Cork – Resplendent in the Rain

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.20131229-DB2_7183ECCG reporters-120131229-DB2_7052

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'.

ECCG reporters-14ECCG reporters-5 ECCG reporters-8 20131229-DB2_6973Business 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.

ECCG reporters-17Given the adverse weather, there was little room in the McDonalds Inn at Daunt Square

20131229-DB2_7228The Echo Boy on St. Patrick's Street appeared to try to catch everyone's attention as they passed by but was having little luck.

20131229-DB2_7182Storm? What storm? - Time to relax in Carey's Lane

Click the thumbnails above for a bigger version.

ECCG reporters-22New and Old: Opera Lane and Queen Anne House, Emmet Place

ECCG reporters-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.

 

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