Travel photography in Galway

I was lucky enough to spend some time last week photographing the Galway Arts Festival. One of the most popular performers, Galway's favorite cardboard guitar player "Plink Plonk", really caught my eye. A festival regular, "Plink" busks outside Murphy's on High street for dog food money, for his faithful cardboard friend "Plank"!

This week Galway keeps up the festival pace with the annual races and if you feel the need to take time out from the craic and the crowds, then here are some suggestions.

Escape into Connemara and still enjoy the spectacular views from Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park, on a typical cloudy July day.

Visit the Falconry school at Ashford Castle and fly a Harris Hawk!

Or just stop for some amazing tea and scones at the Lakeside Cafe overlooking Furnace Lake near Maam Cross.

But, bring a raincoat - just in case!

Jungle Waterfall

While exploring the urban jungle that is Dublin, I came across this beautiful scene in the Iveagh Gardens.

Sometimes we forget that beauty is all around us and it just takes a moment to stop, look and appreciate!

Corporate portraits

Two recent corporate portraits of recruitment specialists, Melissa Foley and Lee-Ann Enright. These executive portraits were produced as part of a busy day of photography.

Both portraits were photographed using daylight with a splash of flash on the background.

Deauville…surreal!

Irish skin and more than 30 deg c. of sunshine take a while to get along with each other - and it has been very hot in northern France of late. So when I saw the colours of the umbrellas on the beach at Deauville, I thought it was a mirage. Indeed the whole town was like something out of a fairytale.

I've been traveling and photographing over here for the past few weeks and and ended up in this most unusual seaside town. It is the Monte Carlo of Normandy, all be it with a most spectacular and pristine beach.

Deauville was founded in the late nineteenth century as a pleasure resort and was purpose built in a traditional Norman style. The town hall looks particularly beautiful surrounded by manicured gardens. After the second world war Deauville became famous for the American film festival held at the end of summer. The favorite place to "promenade" here, is the American style board walk which is lined with a walk of fame. All of the major stars who have appeared at the festival are named on the barriers between the art deco beach huts.

Possibly the most unique and spectacular building is the 290 room Hotel Normandy. Built in 1912, it is a one off, with turrets, wooden balconies and gargoyles. Inside it is an art deco masterpiece. Indeed both it and it's sister hotel played a starring role in an early episode of "Poirot". With plenty of designer shops and the famous Casino next door to the Royale Hotel, you can also see why Ian Fleming didn't have to look too far for the inspiration for his first James Bond novel, "Casino Royale".

If only I had remembered to bring an Aston Martin!

DSI Ice Cream Fundays with HB

Down Syndrome Ireland are encouraging supporters to host an ice cream party with HB Hazelbrook Farm ice cream supplied free. The aim is to raise much needed funds for the development of Down Syndrome Ireland's services.

While ice cream and kids are not the easiest thing to photograph together, I spent a great morning photographing some wonderful children for the campaign.

Interestingly, I have discovered that my studio is built on what was once grazing pasture for the original Hazelbrook Farm. Now, where did I put my wafers?

You can find more information about Down Syndrome Ireland's Ice Cream Fundays here.

Rising after Redundancy

I photographed John Fitzgerald for the first time shortly after I became a freelancer. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to photograph John and his team at Harmonics on numerous occasions.

Well known as "the career coach" on RTE One's Afternoon Show, John's new 6 week series, “Rising after Redundancy” is now airing on Sunday nights on RTE One. It follows 6 people who have been recently made redundant, over a 6 month period, as John coaches them in building new careers.

It makes for an interesting Sunday night in, for these interesting times!

Portraits on a sunny afternoon

No I wasn't nervous! But, it's not every day I'm told that my portrait client is not only a career & business coach, but was also an international karate champion. It was a beautiful bright sunny day so, no pressure for a photographer then..!

Bright sunshine and high contrast light are a good mix for most things photographic, except portraits. However, Victoria was a joy to photograph. After a quick chat and a cup of tea, we found some reflected light, a white wall and got a great series of corporate portraits.

This was my favourite and I'm glad to say, it was Victoria's as well!