Heading again towards the year end !

Galway races over is the first signal that the year is much more advanced that we think.

I also see the increase in wedding inquiries for 2011 & 2012 and the bookings are now happening.

There is excellent value to be had from all suppliers now and for the next year at any rate. I notice a trend for 2012 to be much busier than the last 2 years judging by the amount of bookings coming in for it.

Anyway ........... here's to better times ahead !

Summer !

Great to see the good weather for such a long period. Makes Ireland a very attractive location to live in regardless of the Economic downturn. Anyway ...... things are looking up ........... lets all be positive again - to hell with poverty !

Was on a very good business course recently and came away with a much improved attitude.

Working on my first newsletter which should be doing the rounds in mid-June.

The Studio has been busy of late and I'm increasing the commercial side which I've neglected to market for many years now.

I've promised myself also to make much better use of my free time and get some work done around the house.

More to follow soon !

Ricky Stevens R.I.P.

It is with deep sadness today that I heard of the passing of Ricky Stevens, a great photographer, a great adviser, a wealth of information and help, and a great friend to me for well over 20 years. I first met Ricky on joining the IPPA and together with Robert Allen was given a warm and friendly welcome and was immediately made part of the group that I had always thought I was not worthy of their membership.

Ricky worked tirelessly for the IPPA as an association, for Irish Photographers who were his friends - one and all - (regardless who you were or how little you knew, Ricky was there to help and advise) and for photography in Ireland which was his passion.

Some years ago I watched Ricky get suddenly ill and thought "this is it" but while it may have done its best to slow him down it failed, and Ricky together with his trusted walking stick still attended the various events where he met and chatted with his friends and colleagues and anyone whom he met.

It was truly inspirational for me to see at first hand his enthusiasm for his beloved industry, his unyielding strength and determination to fight his illness, his love for life and that warm, strong handshake and welcoming smile for all who met him and knew him.

I know that while he will be missed greatly by his family he will be also greatly missed by all who knew him and had the good fortune to be associated with him in any way.

Ricky, from your golden seat in Heaven, comfort and protect your loved ones and look kindly and intercede for your friends and colleagues and your beloved industry that you worked so hard for.

Ricky, May you rest in peace and reap the rewards of your harvest.

Gerry

Recession Ends !

I have been reliably informed that the recession officially ends on Tuesday, May 18th.

It's great news and do spread it around. Lets get positive again and live life to the full.

A Year moving on !

February is around again and while the industry is still in "quiet" mode things are beginning to happen. Had some very successful commercial shoots in the past few weeks and its great to get this type of work as in times past it was reserved solely for the big names, more expensive photographers but times of recession have meant that the commercial client are looking for better value for money and are willing to shop about more.

Another year !

Another year begins and it looks like it will be quiet but probably not as quiet as last year. The commercial and portrait side of my business is starting off nicely and is busy at present so that will hopefully see the first few months of the year sorted. There also seems to be some interest in some art-photo work I have been doing and most amazingly my landscape work is selling !

I am looking at the posability of having some of my work published later in 2010 -- fingers crossed !