Good Luck to everyone starting school this week.
The Small Fella’s big day is tomorrow and yesterday was the big ‘try on’ day and we were all on shock: he looks so big (typical thing for us to say I know); but he also took to it so well. Boys eh?
I don’t believe in Bucket Lists: there’s just so many things to do out there (and I’m lucky to have done quite a few cool things), why limit yourself to a list?
But I guess if I had one then I would have ticked something off while we were away in Allihies: I did a Sea Swim.
Now I did already do one in Australia – I did the Cole Classic in Manly in 2008 – but many would say swimming in the clear, pure, 22 degree waters of Sydney isn’t the same (despite the sharks, poisonous octopi and stinging jellyfish). But I’m not fond of cold water. In fact, I’ve had a couple of experiences that have lead me to think that cold water and me are never really going to be friends.
Some of you will know that I’ve swum in the pool since I was a kid. I’ve been doing a bit recently and got into reasonable shape before Douglas Pool closed for the Summer. And in the course of swimming with Sundays Well I’ve been asked about getting in around the coast – those nice people at Sandycove and the Lynchs of Myrtleville amongst them. But no way. It’s just too cold and I don’t like it.
But it seems finally the peer pressure got to me. Only this time it was Daughter No 2 who decided she was going to do the swim at the Beara Festival on Bere Island and how could I let her do it without entering the mens version. So in borrowed togs I took it on.
Now it wasn’t exactly Sandycove – more like a few 100m out to a buoy and back in the harbour off the Island but it was cold and no wet suit (unlike my daughter). The first quarter I thought I’d die of not being able to breath. So head out – to help the breathing and to find the buoy. By the turn I suddenly felt a little more used to it – warmed up even. So I went round the bout and ‘kicked’ for home.
Thankfully my family were so worried about my survival that there is no documentary evidence on film. But this is the spot (we waited until the ferry had left) – and you couldn’t really ask for anywhere more scenic. But I can’t promise I’ll be back next year!
I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Cork Craft Month at the Old Mill Kinsale last night. The Old Mill is the location of an exhibition entitled “Who Made This ?” – Cork Creates 2012 which showcases the work of 30 Cork-based craftspeople.
In June this year Cork Craft & Design Network invited me to photograph each of the selected craftspeople. I was expecting to be asked to photograph their work but this exhibition brings the story of each of the Makers into play and the curators wanted to feature them more strongly.
So I had a day of photographing 20-odd very interesting (if somewhat reluctant) people who are far more used to putting themselves into their work than on film.
I think it’s worked wonderfully for this exhibition and there was a lot of talk last night about the portraits and the link made to the Maker from the work and how it enhanced the relationship the viewer (and hopefully the purchaser) had with the work to know more about it’s precedence.
And nice to see my work on the wall next to so much wonderful Art.
The exhibition runs until the end of August in Kinsale and there are lots more more events going on as part of Cork Craft Month running into September
The Small Fella was caught rotten by his sisters writing on a book. Bad news!
But in this case, although he was told it was wrong, he was forgiven for two reasons:
Clearly this was a signed representation of our family and he’s gone to some length to make sure that we were individually represented. This morning over breakfast we got the low-down on who was who
I kinda guessed which one was me cos he’d drawn something in one the character’s hands that looked kind of familiar:
So clearly that’s now he sees me out on a family walk. Maybe I should leave the camera at home more often. But if you think that’s bad, those things coming out of Mom’s head are ‘her snores’!
You have to be practical with young kids – especially with the summer we’re having. This little fella was nice and comfy on the ground on the blanket and smiled his little head off for the camera.
Mum wanted to be outside with the flowers and although it was still early in the season for Fitzgerald’s Park there were plenty of daisies around – and they were just right to provide a background but not to take the focus away from the star of the session!
Although they’re here all sumer, June is definitely the big month for daisies. The last couple of years I’ve tried to get the kids together to get something going with the daisies but it just never seems to work out.
It’s a lovely idea but in the end they are just sooo small. And all that intent on making daisy chains just looks like something else.
But this year we got out in the woods and parks an awful lot and this loads of really nice work from those sessions – some of which include those pesky little flowers…
With the schools closed it’s time to move to my normal summer office hours.
From 9th July until 31st August, my normal office hours will change to 10-12 Monday to Friday.
As usual, these are the hours when I will definitely be in the office. I am generally available in the Gallery for most of the day but since it’s just me here then I do need to close the Gallery and go out to meet clients, suppliers and take photos (not necessarily in that order).
So if you want to just drop in then 10-12 is your best bet. If that doesn’t suit then just call me to confirm that I’m in the Gallery at another time during the day – or we can make an appointment.
I am still taking evening and weekend appointments over the summer.
We having a few plans for going away over the summer which will mean that the Gallery will be closed for a few days. Most of these are weather dependant so nothing definite yet. One of the advantages of working for yourself is the flexibility of your working hours (tempered against the need to work whenever you’re needed) – so this summer I intend to take advantage of that flexibility a small bit.
So if you need me, call and make an appointment – 021 429 3714 (diverts to mobile if I’m not here) or drop in 10-12.
It’s been a bit quiet from me on Facebook and the blog over the last few weeks – a busy time at work and at home but hopefully I’ll catch up next week and post some more recent work and updates…
I did this event a couple of years ago and had a great night (even though I was the only male in attendance – or maybe that was why it was so much fun!)
Unfortunately I’m not able to help this year but if you’re free this evening call to the Radison Little Ireland for a bit of Fashion Fun.
The best sessions are just plain fun. The kids aren’t performing, they’re just being themselves and I’m lucky enough to share that and get to capture it in a series of stunning images.
And what’s more beautiful than young ladies gathering bluebells!
