Gave a talk last evening to Limerick Camera Club. Very receptive audience and great hospitality from them so big thanks. Enjoyed doing the talk. Putting presentations together like that is always interesting as it makes you stop and think about things you do, rather than the usual ploughing ahead as per the norm.

I was Chairman of the club a couple of years back and so it was great to see some of the old faces, but also many new showing how the club has developed and grown in the past few years.

I was delighted to find out on Saturday that I had been awarded a Bronze award at the 2009 Federation of European Professional Photographers for the image that won me Best Commercial Image at the IPPA awards last January. This is a judging of work of the highest standard in Europe and to say I was thrilled to even be in the same list as some of the true greats in photography, would be an understatement.

This years IPPA awards, the best of Irelands photography, is on in 2 weeks time. I have entries in a number of categories, both single image and portfolio awards. So fingers crossed!!

Just finishing off graphics for vans for a local office supply company, which I have been working on over the past couple of weeks. Combination of photographic work and graphic design. Next week I will be finalising quotes and then getting vans wrapped for the road.

Just finishing off album for Eabhnat & Michael now that final layout has been reviewed and approved. This was a civil ceremony held in Castle Oaks Hotel, Castleconnell, Co Limerick which was a great experience. Written by the couple the service featured poetry, Irish script and a choir and music arranged by Eabhnats father.

This is the way I work on wedding albums. A review of images with clients happens post honeymoon. I then prepare a draft layout which is reviewed online under password protection. Any changes required are made and further proofs made available. Only when the bride and groom are happy does the album go to print.

I use Graphistudio for storybook albums at whatever level of package you choose. To me quality is a given and just because you go for a lower level package does not mean you compromise quality. Lower priced packages feature fewer pages.

Happy New Year one and all. Hope 2010 will be good to us all. Back in the office now sorting through and having a tidy to start the year in a good state, not that it will last! Added new workbenches and cupboards to the studio over the holidays which are long overdue and will help me be even more organised.

One wedding over Christmas. Congratulations to Edel and Diarmuid on 30th which, despite the cold and rain was an enjoyable day for all. Disappointing that the planned sky lantern launch had to be cancelled due to the weather. Of course the following day was absolutely perfect for it!!

Clonlara church looked wonderful, bride and groom were relaxed and were great to work with. Couldn't make the river at the Castle Oaks but the honeymoon suite gave us the photo ops.

Hi there, I have been working on a project for RMG Target on behalf of Guinness for the past few weeks. Involved photographing 392 pub fronts from Clonmel in Tipp up to Sligo town. Just exported 386 images to send off. The other 6 will be done when the pubs have been refurbished or the weather improves!!

Been an interesting project taking me to new parts of the country. Felt like Moses at times when the area in front of a pub would be void of cars despite parking being allowed. So many times that happened and then literally within seconds of taking the picture cars would roll up!! Other times, cars, trucks, lampposts, bins etc etc would give a problem in getting angles etc. And the odd occasion of jumping out into the middle of busy streets when there was a break to catch the shot.

Weather has made interesting shots too! Like the perfect rainbow which appeared as I arrived at Setrights Cratloe.

Anyway, made it through and back now to the weddings & portraits.

PD

Hi all, welcome to my blog.

I'll keep you updated with my activities and anything else that might be of interest.

Paul