Some of my favourite images

Sometimes, as a photographer, its very easy to find fault in another photographer's work.  "Oh, the composition is bad" ........... "he has blown the highlights there" ............. "she doesn't understand depth of field" etc etc.

However, the real challenge, for me, is finding the images that you like without being jealous of the other photographer.  The type of images that make you say "I wish I had taken that" are the ones I'm talking about.

I've gotten to know lots of very talented photographers over the last few years and what follows are a few of their images which I wish I had taken.

#1 Gerry Chaney - The Spire
The much photographed Spire on Dublin's O'Connell Street was photographed from a much more pleasing angle (than the usual head-on view) and composed to perfection by Gerry Chaney.  Gerry's very unique HDR (High Dynamic Range) style sets him apart from most others that have tried this type of photography.

#2 Bernie Delaney - Its the Little Things
Bernie always captures the moments the rest of us let go by.  She is a very creative photographer and her work usually depicts the simplest & most delicate of things.  This image was taken at the Trim Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and shows a young girl, quite tiny yet standing out, beside the huge hot air balloon.

#3 Martin O'Leary - Abandoned House

Martin is an exceptionally talented & creative photographer. He loves to experiment with different light sources and has only recently bought a laser pen to play around with!!! This image was taken in Co Clare, at a very dedicated 1:30am. The interior was lit by several flashguns with red filters and really gives it a "super scary" feeling according to Martin.  Himself & Aidan Beatty run The Picture Rooms (a photographic/art gallery & photo studio) on Wellington Quay in Dublin.

#4 Cathal Noonan - Graeme McDowell

Cathal works for the sports photography agency Inpho.  He was the first Agency Photographer to make me feel welcome at the Aviva Stadium.  It can be a daunting moment walking into the Media Room at the Aviva and knowing absolutely nobody.  Thankfully Cathal recognised me from a match in Tallaght and helped me settle in.  There are so many great shots that Cathal has taken but this shot of Graeme McDowell is epic!!!

#5 Michael O'Reilly - Eiffel Tower

Simply stunning shot of the Eiffel Tower lit up and surrounded by lightning.  Michael, more than likely, didn't get this by chance.  This looks like a well planned and executed image.  The addition of the purple to the sky helps to create the masterpiece.

#6 Peter Fitzpatrick - Women's Rugby

Its an easy decision to include Peter's work here. The tough decision was choosing the image.  This is a recent one from the Women's Rugby between Ireland and England. Peter always manages to capture the intensity of the game, be it League of Ireland, Women's Rugby or International Soccer. He also brings an incredible clarity to his images and won't ever post any sub-standard shots.

#7 Peter O'Doherty - Northside/Southside

Dotsy, the video guy from Extratime.ie, has been out and about with his camera recently and has captured some cracking images of Dublin City. This one has it all - a bit of Northside, a bit of Southside and all those colours lighting up night-time Dublin. Pity he shoots Canon!!!

#8 Ian Anderson - Women's Soccer

Ian is a great man for the Women's League of Ireland.  He is a pain in the ass to photograph with coz we normally spend most of the match chatting!!!  He somehow always manages to capture the women in all their glory, photos they would be proud of!!!