Club Presentation: Michael Strapec

Michael Strapec in front of a number of his prints.

We were treated to a rare presentation of the work of club member, Michael Strapec, last night. It was a mix of pre-recorded video and digital images. Michael shared a large selection of images, and offered insight into how he took them, his motivation and ideas. He offered tips for working with reluctant younger family members (a trip to the toy store!) as well as showing off his bag of props he uses for his outstanding portraits.

It was a hugely enjoyable evening. Michael’s stories about his photography were entertaining, and his photos of a recent trip to Romania were a peek into a very different world for club members.

You can see some of Michael’s work on his website at michaelstrapec.com or follow him on Instagram here.

Club exhibition at Blarney Library for month of February

For the month of February, Blarney Library will be hosting an exhibition of photos by Blarney Photography Club. Call in to their premises in the Square, Blarney Village to see the exhibit.

4 people standing in a library, surrounded by books with photos mounted above.
Pictured at the launch (L-R) are Jim O’Riordan (Treasurer BPC), Ruth Long (Assistant Librarian, Cork City Libraries), Ger O’Halloran (Secretary BPC) and Tadhg Hurley (Chairman BPC).

The exhibition is a collection of work by Advanced, Non Advanced and Beginner grade Photographers.

At the 2022 Club Open Night

We had a great night at the open night last Thursday. Club members brought along prints they had made for display on the night. Granted, most prints were made before the pandemic when we were meeting “in real life” and had in-person competitions, but it was nice to see some familiar photos re-emerge into the light of day.

Here below are a selection of photos Henry took on the night. It was great to see so many people. I look forward to the weekly meetings!

2022 Club Open Night on September 1st

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Blarney Photography Club will be holding an open night at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 1st 2022, in Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Secondary School, Blarney.

Some of the activities we offer include:

  • 8 week beginner classes
  • Informative tutorials & fun outings
  • Competitions and exhibits
  • Extensive programme of events
  • Regular interaction with other photographers

Come along and see if we can help you. Open to new members (over 18) of all standards.

  • Talk to current members on the night about the club. Find out what we do and what you can learn.
  • An exhibit of works by members of the club will be on display.
  • Refreshments will be available.

Take your photography to the next level!

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, Blarney on Google Maps.

The Photography Táin

In the first century, a raid on the Cooley Peninsula was immortalised in a cycle of epic tales. That Táin by the tribes of Connaught was led by the wonderous Queen Medb. In the 21st century a similar Táin took place. A little further south from Cooley on a bend in the River Boyne a tribe from Munster led by their warrior hero chairman settled and stood to do battle! The photography world shook when the littlest big club in Ireland swept all before it in the raid North! In a weekend of unprecedented achievement at the IPF Photographer of the Year and the Nature Competitions several members received Medals, Honorary Mentions and the Club Chairman was elected Photographer of the Year.

The Results : Paul Reidy Advanced Gold Colour Print Open Theme,  Advanced Silver Colour Print Open Theme,  Mark Gorman Advanced Honourable Mention – Colour Print Themed. Charlie Lee Advanced Gold – Natural World Theme. Eddie Kelly Advanced Nature Honourable Mention-Colour Print Themed. Seamus Mulcahy – Nature Intermediate Gold – Projected Theme, Nature Intermediate Silver – Colour Print Open Theme, Nature Intermediate Bronze – Open Print Theme. Intermediate Honourable Mentions in Print Open and Themed as well as Projected.

Paul’s Gold Colour Open Print was also judged to achieve him the title Photographer of the Year. Congratulation to all who entered as well as the achievers on a great weekend that shines a spotlight on our terrific little club. A few of the pictures are below. gold-medals

 

Bringing back the bacon!

team-blarney

In yet another epic event BPC managed to smash even more records in a day of drama and excitement for the large crowd of photographers who attended the Annual SACC POTY at Horse & Jockey on Sunday. The Blarney contingent (pictured above), in keeping with their own tradition was one of the biggest, and kept their colours flying throughout the day which began with an early departure from Cork to ensure that entries were submitted before the 10.00 am deadline.  In summary the Club won 8 medals with Paul, Kevin, Henry and Seamus and 7 Honourable Mentions Paul, Henry and Seamus (a total of 15 awards) and to crown a really great day Paul Reidy won the overall award for the best image of the competition. Other members had images fly past the minimum requirement to go through to the IPF Final indeed there were a couple of images that got top marks ( 27 ) just missing the final select for the top spots.

paul

The absolute highlight of a very long and successful day for Blarney Photography Club occurred right at the end of the presentation of prizes when it was announced that our own Paul Reidy had won the best overall image and would bring the Seamus Scallon trophy back to Blarney after an absence of one year.