“I’m youth, I’m joy, I’m a little bird that has broken out of the egg” – James M Barrie.
I was going through my photos last night as I tried to get my albums from this year in some sort of order and I realised that one of my favourite shots from this year was not up on this blog.
It is a photo of my niece Gianna enjoying the sea on Duncannon beach back in February as her big brother Kaleb keeps a watchful eye on her. I hadn’t planned on taking any photos that evening, but then, as I have mentioned before, that’s the great thing about phones these days, being able to capture moments like this:
Gianna, at the tender age of two, is already a great character – smart as a whip and fiercely independent. She also has that innate ability to tap into unbridled joy in the simple pleasures that seems to get harder for us all to access as the years go by.
“When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy,” Rumi said. Which brings me neatly to one of my other favourite photos from this year, once again featuring Gianna, the youngest of my sister Amy and her husband John’s wonderful children:
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About Conor Cullen
I purchased my first camera in May 2012, around the time of my 30th birthday, and it has now become the primary way I populate this site.
I couldn't afford a Porsche.
I'm very much a beginner in photography terms, but I'm having fun trying things out and, hopefully, learning as I go.
I'm addicted to chocolate and have a serious pastry fetish. Especially if those pastries are Danish.
I can't stop listening to music, all the time.
I share many things in common with many older Irish ladies, like a devotion to good cups of tea and a deep love of jumpers that, for some reason, other people don't consider so "cool" unless I'm wearing them ironically.
I'm not wearing them ironically. I wouldn't even know how.
My current favourite jumper is mustard in colour and features three ducks, reminsicent of the ones from Duck Hunt on the original Nintendo. It was a present. Thanks Naomi.
I come alive when I'm creating something or helping someone. I have yet to put this knowledge to satisfactory use. The quest for truly worthwhile living continues.
I am a peaceful person, but if I am ever to be convinced to go to war for any cause your best bet is good manners. I'm not all that moved by religion, power or money, but if you don't just hold that door for a second I could become John Rambo. In a skinny, passive aggressive kind of way.
I love trees.
I have a dog called Rusty. He is very handsome, friendly and charming and will feature in many of my photographs.
Much like me, all Rusty wants is generous amounts of food and attention. And a beach to play on.
The thing I want to hear about most is ideas.
I have a strong interest in digital and social media platforms, particularly how they can be used (imaginatively) in a communications context.
I’m a sandwich enthusiast and innovator. All sandwich suggestions welcome.
The views expressed here are solely and wholly my own etc
Enjoyed reading this:) love the quote!
Thanks.
Love the pictures – especially the shore reflections! I know just what you mean about the phone: I remembered my cell is a camera and a blog was born. Amazing…and GREAT fun!
Thanks for the kind words and best of luck with your blog!
wonderful shot on the beach!
Thanks!
Yeah, I’ve got a step-grand daughter just like Gianna. Always smiling and laughing and joyful. Let’s hope they can retain that love of life when they get as old as us. Or at least as old as you!
Ha! Let’s hope so, though less of the old please
Fantastic shot. I love images that capture such emotions without even being able to see a face.
Thanks Paul.
Love the children and the photos to bits…Nana!!!!
Love the jump photo! We all need to be living her life! It’s adventurous, fun, and effortless.
I agree. Something to aspire to!
so much to learn from Gianna. I’m gonna smear breakfast all over my face tomorrow and maybe click a pic then…. Lovely pics!!
Ha! Thanks. Look forward to seeing your pic!
Very cute pics!
Thanks Anto!