McAWilliams Photoblog

A photoblogger perhaps

2007-11-06T21:48:40+00:00

Update : The photoblog will be out of action for the next week while I transfer from Movabletype to Wordpress. Yes I have decided to take the leap.

Still trawling though the archives and coming up with some really nice photos unfortunately my photoshop skills are so lacking that I cant seem to do much with them.

Anyhow here is a shot from Saint Stephens Green, my favorite haunt, of a guy taking photos of leaves, madness if you ask me, you would never catch me doing anything as silly as taking photos of leaves.]]> ]]>

River Liffey and Liberty Hall

2007-11-05T22:12:52+00:00

Another photo from the archives this time looking up the River Liffey towards Liberty Hall and the IFSC. ]]>

Oslo Main Street

2007-11-04T22:21:14+00:00

Yes I have not been to Norway for a while now but I have revisited my archives finding some pictures which for some strange reason I never really worked on.

This is a shot looking up at the palace in the centre of Oslo.]]> ]]>

Rebecca Williams the little witch

2007-11-01T21:43:37+00:00

I have to admit it was a much quieter Halloween then I have experienced over the last few years. Possibly because it was midweek or maybe because everybody had been firing off their fireworks for the past 2 weeks.

It was great though to be able to dress Rebecca up for the occasion, she was all dolled up as a little witch, with a cape that said "pretty pink witch" she really looked a treat.]]> ]]>

Bray seafront clouds moving in

2007-10-28T19:54:06+00:00

Well looking at the clouds coming in over Bray it actually could get worse and did today, started of beautiful with sun and a bit of a breeze then down came the rain, etc etc.

Well thats what happens in Ireland.]]> ]]>

Fallen traffic cone

2007-10-23T21:47:16+00:00

I must check some stats page to see how many of these horrible things can be found around Dublin at the moment.

On another note I have spent the weekend testing out wordpress and movabletype 4, I am currently running the blog on movabletype 3.33 and really need the upgrade, for new toys and more importantly security. My problem is a few of the plugins I have used for this page are now out of date and upgrades don't seem to be coming. But I know movabletype since the whole of this site has been self programmed through it. But wordpress is a lovely pack, so what to do, what to do.]]> ]]>

Orton effect on a bridge at Glendalough

2007-10-18T22:16:46+00:00

Gingerpixel put up a photograph recently which really inspired me.

What she had done was take a photograph in a forest and apply an effect created by a photographer called Michael Orton and unsurprisingly called the Orton Effect, in post processing. This effect basically takes one image and merges it with the same image out of focus, and creates a wonderful dream like look.

I had to give it a try.

So this image of a bridge leading to the hotel at Glendalough became my subject. Many thanks to Claire for also posting up a very simple yet effective tutorial to get this effect.]]> ]]>

Dublin Zoo orangutan

2007-10-16T21:59:24+00:00

I love orangutans they look so placid and intelligent.]]> ]]>

Dublin Zoo resting rhino

2007-10-15T22:33:36+00:00

Another thing that amazed me at Dublin Zoo and its rejuvenation was the amount of white rhinos they have staying there, 6 was what I counted, and for such big animals they need space and once again Dublin Zoo has done wonders there. ]]>

Dublin Zoo Rebecca on the elephant

2007-10-14T23:50:55+00:00

I must also say that new huge elephant enclosure is fantastic. It is massive and obviously much better for the Dublin Zoo elephants but it also makes getting close up and personal with them a little more difficult.]]> ]]>

Babysitter for hire

2007-10-10T21:29:54+00:00

I aint been serious here by the way, would you employ this guy to look after your kids? ]]>

Dublin Zoo Gorilla

2007-10-09T23:44:52+00:00

My god how the place has changed since I was there about 6 years ago. Dublin Zoo has lost some of the animals I grew up seeing like camels and the polar bears, but the gorillas at the Zoo remain, aswell as loads of other primates. I have loads of pictures to put up, so you have been warned.]]> ]]>

Locked up bicycle

2007-10-07T22:08:26+00:00

This is a shot of one of the many many bikes you can find around Dublin nowadays, locked up on a signpost.]]> ]]>

Asbestos Dolls Heads

2007-10-04T22:41:29+00:00

On my return to work I was told who the graffiti artist was, a man who calls himself Asbestos.

He is also responsible for a load of Lost posters up on lamposts and other means of signage.

Some people would say graffiti is destructive, but these dolls heads really are a great example of fantastic street art.

I recommend having a look at theartofasbestos.com and another great street artist that has come to my attention in the past week a guy called Banksy in the UK]]> ]]>

Whelans and Village ticketbox or WAV

2007-10-03T00:05:12+00:00

fantasyjackpalance.

He brought me to this colourful building WAV the Whelans and Village ticketbox at the side of Whelans pub.

I had to take a picture for 2 reasons

1. The colours used in the artwork on the masonry of the building is really vibrant.

2. The name of the place really got my attention since wav files are something that as a sound engineer, I deal with on a daily basis. ]]> ]]>

Shadows in Dublin

2007-10-01T23:57:42+00:00

Well the cold has kinda gone away and the sun is shining during the day so it was nice to get this shot of some shadows at one of the many entrances of Saint Stephens Green. ]]>

Norwest Holst Engineering in Saint Stephens Green

2007-09-28T23:40:49+00:00

On another note for all photobloggers out there Claire over at gingerpixel.com has put up a great link to a site for a load of photography tips many of which I plan on using very soon, fantastic find Claire.]]> ]]>

On the Phone in Saint Stephens Green

2007-09-27T21:32:39+00:00

So myself and fantasyjackpalance went for a wander through Saint Stephens Green to check out the talent, sorry I mean to take some pictures.

This girl on her phone did catch our attention though since Irish people have no idea what they should wear at the moment. So it was funny to see her walking through the sunlight all wrapped up for winter. ]]> ]]>

Another bridge crossed

2007-09-23T23:43:39+00:00

This bridge in Ballybunnion also has the honour of being photo number 400, so as the title says its another bridge crossed in my time blogging.]]> ]]>

River Slaney at Ferrycarrig

2007-09-20T23:04:31+00:00

Ah the River Slaney, what a great river. This photo was taken on a very cloudy day down at Ferrycarrig down in Wexford. ]]>

Swimming at Ballybunnion Beach

2007-09-18T21:50:56+00:00

Brings back nice memories doesn't it.]]> ]]>

Ballybunnion Beach Ruins

2007-09-17T23:22:26+00:00

I have messed about with the colours a bit in this image to create a strange effect, all part of the learning process (messing process) of photoshop.]]> ]]>

Mary and Trevor arriving to the reception

2007-09-14T22:18:57+00:00

I think this sums up how the happy couple felt on the day. As you can see Mary and Trevor had fantastic weather for their day, and a great time was had by all.]]> ]]>

Paula Williams at last

2007-09-11T22:08:32+00:00

This is my wife Paula's first time to make it properly to the blog, the only other image was one of Rebecca been fed while very young, and really the focus of that image was mainly on Rebecca.

Tomorrow there may well be no image, since I could possibly be kicked out of the house once she spots the fact I have placed this image up.]]> ]]>

Mary and Trevors Wedding

2007-09-10T21:36:39+00:00

Myself and Paula spent the weekend down in Kerry, for Paula's cousin Trevor's wedding to Mary Quaid.

The ceremony took place in St. Johns Church, Ballybunion or as some sign posts had it Ballybunnion (the 2 n's version) was lovely and the priest was quite amusing aswell. Music was provided by the Ardfert Ladies Gospel Choir who we have surrounding the Bride and Groom in this picture.

More images from the wedding to follow.]]> ]]>

Back to School

2007-09-05T20:56:02+00:00

I know I am a few days late with this post but these girls got my attention today in Saint Stephens Green, yes indeed the schools are back and the traffic mayhem has begun. ]]>

Herbert Road major road works

2007-09-03T23:04:31+00:00

I did however decide to try to upgrade to movabletype 4, and wasted a weekend on it only to revert back to MT 3.33. That is why I have put this image up its decribes my life so well as it stands at the moment. It was taken on the Herbert Road in Bray around the corner from the bridge in the last image.

Today I also wrote a guest post for the main man himself Damien Mulley, where I had to pick 2 of my favorite images and explain more about them. The post can be found here]]> ]]>

Bridge to Enniskerry

2007-08-25T22:04:48+00:00

Anyhow this is a photograph of the new, still unopened, pedestrian bridge that connects Bray to Enniskerry. It spans across the N11 dual carraigeway and looks fantastic as it goes from one side to the other with no supports except at each end.]]> ]]>

Forest Pathway

2007-08-19T00:18:09+00:00

amazing bus service over at another blog I contribute to.]]> ]]>

Bray Seafront summer fest big wheel

2007-08-12T22:24:45+00:00

This big wheel has been a huge feature of the festival for many many years, and has even made its way to this photoblog before, way back in 2005 when I witnessed the dodgy wheel for the first time, alas this is the last time Bray will witness it as it shall never return again.]]> ]]>

Bray seafront driftwood

2007-08-08T22:38:47+00:00

This was a huge branch that was washed up on Bray seafront. As soon as I saw it I just had to get a shot of it, I hope you enjoy it. ]]>

Killeshin Panoramic

2007-08-06T22:33:51+00:00

Would you like to know that you can!

This is the view from my parents house in Killeshin Co. Laois, 5 minutes from Carlow town, and they are selling up. They have a view that goes on for 50 miles that takes in Carlow town, the Barrow Valley and the Wicklow Mountains.

All this can be yours for less then 400,000 Euro, thats a bargain.]]> ]]>

Irish National Heritage Park Crannog

2007-08-04T22:44:24+00:00

The choice of an island as a home is thought to have been for defence and for the availability of food in the form of fish nearby. The crannog could be reached from the nearest shore by means of a causeway built up with stones, or a wooden gangway built atop raised piles.

I have one or two more pictures to put up from this fantastic visitor attraction, but I shall try not to continue giving lessons and let you enjoy the pictures instead.

Oh by the way that is Paula and Rebecca exiting the crannog after going in for a snooze.

All the above historical facts taken from Wikipedia.]]> ]]>

Irish National Heritage Park a dolmen

2007-08-01T22:19:07+00:00

this quote from Wikipedia explains all.

A Dolmen is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of three or more upright stones (megaliths) supporting a large flat horizontal capstone (table). Most date from the early Neolithic period (4000 BC to 3000 BC). Dolmens were usually covered with earth or smaller stones to form a barrow, though in many cases that covering has weathered away, leaving only the stone 'skeleton' of the burial mound intact.

The largest dolmen in Europe is the Browneshill Dolmen in County Carlow, Ireland. It's capstone weighs about 150 tonnes. For lesson 4 tomorrow I shall be teaching you all about Crannogs.]]> ]]>

Irish National Heritage Park lone chair

2007-07-31T22:20:09+00:00

A lone chair sits in the middle the Irish National Heritage Park, its from the ikea era I think. More history tomorrow. ]]>

Irish national heritage park monastery

2007-07-29T23:16:05+00:00

Well the trip to Enniscorthy in Wexford was excellent and very relaxing but more on that in later posts. On Wednesday we went to the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig, and I have to say what a fantastic place to go to.

A quote from their website explains all "From campsite to Ringfort, from mill to Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house, every activity is an unexpected adventure into 9000 years. The world you enter is an authentic recreation of Ireland's heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar."

This is an image of the Church at the Early Christian Monastery. From around 550 AD a major change took place in the Irish Church, with the arrival of Monasticism. This form of Christianity originated in the Egyptian desert and spread quickly across Europe. Its ideals of seclusion and prayer seemed to appeal greatly to the Irish people, and Monastic Settlements were very quickly established throughout the country.

During this period, some of Ireland's greatest works of art were produced, such as the Book of Kells and the Ardagh Chalice, and Ireland became known abroad as the "Island of Saints and Scholars".

The monastery in the Heritage Park consists of the Church, a Monk's cell, a scriptorium, a refectory and garden.

So I have another Monastery to add to my collection of places visited and I have plenty more images from the park to put up over the next few days.]]> ]]>

Rebecca Williams first birthday

2007-07-21T23:44:52+00:00

first picture of herself up.

Today Rebecca Williams hit the big 1, and I am so tired. We decided to have a party for her today and to be honest to all those parents out there who have done the first birthday party, how tiring an event is that, unfortunately for Rebecca she was quite unwell today so did not enjoy the party as much as she could have, but what a great day anyhow.

Next week I am on holidays and will be honest from Monday to Friday picture updates will not be happening, but since we are heading to wexford I should have a lot of shots to put up.]]> ]]>

Office chair caster

2007-07-14T22:56:13+00:00

This is a photograph from my workplace of one of the 5 casters I have on my trusty office chair.]]> ]]>

Angie the angel fish

2007-07-10T22:41:42+00:00

Fish dont stay still at all and make photographing them quite difficult but Angie did decide to stay still for a bit and I managed to get this shot.

In other news, while waiting for my favourite bus, the 145, who should walk past me but Red Mum, and guess what she blanked me. I always knew looking at her photos that we would encounter each other at some point cause she seems to take photos around where I am working during the day in Dublin.

So for Red mum may I recommend checking this photograph out for future reference]]> ]]>

Cadburys mini bars

2007-07-09T21:38:20+00:00

Booking with us means you get me to work with which is a huge plus but you also get these cute little Cadburys mini bars and a coffee to boot. ]]> ]]>

Old Dublin lamp

2007-07-07T23:45:29+00:00

I dunno what it was about this lamp that caught my eyes but when I got back home and imported it in I could not get over the detail on the very top of the light, I am sure it is representing the castles of Dublin. ]]>

Caitriona Dwyer meme

2007-07-05T21:32:18+00:00

I am posting up an old picture, well taken in March.

This is a photograph of Caitriona Dwyer who decided to meme me. I will also say that this image looks much better with the dark view. To change the view you can do this via the navigation bar or by the light and dark links under the heading of this image.

So what does this mean.

Rules

1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.

2. People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.

3. At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names.

4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here it goes

1. This is really weird, the hairs that grow above the second knuckle down of your hands I hate them and spend a long time plucking the little blighters. I dont know why this is but you will not find any hairs there.

2. I should open a record store, I have over 2000 cds now in my posession ranging from death metal to classical music, the majority of them are now stored away in the attic after I found mp3s to take up so little space

3. I pick my nose.

4. I love solpediene, this is sad but I do find them refreshing nowadays.

5. I am nearly 35 years old and I have never driven a car, and get this my father is a driving instructor.

6. I applied to go on Big Brother 2, I had permission from work, unfortunately this was before open auditions and you had to fill out an application form and send in a video of yourself. It was only when I got to the terms and conditions that the form said you had to be living in England. I am glad in many ways now that it did not happen.

7. I love gardening.

8. I cant handle my drink very well.

So there you have it, now I have to find 8 folk to send this on to.

Rick O'Shea, Kathryn, Oyvind, Anna , Dolly, Malc, Cutielis, Forninepounds Yay done.]]> ]]>

More and more toys

2007-07-02T22:31:35+00:00

But it does have its problems, the take over bid of toys.

They take over your house, they go all over the place, they can even hurt when you dont see them and trip over them.

So what did my brother, Rebeccas godfather, do...

He just went and bought her some more, in all honesty though Dave thanks a million really.]]> ]]>

Glendalough monastic ruins

2007-07-01T22:33:14+00:00

Never figured out why I never put this picture up before, anyhow, this is a shot taken down in Glendalough at the monastic village. It is all that remains of the main church, and yes they are graves inside it. ]]>

Rebecca and the ice pop

2007-06-27T22:39:22+00:00

She really did enjoy it, but some of the facial reactions were hilarious, so much so I had to put up this montage. Its funny cause for the last 2 photographs she realised I was taking pictures, so she tried to pull out a smile through the grimace.]]> ]]>

Paddy Casey instant karma

2007-06-27T00:08:30+00:00

Warner music along with Amnesty and Phantom FM hosted a great night in the hard rock cafe, Dublin, and Paddy Casey was there to do a number. Like all photobloggers, the camera was with me and I managed to get a shot of the man in action.

I would also like to say that Rebecca got her first "Hard Rock Cafe" t-shirt aswell courtesy of Daddy. Its for a 2 year old but would make a nice nightie I suppose for now.]]> ]]>

Dangling red flowers

2007-06-25T22:04:06+00:00

Another shot from my parents house this time of the Fuchsia regia, with they have loads of on their half acre of land. These flowers are beautiful and attract a massive amount of wildlife, such as bees and all other sorts of insects. ]]>

Zantedeschia aethiopica or arum lily

2007-06-24T19:36:10+00:00

This is an Zantedeschia aethiopica or arum lily to you and I. It is a bog plant and can even be grown in the margin of ponds (where mine was), once the roots are wet at all times you will have a happy plant. the trumpet flowers though are amazingly powerful, and the plant can grow to very large sizes, up to 1 meter.]]> ]]>

Whats up Doc

2007-06-23T23:43:36+00:00

Fortunatley for me I had brought the camera down with me, and was able to take a few snaps of them out and about nibbling on the grass.

Cute or what!]]> ]]>

Very wet white flowers

2007-06-21T22:39:10+00:00

So here is a nice shot of flowers with drops of water forming on the petals.]]> ]]>

These are cassettes

2007-06-20T22:48:01+00:00

For the younger viewer of this page these are called cassettes.

Today I had the strangest request to transfer 1 advert onto 70 of these little guys. God unwrapping 70 of these was a pain then having to duplicate 70 of them was not much better, but oh how it brought back some memories of how bad these things actually are.]]> ]]>

Rough Seas

2007-06-17T23:29:27+00:00

This is a shot taken some time ago down at bray seafront when the waves were absolutely mental.]]> ]]>

Street performance world championship

2007-06-15T23:34:16+00:00

street performance world championship admission is free and would be a great day out so long as the weather holds up. I wont be in over the weekend but did catch some of the preparations for the event today.]]> ]]>

Looking out for food

2007-06-13T23:34:32+00:00

Ah ducks dont you just love em. Here are 3 of them on the scab for some more food. I must apologise for the lack of postings but Rebecca is sick at the moment, work is mental busy and the camera only comes out when I am on my way home from work, all of which I have documented here on numerous occasions. ]]>

Blue blue skies

2007-06-12T00:29:30+00:00

What the hell has happened to Ireland or should I say Costa del Eire, we have had fantastic weather for the past few weeks but I feel its all gonna come crashing down on us very soon. A prime example was tonight and my ISS watch or lack of clouds are in so you only saw it on and off and because of the haze from the clouds it was not half as bright as before. Ah well loads more opportunities to see it again before the end of the week. ]]>

Dublin bus through Shankill

2007-06-10T23:08:08+00:00

As for this shot, this is my evening 145 bus from Dublin Bus, heading back to Bray, this photo was taken at Shankill, and this poor girl was the only other person upstairs on the bus. She was at the front, I was right at the back, and there it is the other 145 in front of us, I really do feel that buses are scared on the roads on their own.]]> ]]>

International space station

2007-06-09T22:35:14+00:00

Tomorrow should be even more fun because Sunday is the day Atlantis will dock with the station so to the naked eye we should be able to see both craft fly across the sky together getting closer each pass.

The ISS moves in space at 17000 mph so you only get a minute or 2 before it goes out of sight.

Tonights timetable is as follows 10:44 Iss to pass from the south followed 14 minutes later by Atlantis in pretty much the same direction.

At 12:19 ISS will pass again this time from a more westerly direction the shuttle will follow 10 minutes later but may not be as bright.

As I say tomorrow night should be amazing if the clouds stay away with the climax of the chase.]]> ]]>

Stop the bus

2007-06-09T00:05:31+00:00

Anyhow here is my favourite mode of transport (sarcastic) the 145 bus. I spend roughly 12 and a half hours a week on this yolk. This is one of the many buttons to stop the bus when that stop of yours is approaching, also in this picture is, and I cant believe this, another 145. I find this fascinating since there is meant to be a 20 min gap between them.]]> ]]>

Rebecca after waking up

2007-06-05T22:56:51+00:00

I am also in the throws of changing the site a bit but would welcome views on this, I am planning on changing the layout and colours a bit. I do like the white but some of the images I have placed up look really well against a darker background. I have implemented this very roughly up in the navigation menu, the light (the default view) and a darker view. If you select the dark view and close your browser that style will remain when you come back but click the light and its back to normal. I dunno if I like that happening and I am checking out how it can go to the default. Please let me know what you think about all I have said above.]]> ]]>

Tom Chillin

2007-06-04T23:35:08+00:00

Tom was happy for me to go mad taking snaps, so many thanks to him for enabling me to post today.]]> ]]>

Guinness Storehouse - The source of Guinness

2007-06-02T23:28:39+00:00

guinness storehouse, showing the industrial look of this tourist attraction which goes through the process of how Guinness is made, all the time you go up through the floors like a pint of Guinness settling. Down one level from the Gravity bar is another bar, and on its doors are printed the words the source.

These words mean a lot to me because my first encounter with web page coding was through a game on Szlamp.com which has clues hidden within "the source". Strangely my 2 visits to the Guinness storehouse had the author of Szlamp.com with me and how we laugh when we see this.]]> ]]>

Slow garden snail

2007-05-31T23:35:30+00:00

Another photograph from my eclectic garden. Danelions, Buttercups, slugs and snails. This snail was found crawling across my bin, which is yes indeed, purple. ]]>

Big brother is watching me

2007-05-30T21:20:07+00:00

So begins another 13 weeks or so of reality tv, fortunately I have Rebecca to keep me more amused then looking at egotistical losers in confinement, but I am sure I will be watching anyhow.]]> ]]>

Buttercup Flowers

2007-05-29T23:30:32+00:00

Dandelion Explosion I now have these weeds in my garden.

I do like these buttercup flowers but all the same I prefer the green of my grass. What will come next Daisys???]]> ]]>

Danger Brick Wall

2007-05-27T20:51:41+00:00

I took this shot a while ago and never did anything with it but out it popped today and I decided to give it a chance. This was taken opposite the Bleeding Horse pub just off Harcourt Street. It is an electricity box with a great red wall behind it. I just liked the simpleness of this scene and that why I took the photo. ]]>

Bridge handrail

2007-05-26T21:25:55+00:00

In relation to yesterdays picture it looks like Bertie Ahern has got a third term in office although it wont be a Fianna Fail/Progressive democrat coalition like we have endured the past 5 years.

The PD's have done atrocious this election with only 1 seat at the time I am writing this, with Mc Dowell, the PD's leader losing his seat and resigning from politics promptly, Liz O Donnell the PD's deputy leader and hottie also lost her seat, you catch my drift! although they probably will get a second, it will not be enough to get the majority for the Dail, so Fianna Fail may go down the FF/Labour route or as many are predicting FF/Greens and a few independants being the more likely option. For more information on the Irish Election if you are really bothered, check out irishelection.com's blog page it is a great font of knowledge, and well done to all the contributers on a very finely run broadcast.

I told everyone a good while back their posters were terrible, I think thats where it all went wrong.

Lastly I appreciate the texts, mails and comments about Soupy Norman, I am thrilled to see that everybody seemed to have loved it, mainly because Barry and Mark who came up with the idea and script, really believed it may only appeal to a specific market, but by all accounts looking at the comments I got from people, it seems to be a much bigger success. Also with so many people enjoying it I can honestly say the first episode for me is the weakest, mainly due to the fact that the main characters had to get established along with the story. Trust me it gets even funnier..... and weirder. ]]> ]]>

Election Ireland 2007

2007-05-23T22:14:40+00:00

Also Tomorrow marks the day that "Soupy Norman" airs on RTE 2 at 11.05. If you live in Ireland please watch it, it is only 10 mins long and let me know what you think as I did all the sound on this show and think after 17 years messing in sound its probably the most enjoyment I have had with sound recording over the years.]]> ]]>

All knotted up

2007-05-22T22:38:58+00:00

This shot was taken outside my back door and is my clothes line which has gotten itself all knotted up.]]> ]]>

Cat on a hot tin roof

2007-05-21T21:56:16+00:00

So here is a image that brought back that old film to me "cat on a hot tin roof" I think the title describes this cat photographed on my neighbours shed roof.]]> ]]>

Madeleine Mc Cann's Disappearance

2007-05-18T23:09:52+00:00

Have you seen this toddler

Due to an offensive comment recieved yesterday I have decided to close the comments for this entry.

This is a photoblog entry with a difference, and one I hope fellow photobloggers may take up. The reason I feel this should happen is because as bloggers and even more importantly photo bloggers we attract views on a daily basis from all around the world, which is exactly what the Mc Cann family need right now.

For those that are unaware of the story, I have taken this quote from True Crime Blog UK, where it was first posted.

Kate and Gerry McCann from Leicestershire took their 4-year-old daughter Madeleine (pictured) with them on holiday to Portugal. The family were staying at the Mark Warner Ocean Club Summer Beach Resort in Praia da Luz on the Algarve. On the 3rd May 2007 Kate and Gerry went for a meal at a tapas restaurant, checking on Madeleine in their nearby apartment every half hour or so. When they returned at around 9:45pm GMT, a window was open and Madeleine was gone. Staff and guests searched the holiday complex into the early hours of the morning, but failed to find the missing toddler.

So 2 weeks on nothing more has really come from the police investigation in Portugal, or at least under Portuguese law they cannot disclose much, so the family have appealed for people to spread the word across the globe. One of the other reasons why photoblogs may be of help is due to the fact that, if she was abducted, one thing the abductor would be unable to change would be Madeleines distinctive right eye, where the pupil runs into the blue-green iris.

This quote from sky news

It is this distinguishing mark that will identify Madeleine to those on the lookout for her, according to aunt and uncle John and Diane McCann.
This number 0800 555 111 is for people phoning from within the UK who may have information.
If you are dialling from outside the UK then phone 0044 1883 731 336
The McCann family have launched their own website, It contains details of how to contribute to the fighting fund they have set up. You can access www.findmadeleine.com by clicking here.

I am not going to post any photos over the weekend possibly even longer to ensure that people visiting see this message, and if you are a fellow photoblogger or blogger of any description, I urge you to please post something like I have to get the message out there (I do know pleanty have already), I fluctuate between 58 and 68 readers but I do know some of the people visiting attract a much larger readership, well into the hundreds, you are the people this family need at the moment for help.]]> ]]>

Locked Shed

2007-05-17T21:52:56+00:00

Here is the shed in my humble garden in Bray, locked. Well you know men take great pride in their sheds and horde all sorts in them so locking them is essential. ]]>

Brush your teeth

2007-05-16T21:54:11+00:00

On another note up in the navigation menu you may have noticed some new things "what you like" is a place to see the most popular 15 images I have put up, well by comments anyhow.

Today I have added "chat to other photographers" which is a chat room where fellow photographers can discuss all things photography related such as tips and tricks and advise etc. Hopefully you will come and pop your head in and say hi.]]> ]]>

I need a shave

2007-05-15T22:42:04+00:00

I was trying out some more photographs with the flash tonight and they were all crap, so I aimed the camera at myself since I ain't had a self portrait for a while and on bringing it to the computer I decided to make this post very short, cause I need a shave badly. ]]>

William Conyngham Statue

2007-05-14T21:13:49+00:00

Ok I know I have put a picture of this statue up before but I do love the square it is located in, so here it is again from a different angle ]]>

Water Tomato

2007-05-13T22:17:12+00:00

Away from smoke I am back at water this time dropping stuff into it. Here is a plum tomato been dropped from a height into a vase of water.]]> ]]>

Smoke in a female form

2007-05-09T21:52:29+00:00

I have done very little to this picture, this is how I shoot the smoke photos, and this is before the invert etc. I did nothing to this for this reason, when I saw the picture it reminded me of the female form, as in waist and hips kinda silhouetted against a black backdrop. ]]>

Smoke 4

2007-05-09T00:59:56+00:00

Amazing aint it I get the flash and dont try the ole smoke shots again, well tonight I decided to give it another go and mess with the curves a bit more. This one strangely looks like a racehorse to me, what do you think? ]]>

Gimme that

2007-05-07T22:03:30+00:00

Well the camera did not get out much this weekend but I did take some shots of Rebecca who has figured out how to move about on her bum. This photo came about with her shuffling towards me wanting to play with the camera, I kept moving back waiting for the perfect shot but on loading the photos to the computer I have to say the grabby pictures make it for me. ]]>

Clouds coming in

2007-05-05T20:18:48+00:00

Yes the rain is forecast for Ireland for the next week, the only good thing is with clouds in the sky I may be able to take some pictures again, us photographers hate blue skies.]]> ]]>

Dandelion Explosion

2007-05-03T22:01:12+00:00

What has happened since, dandelions that were not there when my grass was like a wild meadow have suddenly appeared and I would say this weed is actually starting to take over my garden, and all because of these fluffy little seed heads which are all over Bray at the moment thriving obviously with the hot weather.

Bastards!!!]]> ]]>

Floating seagull

2007-05-02T21:45:56+00:00

In other news I had a session with Rick O Shea and I did promise to link to him, but in doing so I just want to congratulate him on becoming a father (4 weeks ago) and I do hope mum and baby Max are in great health.]]> ]]>

Deep purple tulips

2007-05-01T22:21:28+00:00

Unitarian Church.

What stood out for me with this picture was the selection of colours, such a deep purple and a bright yellow used in the flower bed, I would have thought it was a daring choice but by jesus it works well.

On another note and totally of topic I have put up what I consider to be a great way to vote on my verbal page you never know maybe it can apply to any other Irish readers out there.]]> ]]>

Canal lock open

2007-04-30T21:45:30+00:00

Another shot form my Fantasyjackpalance boat excursion from a few weeks back, this time inside the lock looking back under Eustace Bridge at Leeson Street, down past the open gates towards Baggot Street. ]]>

Dublin Unitarian Church

2007-04-29T20:16:43+00:00

This is a photograph taken looking to the west of Saint Stephens Green to wards the Dublin Unitarian Church. This 19th century church is undergoing a massive 1.5 million euro restoration at the moment, due to pollution etc from modern day life. It really does stand out when you look at the other buildings surrounding it. ]]>

Reading to Baby

2007-04-27T23:23:46+00:00

I have to say this is the life, bring the baby for a walk around Saint Stephens Green, find a sheltered spot, let baby observe and have a read of a book. ]]>

Skoda Octavia

2007-04-26T22:16:24+00:00

A stuff of Myth" in the Andrews Lane Theatre last night and if you have time over the next week and a half I would highly recommend getting in to see it. After that a few beers were had with some of the cast.

Donncha and Chromasia both had their new arrivals last week, congrats again guys, but now its my turn to steal some thunder, welcome to our latest arrival a beautiful Skoda Octavia a essential addition to the Williams Household since Rebecca came along since she requires a lot of boot space for her wardrobe, bed and vehicle for getting around (the buggy).]]> ]]>

Luas at Harcourt Street

2007-04-24T23:01:35+00:00

This photo was taken on Harcourt Street and I mean on the street waiting for the Luas to come. I really love this mode of transport that arrived to Dublin a few years ago, its fast, clean and reliable.]]> ]]>

Stephens Green Flower

2007-04-23T21:14:33+00:00

Back to my favorite haunt Saint Stephens Green where the flower beds are nearly in full bloom. This is a shot of a lovely pinkish flower called, I dunno, any help would be great. ]]>

National Concert Hall

2007-04-22T21:01:02+00:00

Across the road from yesterdays photograph is the National Concert Hall (NCH) where we decided to go to the side of the building towards Harcourt Street. This photograph was taken along this stretch of road of the side of the NCH it would be the unattractive side to the public but to me it was well worth a shot. ]]>

Alexander House Reflections

2007-04-21T22:18:53+00:00

This picture on the otherhand was one I wanted to take.]]> ]]>

Rowing down the Grand Canal

2007-04-20T20:01:49+00:00

The only fib I may have told was the company which does not exist.]]> ]]>

Eustace Bridge on the Grand Canal

2007-04-19T23:56:38+00:00

Fantasyjackpalance Pleasure Boat Cruises , which consisted of drinks and boat journeys along the grand canal, between baggot street and leeson street. Quite a few people turned up and plenty of drink was had by one and all.

I was fortunate enough to be taken by the main man himself up the canal and we went underneath the Leeson Street bridge, which I now know is called Eustace bridge, and thankfully I had brought my camera with me. This is a photograph of us approaching the bridge and it was great to be able to see through to the lock ahead. We did go in further but this image really does it for me.

I do hope this new venture FJP has undertaken does well for him, his boat is a challenger 3 and is very comfortable and the journey lasts about 20 minutes, well worth the money if you wish to see the canal from a different angle.

I shall post some more pictures of the launch tomorrow.

Also just of topic altogether, the photoblog is 2 years old today in this form, so happy birthday photoblog.]]> ]]>

Cresent Moon

2007-04-18T23:19:51+00:00

There are 2 images I really wanna take but both require darkness, and I mean really dark, no city lights etc and preferably scatterings of clouds. I want to take photos of 1. the stars in motion (taken while in bulb mode) and 2. a landscape using no flash or light only bulb mode.

Every time I have attempted this in Bray street lights kinda ruin the effect I am after. but I did try again tonight, and failed but lo and behold this cresent shaped moon was hiding behind a tree, so I photographed that instead.]]> ]]>

Cherry blossom tree flowers

2007-04-17T22:34:41+00:00

I was sitting as usual upstairs on the 145 and was listening to Air's album "talkie walkie" and what song came on but "cherry blossom girl" and hey presto I had the photo I wanted to take this evening.

I am fortunate enough to be living in a house that is over 25 years old and has a well established blossom tree in the back garden, it must be about 20 foot high, and over the weekend the buds well ... blossomed, it seems in the 2 and a bit years we have been living here that its flowers come out later then others.]]> ]]>

Leeson Street Lower

2007-04-17T00:47:40+00:00

So this image is apt, its rush hour traffic coming onto Leeson street lower.]]> ]]>

Bewleys Grafton Street

2007-04-12T22:00:56+00:00

I know this is similar to the photo I put up a few days ago but I wanted to try it again on Grafton Street. This time I used Bewleys as a backdrop. Most of the shots did not work the same way as the other photograph but what I did get which I found quite funny was that my shutter speed matched, pretty closely, the average pace of the pedestrians due to the fact that only one leg is seen walking. ]]>

Regrowth

2007-04-11T23:12:41+00:00

No more to be said. ]]> ]]>

Glendalough Upper Lake

2007-04-10T23:31:14+00:00

While we were walking back I took some photos through the trees that flank the side of the lake looking back at the point I took this photo.]]> ]]>

Glendalough Round Tower

2007-04-09T22:47:17+00:00

Anyhow because of this I was able to take this photo of the round tower from a different vantage point then ever before.]]> ]]>

Glendalough Picnic

2007-04-08T21:12:13+00:00

For a change we went to Glendalough today, but this time we did something we have never done with Rebecca, we had a picnic.

The sun was shining and Glendalough was packed with people, I had never seen anything like it before in all my visits there.]]> ]]>