A sobering thought!

As a photographer who prefers to use natural light, the weather this year has been challenging to say the least! In fact, I have had to deal with rain on more than half of my portrait shoots this year. While I don't mind getting wet, It's not a requirement for my clients, though it can be fun - if the wind isn't too strong.

However, while sheltering during a photo shoot last week in Herbert Park, I realised that that wasn't one of those days!

Yesterday, I had yet another family portrait session forced indoors by the wind and rain, but we still did manage to get some beautiful images.

Now as I edit those, having travelled across the country at the beginning of the weekend, my thoughts turn to those friends who have had to put up with a lot more rainfall - and its consequences - than we have had so far in Dublin.

If our climate change experts are to be believed, then sights like this flooded field near Loughrea in Co. Galway, are about to become a regular occurrence.

It really could be a case of - water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

A sobering thought indeed!

A remarkable achievement.

Though she won't like me saying so, Jane Mckenna is one of the most remarkable people that I have ever met. Her achievements are all the more outstanding when you consider the circumstances that led to their realisation!

Jane and her husband Brendan suffered the unimaginable tragedy of loosing both of their young daughters Laura and Lynn, through serious illness, within two years of each other. Having experienced such trauma at home, Jane decided to dedicate her life to raising funds to build Ireland's first Children's Hospice, through the LauraLynn Children's Hospice Foundation.

After six years of tireless fundraising and with the support of some extraordinary people and the Children's Sunshine Home, she has achieved just that.

On an emotional day a few weeks ago, Jane, with the assistance of Philomena Dunne CEO of The Children's Sunshine Home, George Balmer, Chairman and Miriam O'Callaghan, patron, turned the first sod for the construction of LauraLynn House, in the grounds of the Children's Sunshine Home, on the Leopardstown Road in Dublin.

When it is complete in 2011, LauraLynn House will provide much needed family support and community based paediatric palliative and respite care. As Jane says, "Nothing can ease the pain of losing a child, but the right care can at least give quality to the child's life, however short.".

Without a doubt, Laura and Lynn would have approved!

You can find out more information about Laura Lynn House at the Children's Sunshine Home at http://www.sunshinehome.ie/hospice.html

Swan Lake

The sun came out for a few hours in Dublin this week and I was lucky enough to be in Marley Park to record the event!

At the end of the day

When evening comes and the family gets together around the table -

The tea is poured and everyone is relaxed.

There is plenty of camaraderie and friendly argument.

The stories begin and the laughter spreads.

Surely, this is what living is all about!

Still, at the end of the day, the washing up needs to be done!

From a recent "A day in the life of a family", photo shoot in Monkstown.