Though buffeted by high winds and rain, Cork City presented with a charm all of its own on Sunday afternoon, 29/12/2013, as hardy shoppers scurried about the streets in the festive atmosphere.
Despite the testing conditions, people were in great humour all around the City lending credence to the City's 'friendly' tag.
Though hardly ideal weather for photography, two members of ECCG threw caution to the winds and ISO settings to the heavens and headed out into the storm to record activities in the 'Real Capital'.
Business at The Giant Wheel on Grand Parade was understandably slow but the friendly cashier on duty was undaunted as she sipped her cuppa to keep out the chill.
Given the adverse weather, there was little room in the McDonalds Inn at Daunt Square
The Echo Boy on St. Patrick's Street appeared to try to catch everyone's attention as they passed by but was having little luck.
Storm? What storm? - Time to relax in Carey's Lane
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- A welcome refuge in St. Oliver Plunkett St.
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- Memories are made of this
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- Shoppers on Opera Lane
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- On the beat – Sgt. Mick Kelleher
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- The English Market
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- The Berwick fountain
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- Christmas Reflection
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- Casey’s festive window
Click the thumbnails above for a bigger version.
New and Old: Opera Lane and Queen Anne House, Emmet Place
Selfie on The Giant Wheel - ECCG's intrepid reporters: Denis Barry and Anthony O'Connor high above the Grand Parade.
While willing to risk life and limb to get the shot (well we did have a go on the Giant Wheel!), the gear had to be protected from the elements. The first defence was the incredibly cheap and effective OpTech Rain Sleeve, without which, we would not have been able to get out at all. These kept the bodies and lenses dry and after that it was a constant battle just to keep the front lens elements dry, an impossibility in the circumstances so it was really just a matter of getting on with it and hoping for the best.
ISO crept towards the 2000 mark at times in order to maintain some chance of a hand-hold-able shot. Both Nikon and Canon were represented but with conditions as they were, there was no lens changing. 18-55mm and 18-200mm were the lenses of choice and proved their versatility on the day. Umbrellas and tripods were brought along but were more of a hindrance than a help, such was the high wind and could really have been left in the car.
All in all, a challenging but enjoyable day of photography in our City by the Lee - and a few 'keepers' into the bargain.
