Beautiful Ulster, Co. Down, Travel

The Fusion of Old and New: St Colmcille’s RC Church

Holywood, Co.Down is a (rather posh!) suburb in North Down, between Belfast and Bangor, and part of Northern Ireland’s gold coast, – the so called ’stockbroker belt.’  I happened to be driving through it on Monday 1st September 2025, en-route to Newtownards. As I drove past St Colmcille’s Catholic Church, I reminded myself that I’d promised to take a closer look at this remarkable building, set high on a hill on the approach to the town, a fusion of an old bell-tower and a modern circular building. So, on my return journey, I stopped for twenty minutes or so, armed with the Fujifilm X-T50.

St Colmcille’s RC Church, Holywood, Co.Down
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Belfast, Black & White, Documentary, Streetscapes, Uncategorized

Street Stories: A Book in the Chaos of Belfast

Caught a moment of calm, just off the hustle and bustle of Belfast’s busy Royal  Avenue, a homeless street person, lost in the pages of a book, challenges our perceptions, reminding us that not everyone  in those circumstances is there because of illiteracy or wasted opportunities, or substance addiction. For the photographer, such stories can be found everywhere, even in the most unexpected places.  

The Fujifilm X-T50 captured this seemingly contradictory slice of life.

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Photo-Essay, Photo-Technique, Training

Fujifilm X-T50 Review: A Game Changer for Photographers

I don’t NEED another camera. I really don’t, and I keep telling myself that, but it never seems to work! When the Fujifilm X-T50 mirrorless digital camera came along in June 2024, it just tugged at my heartstrings so much, I knew that one day my resolve would weaken… So, I’ve got one, despite the fact that I’ve already got an X-T3 and an X-T5. (And of course, a half dozen or more film cameras).  Overkill, some might say. My self-justification for the purchase, and I suppose, my excuse to finally yield to the temptation came when the price of a new X-T50 camera body dropped from £1299 to £1149. 

Fujifilm X-T50, fitted with an 18-135 f/3.5 – f/5.6 Fujinon lens, and a leather half-case for protection.
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Co. Antrim, Fun Shots, Travel

A Bloomin’ Skoda!

As a Skoda driver myself, when I enter Randalstown from the M2, I’m always intrigued by this vintage Skoda that’s seen better days—like, maybe during the disco era?

Now it’s living its best life as a floral display, proving that even rust can blossom! Who knew a decrepit old scrapper could be so… (ahem) ‘blooming beautiful?’ LOL. So, I walked (yes – WALKED) out towards the Ballygroobey Roundabout, armed with with the Leica C-Lux camera to get a quick snap, because even old Skodas deserve a moment in the spotlight!

Belfast, Documentary, Streetscapes

Sacrifice and Bravery: World War I Tribute at Mount Vernon

In the heart of Mount Vernon estate, a powerful mural stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice and bravery.

This tribute honours the fallen heroes of the 1st World War, especially those who served in the 36th Ulster Division. A story of courage, loss, and remembrance, echoing the voices of those who gave everything for our freedom.

Let us never forget.

Captured with the Fujifilm X-T50

Beautiful Ulster, Belfast, Landscapes, Travel

Exploring Squire’s Hill and Cave Hill Country Park

Squires Hill, Belfast, viewed from Cave Hill Country Park.

Today, Thursday 7th August 2025, I had a few minutes to snatch a packed lunch sandwich between appointments, and where better to stop en-route, than the Cave Hill Country Park.

After the quick lunch, I jumped out of the car to look at the stunning views across the city, and the surrounding countryside, a moment or two in a busy day, to soak in the stunning views of the Lagan estuary and the beautiful hills that cradle our city, from the Castlereagh and Holywood Hills in the south to the majestic Black Mountain range in the north It’s hard not to fall in love with this landscape. 

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Belfast, Documentary, Photo-Essay, Reportage, Streetscapes, Travel

Belfast ‘Troubles Tourism.’

One of the growth sectors, it seems, in Northern Ireland, at least since the so-called ‘ceasefires’ of the 1990’s has been ‘Troubles Tourism,’ where visitors to the city are given guided tours of relics of the troubled past pf the region. You can book a ‘Troubles Taxi Tour’ from around £75. Hotels, travel and holiday companies and cruise ships are including Troubles Tourism in their itinerary offerings. Visitors take open-top buses, coaches, bicycles and walking tours, looking at the locations of riots, bombings and shooting, photographing political murals and of course visiting the infamous Belfast ‘PEACE LINES’

The Peace Line at Northumberland Street,,- a wall that has divided the unionist Shankill Road from the nationalist Falls Road for around 50 years. It’s still there and still needed 27 years after the ‘Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.’ The gates are closed during hours of darkness. 
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Beautiful Ulster, Belfast, Black & White, Documentary, Photo-Essay, Streetscapes, Travel

Exploring Belfast: A Day Trip Guide

July 29th 2005

It was a reasonably good day, meteorologically, warm and not raining for a change, so I suggested a trip to Belfast might be a good way to put in the day, – after all, I’m meant to be resting this week… And with me went Janette, my long suffering wife, and the Nikon FM3a.

So we caught a train at Antrim Station.  If you’ve visited here, and never used Northern Ireland Railways, you should put that right on your next visit. The trains are modern, clean, warm and safe, and best of all, they are mostly on time! Not bad from a state owned company! 

Antrim Railway Station
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Commercial Photography

5 IDEAS FOR USING PHOTOGRAPHY DIFFERENTLY

More ideas for businesses to use professional photographs

Compared with many business tools, photography is inexpensive considering the positive outcome it has on the way your business is perceived and connected with customers and of course turnover.

The advertising cliche is “half my advertising works, I just don’t know which half!”, but well created and conceived photography always works.

So here are 5 ideas to get more from your business photography.

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Commercial and Family Photographer