further degrade the already seriously over-edited file). See the original file HERE and compare. I had to call myself aside to remind myself that I was shooting with a compact and not an SLR. Once I got over that, I was fine. For serious photographers that demand crisp quality images, that will always be the biggest obstacle to overcome ... get over it or stick with your SLR.

These two directly from the camera without adjustment. The LX5 'Film Grain' effect has a tendency to cook the shadows a little too much for my taste.

Tutankhamun at the RDS

This morning, after a sunrise photo shoot on the Bricklieve Mountains in Sligo, my son and I went to Dublin to see the Tutankhamun exhibition at the RDS. I've been a big fan of Ancient Egyptian Art for many years but I've never been to Egypt. Although all the items in the exhibition are replicas, it gave a very authentic account of the most famous archaeological find in history and the circumstances of it's discovery. Expensive I thought, then this is Ireland, worth a visit on a rainy day if you have an interest in Ancient Egypt.

Photo: Photography allowed, but no flash! Easy to see why as the whole exhibition is in virtual darkness from a photographers point-of-view. I resorted to a 50mm f/1.4 prime lens for the few shots I took but enjoyed the challenge of it all. ISO 1000. 1/80 @ f/2.5

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.