The idea for this shot has been around for a while, I just needed the time and a subject. Colm Dowling, an up and coming swimmer from WIT agreed to pose for this particular shot. The plan was to water-proof an SB-800 under the water and fire it with a radio control. At the same time, I decided (last minute) to include a backlight. There was so much to take into consideration with the shot that something unexpected had to happen. I needed to make sure the swimmer rose from the water at a precise location, the focus had to be nailed, the lights had to be balanced and positioned perfectly, would the background be too bright, what ISO to use etc. As it turned out the submerged flash would not trigger because of the density of the water. It would only work about 12 inches down so that meant aquiring a volunteer to hold it in position. The focus was extremly tricky too. I switched on the predictive focus and even that was too sensitive (instead it chose to focus on the water splashing in front of Colm). So this is what we ended up with ..    not a bad effort but not exactly what I wanted either. I have aquired a 10 mtr flash sync cable and an opaque lunchbox! That should do the trick, I’m going to try again next week. Watch this space.

(good luck to Colm on the 23^rd of July where is in qualifying for the European SC Championships 2009 which will be held in Istanbul, Turkey in December)

La Boheme is an award winning restaurant situated in Georges St in the heart Waterford City. Run by Chef Eric Théze and his wife Christine, the object of this shoot was to maintain the ambience which the premises is renowned for.

My friends at Passion for Creative. This in demand marketing firm based in Waterford are literally a one stop shop for everything from brand design, marketing strategy all the way through to copywriting and public relations.

This is a recent group shot I did for them ..

When I set out to make a blog I vowed to add a bit of variety to it. So while walking the dog recently I stumbled upon this tiny scene, backlit by the setting sun. Luckily I didn’t have far to go home to get my camera and come back again; this is what I got ..

Great gig at the Forum last night, Green Spheres need to get back more often! The place looked great. Friendly Fires, Casiokids & thecocknbullkid were brilliant. Roll on the summer! Special thanks to Mike in Modern Green for the access.

Yvonne Crotty is a Waterford based fashion designer. Modelling was Judith Batura, a newcomer, who is on the books with Katherine Cahill. Both are very much ones to watch for the future.