2019

Posted on 02/03/2019 by admin

Much of our group's activity in January focused on seascape photography and, following on from photoshoots at Youghal and Ballycotton and a presentation by local seascape photographer Paul Flynn AIPF, the first of our 6 competitions of 2019, themed "Seascape", took place at our meeting on 5th February at the Midleton Park Hotel.

This was a printed competition and we were delighted to welcome local photographer, John Finn AIPF ARPS, on the night to judge the 22 entries. Once the winners in each grade were announced, John gave a critique on each image, giving valuable insight and advice from his wealth of experience.

John went on to discuss the process he undertook in achieving his Associateship with the IPF and RPS with his wonderful panel of inverted reflections in the River Lee. With distinctions becoming a major interest for many of our members this was an inspiring discussion, and we look forward to meeting up with John again soon.
Winners on the night as follows,

Grade A 1st - Andrew Corkbeg
Grade A 2nd - Dave Harris, Joe Moroney
Grade A 3rd - Kevin Day

Grade B 1st - Noel O'Keeffe, Niall Sharkey
Grade B 2nd - Paul Stack
Grade B 3rd - Jim Curtin, Ray O'Connell

Grade C 1st - Kevin O'Brien
Grade C 2nd - Richard Hennessey
Grade C 3rd - Rosanne Donovan

Click here for the competition gallery

Click here for more photos from the night.

- Anthony O'Connor, LIPF

Scott Kelby’s World Wide Photo Walk 2018

Posted on 19/09/2018 by admin

2018 will be East Cork Camera Group’s fifth participation in the Scott Kelby's World Wide Photowalk. In 2014 we walked in our hometown of Midleton, in 2015, we walked in Youghal, in 2016, we went to Cobh and last year we visited Kinsale. This year we’re going to walk in the real capital of Ireland – Cork City! So what is a PhotoWalk you might well ask? Well, it’s simply a leisurely walk, during which you take photographs of your surroundings. That’s all it is and you don't have to be a professional photographer or have expensive gear either - even a mobile phone camera will do!

Trying to isolate one venue from all those available in this fine city is a chore in itself but we have decided that we will concentrate on the general area of the Western Road where we will have Elizabeth Fort, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, UCC and Fitzgerald Park in our sights.

We’ve had great weather on all our previous walks and we’re hoping that this year’s exceptionally fine summer might make a reappearance on the 6th of October to allow us to walk and photograph this area at its best. The walk will be a leisurely affair and will end with lunch at a local venue to be decided.

You don’t have to be a member of East Cork Camera Group to participate either so if you simply have an interest in photography and would like to tag along, no problem! All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, however. The walk is free but any nominal admission fees (more details after you register) and lunch will be at your own expense. As the walk is in aid of the Springs of Hope charity, a small donation to it at the time of registration would be appreciated.

Remember, you must pre-register at the official website, worldwidephotowalk.com, in order to participate.

We will publish your photos from the day on our website (www.eastcorkcameragroup.ie) and there will be competitions to enter if you so wish.

If our previous walks are anything to go by, this will be a great event and will be worth coming along. We look forward to seeing you there.

However, spaces are limited so, if you are interested in coming along, please register now by clicking the 'Join Walk' button at www.worldwidephotowalk.com.

Camphire International Horse Trials and Country Fair – 30/07/2016

Posted on 03/08/2016 by admin

On a sunny Saturday July 30th 2016, ECCG made their way to the Camphire International Horse trials and Country Fair in the picturesque Camphire estate, a unique setting on the banks of the River Blackwater in the heart of the Blackwater valley in Co. Waterford.

The Camphire international Horse Trials saw competitors from 8 different nations as well as from all over Ireland compete over a 4 day period commencing July 27th. This year more than 350 horses competed including over 100 from abroad representing some of the best riders and horses from the 9 nations competing. This event has achieved international status and is overseen by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and is now in its sixth year of operation.

Eventing has been called the "equestrian triathlon" a discipline which involves riding a horse on flat and over fences comprising of 3 phases: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The goal is to get a zero score at the end of 3 phases.

Dressage, the first phase consists of competitors taking their horse through a sequences of predetermined movements in walk, trot and canter to display the horse's obedience, willingness and overall athleticism. The second phase is the cross country where competitors gallop their horses over a course of cross country tracks running over undulating parkland, jumping over a mix of fences and a number of water complexes. The final phase is show jumping where the horse and rider jump a course of lightweight coloured jumping fences.
Camphire Horse 2016 TOConnell-42 Blessed with idyllic weather conditions, ECCG saw some great and exciting eventing action where the speed, agility, control, athleticism, good judgement of pace and riding skill of the competitors was captured on camera. A very memorable day was had by all of us.

Clic Camphire Horse 2016 JKeniry-8 k here to see a full gallery of images from the shoot. Enjoy!

- Noelle Lowney

Courtmacsherry Strand Races – 10/07/2016

Posted on 16/07/2016 by admin

The poor weather was a disappointment for everyone concerned but couldn't dampen the excitement at Courtmacsherry Strand Races held in the west Cork town on Sunday 10th July 2016.

The oval track is on a sandbank that can only be used at low tide and is accessible only via a temporary bridge by pedestrians. On our arrival, groups of stewards in hi-vis vests were busy putting the final touches to the track, installing the marker posts, winning post, starting rope and the all important last-lap bell. Being at the mercy of the tide, racing had to get underway so at a little after 3pm the runners and riders in the first race came onto the track having splashed their way through the low water. The young jockeys, in their colourful silks and tinted goggles, looked totally enthused and up for the contest as they loosened out their horses with a few short strides on the sandbank prior to lining up at the start.

Then, with encouragement being roared from the spectators on the road, they were off on several circuits of the course, sand flying in all directions as they galloped at full tilt around the track. The final lap bell signalled the last chance for the jockeys to squeeze the last bit out of their mounts and was also a signal for us that we had just one more time to get a decent photo of this race.

Then, to the sound of applause from across the water, the muddy-faced horses and jockeys crossed the finish line and while the winner headed for the parade ring to accept the prize, the others stabled their horses and prepared for the next race. This was repeated several times over and was a fantastic event despite the poor weather. Definitely one for the calendar next year.

Well done all in Courtmacsherry.

Click here to see a gallery of images from this shoot.

Midleton Food & Drink Festival – 12/09/15

Posted on 12/09/2015 by admin

Mid Food 2015 EUpton-16

Following one of the wettest days of the year, Saturday 12/09/15 dawned with beautiful sunshine as traders and exhibitors began to put their stands together on Main Street, Midleton for the annual Food and Drink Festival's main event. A scene of intense activity for a couple of hours, everything was ready for the day ahead shortly after 9am as the first of the crowds began to trickle through.

stand

ECCG set up our stand on the 'sunny side' of the street just above Church lane with our 22-image, 2014 Photographer of the Year Exhibition as our main feature. Steady interest was evident from the start and we were delighted to meet and chat to photographers and those with an appreciation of photography, from Ireland and abroad throughout the day.

Mid Food 2015 DBarry-38

The festival itself was a riot of colour and activities with music and street entertainment providing the backdrop and feel-good factor to the culinary theme. ECCG members took some time to sample the atmosphere and grab some photos of the event and a full gallery of images can be seen here. Enjoy!