Early Morning...

I'm normally a night owl, unless I'm forced otherwise - which is exactly what happened this morning. Having taken the graveyard-run ferry to Dublin last night, it meant we were on the road again just after 6am, on route back to our lovely West Cork escape. However, as we had done on a previous occasion, we had arranged to meet a photographer friend for an early morning shoot to make the most of the light, the place and opportunity, whilst providing a chance for mutt to stretch her achy legs, on a journey she is starting to find tiring in her old age.

The chosen rendezvous today was Glendalough, a beautiful spot in the Wicklow mountains, which I have visited on a couple of occasions but never on a clear, still morning like today. The view across the Upper Lake was stunning, when 'me, himself and mutt' finally arrived some 40 minutes after our friend, who had already bagged the sunrise shot. However, the early light remained in our favour for  some while, so whilst we clicked away with our cameras, himself chatted away to another early visitor who had arrived with a drone camera. (I fear someone might be getting ideas for a Christmas present after that meeting!!) That was all fine, until mutt decided it was more fun to bark at the drone, so she was swiftly escorted away by himself, to where we were working, and then happily continued to 'busy herself with bubbles' at the waters edge.

It was so peaceful and stunning there, real head clearing stuff but sadly we were mindful that we had to press on south-west...but not before we had all sat down to a hearty breakfast and a cuppa in a local establishment. Then it was onwards to West Cork, our visit this time being in part, the preparation time for my

West Cork Photography Weekends

Just a quick note to say there is just the last twin/double room available for 25th October - if anyone has ever fancied taking themselves away on a fun break, to learn the fundamentals of photography, whilst enjoying a mini holiday in stunning surroundings...
More details available in the link.

A Garden Design

During the course of my job, I get asked to photograph a wide variety of subjects, some clearly more exciting than the others, and on Sunday I went back for Pt.II of one such assignment. A peep behind closed gates at a lovely new garden, designed by Sakura Garden Design - all rather exciting.

I had covered Pt.I, the daytime view, a couple of weeks ago on a mild but overcast day. Whilst this spared harsh shadows from the shots, I could have done with the daylight being a little more vibrant. However, this is a garden which comes into it's own at night, where the colours zing, particularly at dusk. The midnight blue sky, the vibrant green bamboo and the warm glow of the cedar pavilion, all stunningly lit up in the chill of the evening (as I found out. Brrr!)

Now I will spare any more adjectives and leave you to enjoy the garden for yourselves.

To discuss ideas for your own photography requirements, please feel free to go to the contact form on my website, and I will get back to you.

Photography Weekend - 25th October

Saturday 25th October - Tuesday 28th October

West Cork Photography Weekend
Last availability for a twin/double room


Whilst you may not think you are a budding Frans Lanting or Ansel Adams, this is a long weekend break for
those who would like to experience the beauty, nature and craic of West Cork, Ireland with added click!

Come armed with even the simplest of cameras, and this exclusive three-night break will become a holiday with memories which you will capture with a new-found confidence. As part of only a small group guided by two specialist photography tutors, you will start to see things with a different eye. From landscapes to macro; wildlife to towns; action to low light, each will be covered. At the end of each day, there will be an opportunity to relax over a home from home dinner, whilst chatting about the achievements of the day. Meanwhile, the highlight of the weekend (subject to weather conditions) will be a trip out on the Holly Jo in search of the whales which migrate to the waters of West Cork each Autumn. This natural occurrence is an experience in itself and worthy of capturing on camera.

So if you feel you would like to fill these last two place on this all inclusive* weekend, you can find more details on my website page along with the booking form.

Only five weeks away, so don't leave it too long to make your mind up!

Ace Cafe Reunion - 2014

The Ace Cafe Reunion was buzzing when we arrived on Saturday afternoon for the cafe racer event - day two of the three day event. There had been a ride out to Battersea Park earlier in the day, and we came in at the point where they were all back at the Cafe whilst the awards for the best bike in each cafe racer class were being handed out.

Up on stage, the music had made way for some important guys over from America. Mark McKee and Steve Glum were there to make a big announcement about the plans for Ace Cafe USA, due to open in Spring 2015 in downtown Orlando.

Along with Mark and Steve from Ace USA, Mark Wilsmore from Ace London, there was also Jason and the guys from Dime City Cycles, who were there to unveil a very special machine which they had shipped over specially from the States - a bike which will also share the stage at the grand launch of Ace USA.

Naturally, there was much interest in this latest build by the Florida based team -  a cafe racer inspired by the iconic Triton, built in collaboration with Ace Cafe London, and powered by a modern, twin cylinder Triumph motor.

Isn't it a beaut! ...and I got to have a sit on it too :-)

and then the party continued in the spirit of the event...

A generation of difference!

A little later in the evening we sat and chatted to the very chuffed owner of the 'best Harley cafe racer'. Rachael had her 'Salt Lake City' cafe racer built to her own specification by her very adept boyfriend - and she had every right to be proud of it. (My idea of a nice Harley!)

We left the Ace Cafe Reunion whilst the night was still young, riding back though the balmy night air, and thinking about the Sunday event we would have to miss - the Brighton Burn Up. If the bike and attendance figures are to be believed then the Brighton ride out was an extraordinary event by all accounts.

Photography Weekends

Well, it has been a quiet week in terms of my blog following the daily postings during my August Challenge. (Thank you for all your support there) However, I haven't posted anything here as I have been busy with not only the usual shoots for clients but preparing for and launching a show in Design Essentials for the month of September. (More on that in another post) But there is one more thing I have been busy with - preparing to open my West Cork doors for Photography Weekends.

As many of you know, I am fortunate to be able to divide my time between life in East Anglia and escaping to West Cork. I have also had many of you comment on how lovely it looks and how much you too would love to visit. Well now I'm offering you the opportunity to do just that!

For three weekends during October, I will be hosting exclusive three night photographic breaks for beginners and improvers in a home from home environment. Group sizes are limited to four and will be fully escorted and inclusive. There will be opportunities to try many different aspects of photography whilst enjoying a holiday in this beautiful part of Ireland. The highlight of the weekend will be a trip out whale watching (weather permitting) with Cork Whale Watch, just as the season for cetacean activity is approaching its peak.

The long weekends run from Saturday to Tuesday on the following dates:

SB01 Saturday 11th — Tuesday 14th October 2014

SB02 Saturday 18th — Tuesday 21st October 2014

SB03 Saturday 25th — Tuesday 28th October 2014

NOTE: weekend two is now sold out, there is availability on weekend three and limited availability on weekend one.

For more details, go to my website and look for West Cork Photography Weekends in the Photo Courses section. If you would like to book, I recommend you don't hang about as interest has been keen since I first mentioned I would be offering these breaks and there are limited places. If however you won't be able to make it at short notice, then don't worry - I'm planning to expand the selection of breaks in the Spring and run similar breaks next Autumn (although they won't be at the same special introductory price next year!)

Only £475.00 per person*

Don't delay! Book today, or share this post with anyone you think would love this special opportunity.

Look forward to hearing from you!