OffShoot Photography Society is delighted to announce that our new programme will be starting on the 6th of September in a fantastic new venue.

Our new venue is the spacious St Brigids Girls National School in The Park, Cabinteely

Directions to St Brigids National School are available on the website - http://www.offshoot.ie/directions

As part of the ongoing outings schedule of the Offshoot Camera Club, 24 members made the trip to Newgrange Falconry to photograph dramatic birds of prey put through their paces by Brian.  From Peregrine Falcons to Long eared Owls, an array of birds were presented on pedestals in a natural setting.  Risking life and eyeballs,  the members were given access to the birds within the striking distance of their tether's.  As a result everyone was able to capture, brilliant candid shots of the beauty of these birds up close.  The care and professionalism of Brian was very apparent as he expertly handled the birds and ensured that everyone had their chance to produce their masterpiece.  

Later Brian put on a show that demonstrated their true grace, power and accuracy of the birds in flight.  We struggled to keep up with the birds as they zeroed in and pounced at incredible speed on the lure from incredible distances.  Brian then flew the birds on to the hands of those brave enough to don the leather glove.  Finally the Falcon demonstrated its intelligence by performing some tricks as he flew precariously close through our arms,  legs and even headbutting my nose. 

The members all expressed how much they enjoyed the professional and interesting demonstration put on by Brian from Newgrange Falconry.  We were given plenty of time,  given direct access to the birds and given professional and very friendly demonstrations.  Brian was very willing to adopt his presentation to facilitate our requirements for photography.  His professionalism,  knowledge and varied display kept us keen and not only made for some excellent photography but also a very interesting and engaging display of this ancient and regal sport.  Thanks to Brian and Barbara for an excellent day.

Outings Secretary

Message from the Outings Secretary:

On Sunday 26th April, 4 members of the club went on a journey from Dublin to Maynooth on a Great Southern and Western Railway J15 Steam Train number 186.

The 186 train was built in 1870 and with a number of carriages from 1920 and 1950 the shuttle brought us at speedy 40MPH to Maynooth and back.  The Organisers allowed us to take photographs of the train as it approached the station and of the engineer and cabin of the train.  We would like to thank them for their support.

Ian, Jattie, Kevin and myself have already put a number of images onto the group Pool and on Flickr so have a look and comment.

The 186 is one of a number of steam/desil trains and carriages perserved by the RPSI (Railway Preservation Society of Ireland).  As part of a year long program, the RSPI run outings on various combinations of this rolling stock for the public combined with different events.  The Maynooth shuttle is only a 2 hour round trip that is essentially a joy ride and an opportunity for a picnic.

The trip was well organised by the RSPI and as well as a good photo opportunity,  was a good trip for family and friends to step into and experience a part of Irish history. A full program of the event is available at: http://www.rpsi-online.org/

Fran Byrne's Sugar Loaf Snow Scene Wins Runner Up in RTE Weather Photo

Congratulations to Fran on his win of a Runner Up prize in the recent RTE Weather Photo Competition with his beautiful Sugar Loaf snow scene.

A gallery of all the winning photos and previous seasons is here:http://www.rte.ie/weather/photo.html

The Spring Quarter of the competition is now open for entries. For more details see: 
http://www.rte.ie/weather/enter.html