St Mullins & JFK Park

Dilbert75

St. Mullins is a beautiful little place, almost reluctant to spread the word! JFK Park, only about 30 kms away, also very picturesque.

Still using Auto settings on my S9600 - first trying to get some practise at what makes a good picture - but here's a few pics for comment:

Mallard Duck in JFK Park
Foxgloves in JFK Park
Bridge in St. Mullins
Derelict House in St. Mullins
Garden in St. Mullins

mike65

Sshhhhhhhhh! St Mullins is a little gem of a place (the Nore and Barrow have some lovely spots). If you have the energy try a walk from St Mullins up the river to Graignamanagh in early November on a bright misty morning.

I imagine JFK Arboretum is looking splendid right now. Johnstown Castle next?

Mike.

Dilbert75

mike65 wrote:

Sshhhhhhhhh! St Mullins is a little gem of a place (the Nore and Barrow have some lovely spots). If you have the energy try a walk from St Mullins up the river to Graignamanagh in early November on a bright misty morning.

I imagine JFK Arboretum is looking splendid right now. Johnstown Castle next?

Mike.

Walked St Mullins to Graigue and back on St. Stephens Day a few years ago - absolute and utter peace and beauty. JFK looking good now too. Johnstown Castle is well overdue a visit - will prob wait till the culture vultures have departed though

mike65

I did the hike up, then back down on the road, my heels were bleeding for about a week due to still-too-new footware! Ouch.

Mike.

5uspect

I grew up about 5 mins from St Mullins, just over the border in Wexford. Great place.

Valentia

I used to go to St. Mullins years ago. A good friend of mine comes from there.

Nice shots!

Borderfox

Nice shots too, great detail on the Mallard head

Carrigman

Fine shots.

il gatto

Some nicely composed shots. You have a good eye. However, I recommend that you make a few changes from using the auto settings. I think we all naturally assume that "Auto" is a fairly optimal setting which will give good results in most settings. The truth is the automatic setting tends to give washed out colours and over exposed highlights. Spend a few minutes fiddling and the difference is jaw dropping.
Boost the contrast to give the pictures some punch for starters. Then change the white balance to the cloudy setting, even if it's sunny. It'll "warm up" the shot, and actually looks more like it would've when you took the photo. Auto is a last resort when you need a shot in a hurry and you can't remember what settings you were using last.
These two changes will be the difference between a disposable camera and a Canon EOS 1 loaded with Fuji Velvia. There're a quick fix, not always perfect, but a good way to get professional looking shots quickly.

Dilbert75

Thanks all - esp Il Gatto. The direction I've been getting from all the people here is invaluable.

I've actually got the camera manual ready to be read, if you know what I mean, but I kinda feel I need to get used to catching the right types of shots first and then analyse where they could be improved - this is where the board comes in so helpful