On Saturday I went with my sister’s family to Kilmacurragh arboretum down near Brittas. It’s not that well known so there usually aren’t that many people there but this weekend the Irish Times wrote about it so the place was busier than I’ve ever seen it. Still, it was really pretty with all the trees in bloom. Eve was in pink heaven with all the petals everywhere.
I was photographing a birthday party on Saturday night. It was in the Yacht Club in Dub Laoghaire and was a really fun party with lots of cool touches. One of which turned out to be George the DJ. Such a character and really good at playing the right music to get everyone bopping. Thanks to him I got some great dance shots.
Just spotted this on one of my daily photoblog stalks. A workshop by two excellent wedding photographers, Melissa Jill and Arden Ward right here in Ireland in August. In Kinvara, in Galway to be exact. If I hadn’t already spent all my pocket money on ahem, other things, I’d be there in a heartbeat. I learned so much from attending the workshop in Las Vegas, I think these experiences are worth their weight in gold. Not just from the advice and tuition that the organisers pour into you, but also from being with all the other attendees and going out with them and shooting with them. Plus you’ll get some amazing shots for your portfolio.
Honestly, if you are a wedding photographer, are thinking about becoming one or just want to give your business and craft a boost, then I would say have a serious look at this. Workshops like this happen all the time in the States, but they don’t come over this way too often.
I’ve been a bad, bad blogger (I blame twitter!) but I just got some excellent news. I posted here about the project I was involved in to try and get an Educate Together school in our town. Well, the application that we made back in January has finally made its way through all the red tape and the Department of Education has today given us the go ahead and sanctioned our school!
There are a lot of people who have put a huge amount of time, work and energy into this and, although we still have a lot to do before the doors open in September, this is a day to pop the champagne corks. Well done everyone!
First shots from the new camera, and another Sunday party at the Happy Pear provided the perfect test. There was sunshine, live music and belly dancers all to raise money for a school in Peru and the place was buzzing. I was dying to see how my old 17mm wide angle looked without the crop:
Eve having a boogie and sporting her new boots:
And one with the 85mm to show Eve having a great time…she found some pink:
So, my verdict on the 5D is that I love the colour and the tones and getting back all of the image without the crop, but….I’m afraid I’ve gotten a faulty one. The light meter is underexposing by about 3 stops and just can’t cope with any high contrast conditions. It was actually a good exercise to have to use my brain to figure out exposures (ha!) but I’d rather have the light meter thanks! Hopefully the customer service from the people I bought the camera from will be just as good when you have to return something as it’s been so far.