So, I’ve finally taken the time out to start a new project. You may remember that I did a 365 project back in 2009 where I took a photo a day for the year. I learned a lot, but haven’t really exerted myself (in photography) any further in the meantime. So this time, I’m going to take 50 shots at 50mm (using my EF 50mm 1.8 – a cheap and very cheerful prime lens). There is no theme, this is more of an exercise to get me out and about with the camera – to get me thinking again.

Anyway, this is the first shot in the series – our pup, Archie. I took this earlier this month shortly after I decided to commit to doing the 50@50 project. A decomissioned railway line runs by Adare which makes for a nice walk. Archie loved it and I’m proud to report that this is the first time he ever obeyed the ‘stay’ command. Clever pup!

As usual, all feedback is very welcome! Comments or Critique? Leave it below!

I went back to Newcastle West to catch the Munster Junior League Division 2 match between the local team and Kinsale RFC last October. It rained… a lot. Trying to shoot with an umbrella in one hand isn’t the easiest given the poor light. Apart from getting soaked to the skin, I really enjoyed the match. Newcastle West RFC went on to beat Kinsale on this occasion.

Taken on a quiet Sunday morning in Sneem.

This is Ela, one of my two beautiful nieces. The girls live over in London, so I don’t get to see them very often. I was looking through some photos from earlier this Summer when I came across this – a very happy Ela who got covered in sand while playing on Garretstown beach near Ballinspittle, Co. Cork. I’ve posted a few photos of Azra before, but I think this is Ela’s first time featuring here.

Girls, I’m hope to see you both very soon (and your folks of course)!

I saw these three Vespas parked outside O’Shea’s pub in Sneem back in June. A pink pub & Vespas – my imagination, strange thing that it is, started running riot. I could just imagine, three bikers on a road trip, drinking beer, chasing women, scaring old ladies and generally causing trouble.

There was a Vespa convention on in Killarney that weekend and thousands of crazy Vespa-owners had ridden from all over Europe to be there – some even flew their Vespas over from further afield. A dedicated and funny bunch.

Last Sunday saw day two of the Cork Photowalk head to Fort Camden in Crosshaven, Co. Cork. I had been to Crosshaven several times before and passed by Fort Camden on the water. I knew there was an old fort there – but I thought it was a small one. It turns out that Fort Camden is vast, but it is well hidden – it was also very overgrown the last time I saw it.

The Fort, dating from 1550, has lay in a mostly derelict state for some time. In 2010, a local group of voulenteers called “Rescue Camden” (www.rescuecamden.ie) started work on the restoration and development of Fort Camden. And given that they only started work a year ago, their progress fantastic. They have cleared the grounds and have started restoring a number of buildings in the Fort.

Like Spike Island, Fort Camden left me wanting more  – I’ll definitely be back.

It’s been a while since my last post – life has been hectic with work and cars. Sí and I took part in a photowalk around the Cork Fortifications last weekend. The first day took in Spike Island (and some of Cork city, which I didn’t make it to). Spike Island is a strange place – when we arrived, it struck me as being very peaceful place. About five minutes later our guide told us about Viking raids, convict ships leaving for Van Diemen’s Land, the War of Independence and riots in the eighties… this place had a sad, often violent past. It really is an incredible place though, just to look around at the buildings – from the Fort itself to the various cell blocks, all had been built at different points in, what is now, History. While most of the buildings on the Island are derelict, there is plenty to see and definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Cobh with a few hours to spare.

About the photos:
I’ve tried to move away from my standard processing – I’m not sure what to make of the results. All opinions/advice welcome – just leave a comment below!

Thanks to Ryan & Photowalk.ie for organising the Photowalk!

Round 4 of the Connaught Competition Engines Irish Hillclimb and Sprint Championship took place on the fearsome Ballyalban hill in Co. Clare last month. Ballyalban is the finest bit of Tarmac in Ireland – I’ve driven all of the Gaps and Passes on this Island, so I do feel that I’m qualified to make that statement. Read on…

Sylvie Mullins pilots his Judd V8 engined Gould to first place at the 2011 Clare Hillclimb on the Corkscrew hill outside Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.

I submitted this image along with a Read on…

I’ve been trying to get a photo of this place since January 1st, 2009 – but there’s always cars parked outside.  This is the final shot in the series from the recent Limerick Photowalk.

Yep, it’s that time of year again. Limerick is covered in Cherry Blossom & Daffodils – nice to see a bit of colour after another hard Winter. Also taken on the recent Limerick Photowalk.

Another shot taken on the recent Limerick Photowalk. This is the canopy over The Milk Market in Limerick. It’s an impressive structure – it keeps the rain out, which makes browsing the stalls a lot more comfortable on those wet winter days. This shot is only a tribute to the “five million” other people who have taken the same photo! Search for “Limerick Milk Market” on Google or Flickr and you’ll see what I mean!