I’ve finally gotten around to editing some shots from the newest arrival in my extended family (another Christmas present sorted!).

Lucy was born five months ago so hopefully these will be a nice reminder to her parents as to how small and cute she was when born. Here are some of my favourites:

Christmas is coming around again and the people of Killorglin have gotten in to the spirit already with launch of a Chirstmas CD for charity. The performers gave their talents for free and all the proceeds will go to the IHCPT (the Irish Children’s Pilgrimage Trust), who bring young people with special needs to Lourdes for a weeks pilgrimage every Easter. The CD will be available for sale in many outlets around Killorglin from Saturday 10th November including Sol Y Sombra, Killorglin Post Office, Falveys Bar, Nicks Restaurant, FEXCO, Killorglin Library, AIB Bank, Cafe K, Bunkers Bar, Peter Keanes (Statoil) AND Zest Cafe. It’s only €10 so don’t be shy, get another crimbo pressie sorted!

Pictured here are the organisers at the launch night in Sol Y Sombra, Killorglin.

Well, maybe not yet…

Today was the day of the charity climb to Carrantouhill, Ireland’s highest peak in aid of Kerry Hospice and the People in Need. We had a very demanding route up through the Hag’s Glen, O’ Sheas Gully and back down through Heavens Gates.

This was my first time up Carrantouhill but definately not my last. Next time will be at a more relaxed pace to try to capture some of the raw beauty of the place and to do it some justice. Today was just a frantic few shots in between scrambing for grip, ducking out of the windy gusts and keeping up with the group… The fog/cloud at the top ruined our chances of a decent shot for the Kerryman but we will put something in anyway.

Well done to all who participated and to the organisers and the guides who gave their time for two worthy causes. You can find some shots below and the others are on here:

 www.kerryweddingphotographers.smugmug.com

I often get asked by wedding guests and other people that know me for a recommendation on a camera to buy. Thanks to the digital “revolution”, there are now hundreds of models to choose from with a bewildering set of features. I’m not an expert, but I’ve put down a few practical guidelines which might help.

I don’t keep up with compact or amateur models (and they are constantly being replaced anyway!) but a safe bet is to stick to the better known camera manufacturers as opposed to the more mainstream electronics companies. Just pick a price range that you are comfortable with and try out anything from Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm or Olympus in that price range. Just from what I’ve seen, Fujifilm make some very good compacts with very good colours straight from the camera.

Here are some things to remember:

1. You don’t need loads of megapixels. 5-6 is probably more than enough for the majority of amateur work. Be more concerned about the quality of the lens or the manufacturer.

2. Ask about battery life and buy a spare to keep with you.

3. Try using the normal viewfinder instead of the screen at the back when composing. You will find that it’s quicker and because the camera will be more steady, the shots will be sharper. Check how comfortable it is to use this way in the shop before buying.

4. Memory cards are cheap, so buy some spares instead of running the camera on it’s lowest quality setting.

5. Shop around, especially if you don’t mind buying online.

6. Have a good play with it before you buy. There is no point getting one small enough for your little clutch bag unless you can use it comfortably.

7. Finally, don’t be tempted to spend more than you need to. A better camera does not make a better photographer - you still need to get the shot in the first place (timing, lighting and composition) and despite what some people think, you can’t make a silk purse out of a pigs ear, it doesn’t matter how much software you have! Digital is good but good photography is still good photography - nothing has changed since the days of film as far as that goes.

It’s all common sense really and I hope some of it will be useful to you. Just don’t get carried away by the technical jargon that the shop workers will hit you with and keep in mind what you want to use it for. There is no point in buying lots of features if you are not going to use them or will never learn how to. Good luck!

Update: I’ve just been looking around for a compact as a Christmas present - what I’m seeing is that a lot of them don’t even bother with a viewfinder now, just point and look at the screen on the back the shop guy said, what do you need something to look through for…..I didn’t bother explaining…..so point 3 above isn’t always relevant I’m afraid!

I’m halfway through a busy year and have just started my blog. To get things going, I’ll post some of my favourite images from earlier in the year…

Winter weddings are becoming more popular. Beaches and bays are great at this time of year if you can get to them:

Brutal weather = indoor photography = no scenic backgrounds etc. This is not always a bad thing! It just means you have to find good light inside and make it work:

 Backlighting is great to pick out detail and shape:

Frantic activity getting this dress on, but the focus is on the little girl as the real story here is going on in her head:

First dance in the mirror:

Call again for more updates and news!

Welcome to my blog! This is basically intended to be a news section for niall mcgann photography with some updates, favourite shots from recent events and other news to be added over time.