Author: rob

Posted on

Water, water everywhere (and not a drop to drink)

Well, who would have thought, after making it through various floods, fords and run-offs over the last couple of days the last thing I expected this morning was no water from the tap. By the looks of the news we escaped pretty lightly.

But even so, the prospect of no water for 3-4 days is a bit of a concern. I’m starting to realise just how many times I wash my hands during the day! Don’t mention the toilet.

By 10am Adli in Ballyphehane was out of large bottles, I found some in Lidl in Carrigaline (since they still have water out there). And we’ve been blessed with a few visitors bearing every vessel they can find filled with water. The Irish are great neighbours!

So we’re stocked up for now. Why are they in the bath? Well we won’t be using it for a few days!

Posted on

Let Mr Blue Sky In

Just back from the flash mob / dance event that was ‘Let Mr Bue Sky In’ on Patrick Street this afternoon.  Three minutes of pure uninhibited fun and enjoyment for all concerned.

Talk about a feel good event – every city should have one!  Thanks so much to all involved.  All the work, co-ordination, rehearsal and pure good spirit that made it such a success.

I can honestly say I have never seen so many people smiling on Patrick’s Street before.

The ladies of our household found out about it on Monday and have been rehearsing and spreading the word since.  The boys were there to record and spectate (and take a nap).

No video on You Tube yet.  The rehearsals are there and there’s a Facebook group so keep an eye out.  If I get a good link I’ll post it.  I’m not sure my camcorder work from Opera Lane is worth publication yet but I might work on it!

Let Mr Blue Sky continue to shine over Cork!

Posted on

Haulbowline Theatre Group in AP

I grabbed 5 minutes in Douglas Court yesterday to browse the photo mags in Porters.  The majority of photo mags are published entirely to promote camera gear but there are a few that also include some articles on photographs and photographers as well as just cameras.

As I flicked through the November 7th Amateur Photographer (an old favourite) I thought I recognised one of the faces in a picture but couldn’t quite place the guy.  Someone very local.  On closer inspection it was an article on a Photo Story on the Haulbowline Theatre Group by Cork’s own Damian Drohan.  I recognised one of the actors because we had been to the production ourselves back in the summer.

Excellent work Damian.  And well done for getting into AP, great exposure.

The images are available on Damian’s Photo-Document site

It is also worth saying we had a great night out in Haulbowline – a great production and a unique place to see theatre.

Posted on

Art and madness

I found myself standing in the rain in Shandon today, camera in hand, waiting.  Waiting and wondering if I was on the cusp of one of those fantastic moments in Irish Landscape Photography: where the clouds break and the most fantastic light creates a scene of such beauty that it captures all that is magnificent about Ireland’s Landscape.

Or am I just a Muppet standing in the rain?

Well the moment never came.  Today I was the Muppet.

I decided this morning to swap my evening’s leisure for an morning of taking photographs of the city.  It was promising a beautiful autumn morning.  I did my essentials and headed into town, that light fading fast and by the time I hit Shandon the blue was gone and the black was coming, followed by the grey and the damp.

By the time I trudged home up High Street that light did appear.  A glorious sun shower with blue sky above and sun ripping through the rain.  A rainbow above my head I should imagine.  No chance of getting to a significant landmark to create a scene.

And now, as I look out the window the light is wonderful again.  Bet you I won’t get to Turners Cross in time.

Good Irish Landscape, like good comedy, is all about…

…timing.

You might be wondering where the photographs that I did take are?  Well they are slides so wait for another chance to finish the roll, for me to find somewhere to process them, at least a week to get them processed and then however long it takes for me to get around to scanning them.  I hope they’re worth it.

Posted on

B2B Network Site Launched

The B2B Business Networking Group has just launched their website at www.b2bnetworking.ie

I joined the group back in March and it has been a very positive experience from day one.  We meet at Regus, Citygate every Friday morning with the aim of promoting and referring each others business in the wider local business community.  But it also acts as a business support group and a great chance to get out of the office once a week and meet some good people in very varied businesses.

Posted on

Runway for Research

I finally just got through all the images from the Fashion Show for Cork Cancer Research Centre last week.

Rice and Roses at the Runway for Research, with a touch of Degas

Some nice shots in there.  I think all the photographers there had a hard time with the lighting – especially when the models walked straight into four big spots under their noses at the end of the runway: lots of extra bright faces, harsh shadows and nothing lighting their feet!

There was great turn-out despite the times we’re in and the number of shows on at the moment.  Well done to all concerned.

Posted on

CCRC Fashion Show this Thursday

Anyone wondering what to wear for the Christmas Party season might be interested to know what the Boutiques of Cork, Douglas and Midleton have to offer.  Cork Cancer Research Centre are running their ‘Runway for Research’ Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Research this Thursday (22nd) at thr Radison Blu Hotel.  7pm kick-off.

I did some publicity for them on Friday and I’ll be there snapping the fashion and all the lovely people on Thursday.

Models from the Runway for Rescue Fashion Show for Breast Cancer Research

More details on the CCRC website.

Posted on

Never say ‘never’

The kids always want their photo taken when they get their face painted.  I’m a Dad, I usually oblige.  But generally it serves as nothing more than a record of face paint that at best stimulates a memory of a good party.

But now my kids have started painting their own faces.

Little Tiger by Big Sister
Little Tiger by Big Sister

And now you have an image which captures artistic endeavour, the relationship of three siblings and a boy who really is a tiger.

I never thought I would ever see anything in a picture of a child behind a mask of face paint.  Once again, my kids have enlightened me.

Posted on

Card Tricks

I was sent this photo by a client who ordered Birth Announcement Cards as part of a baby session:

The Many Faces of Rosie M
The Many Faces of Rosie M

Poor Rosie doesn’t look a bit impressed by being out numbered by her own image.  Thanks to Dad for sending me this picture.

At home, we’ve been sending personal cards with photos of the family on for years – especially at Christmas.  It has been a delight to call to people in distant lands and find one of our cards still on the fridge, the mantle or even framed on the wall.

I know my wife will soon be telling me straight that I’d better get on with this year’s Christmas Card.

Premium Greetings Cards with an image from your session can be ordered in batches of 20 for €50

However I also offer a deal which includes a short photo session at a location of your choice (in Cork) plus 20 cards for €80.

Discounts apply for larger batches of cards.

I’d better get my own cards done. Now, where are those Santa Hats!