Offshoot Outings
(Photos from Nigel,Peter,Phil) We had an interesting visit to the Victorian Day in Enniskerry where a group of off shooters gained experience of street type photography and asking people could they take their portrait. First Offshoot Official weekend away - Clonakilty Co Cork
On the 22nd of July an intrepid group of 11 Offshoot members Headed for Clonakilty in West Cork for the first Annual Offshoot Weekend Away. After meeting and enjoying a copious amount of liquid refreshment we had an excellent meal in "An Sugan" We wondered as to why anyone would be interested in sculpting Pierce Brosnans bum. Afterwards we enjoyed the unusual treat of a street band and dancing by the famous "Chicken George", a local character. Even after a full meal we enjoyed some Hot Dogs Courtesy of John O Connor. Nothing like it after a feed of beer I suppose. With our heads firmly in our hands the last of us made it to bed in the wee small hours... 8:30 was an interesting experience. Running on adrenaline we enjoyed a full Irish in the Emmet hotel and struggled outside to meet Mike Brown, our Minder for the day. We took a boat from near Union Hall and headed seaward on our search for various forms of sea life. At the start there was carnage as with the rattle of shutter motors we shot the sea birds that Mike lured to the boat. When there was nair a bird left to be shot we set off in search of Whales and Dolphins. With Promises of whale breaches and getting cuddles from Dolphins we powered through the surf. However the big fish proved elusive. Except for the cries of John Coveney from the Crows nest, perfect flat water greeted us. We did, however, get an interesting introduction to the attraction of the Storm Petrel to fish livers (Much to the disgust of one seasick member). On the way back we shot some Seals basking in the gloom of a building Mist.
After steadying our sea-legs on shore and a refreshing meal we spent the rest of the afternoon shooting insect macros at a nature conserve, before heading for home. Although the lack of the big fish was somewhat disappointing we still had an enjoyable social occasion. All in all it was a great weekend where we had a chance to mix and mingle with fellow photographers, shoot the breeze on Photography, have some fun and to spend the day shooting. We would hope to run this again next year, learning from our experiences this year. Thanks to all who made it a great weekend... Matthew Roche - Outings Sec |
