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The Ireland Journal Derailed . . . Temporarily

There are no posts that I enjoy making more than those in the “Ireland Journal” category. I love sharing our annual adventures in Ireland, the old friends we visit, and the new friends we make. Posting the images also forces me to do the not-so-easy job of editing. It’s one thin, when you are working on a client order; it’s another when they are your own images and you have over 8,000 to view.

I had to put aside the editing because of work and politics in that order. Some important last-minute jobs started hitting me in October; and things haven’t let up since. Just when I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, I discovered it was a train moving toward me at 90 mph.

I’m also finding the political climate that is so blatantly anti-business to be more than a distraction as well. I’ve spent a lot of late-night hours reading legislation and doing the kind of basic research I haven’t don’t since my journalism days. What I’m seeing is scary in the extreme for businesses . . . especially small ones like photography. I’m torn between getting back into politics like I did in the Eighties, or just keeping my head down and my eye on the photography industry in the hope that Washington will realize that they are dismantling the engine that drives our economy. I’d rather do the latter, but as my students know, my business philosophy is that “Management by Hope” is a fool’s errand. So we’ll see.

In the meantime, my goal is to get back to editing and posting in the Ireland Journal during the holidays. I’ll post a direct link as I do so for anyone who is interested. Can’t think of a better way to enjoy my Christmas holiday!
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What a Difference a Year Makes

Before we headed to Dublin, we made two stops to see friends we visited last year: Maria Dunphy in Kilkenny, and the Deasy family in Kildare.

This time last year, Maria was just getting started on remaking the business from which her father, Oliver, had retired. At the time it seemed like an almost insurmountable task to restructure and restyle the business, which included renovating most of the building . . . liquidating the camera shop, and transforming it into a gallery-type boutique that is more appropriate for Maria’s brand of contemporary portraiture. Here’s how it looked last year . . .


And here’s Maria with the newly painted storefront. What a transformation! And that’s just the start . . .


Although the renovations are not 100% completed, the former reception/camera shop is completely transformed, creating the perfect environment for viewing Maria’s work and for receiving clients.


The back camera room is ready for business, so Maria now has a fully functioning high-key camera room on the second floor, and a low-key camera room for more traditional portraits behind the gallery/reception area. The pass-through that connects the two rooms will house a second gallery and comfortable seating.


The second-floor sales room is still a work in progress, but you can already see that it will be a real “wow-factor” environment when images are hung and final touches applied. I’m hoping to visit Maria’s studio again next year to see the full effect. In the meantime, I’m astounded at how much progress Maria has made in a year, as I know just how hard it is to remake and rebrand a business. You can see more of Maria’s rebranding efforts by visiting her new blog. Just click here.


Our next stop was at the Newbridge home of Deasy Photography. It was great to see Padraic again and review the impressive refinements he has made in solidifying his brand and to hear the actions he’s taken to blunt any negative affects of the current recession. This time last year Sonia was pregnant, but today she was at home cooking another of her famous Indian dishes, so we wasted no time in heading for the Deasy’s home.


This year we were greeted by four Deasy children, from left: Big sister Sofia; Lucy, who has become quite a single-minded character; new baby Ross (big for his age, and fortunately friendly); and Matthew, who loves having a little brother to even up the team.


Aside from the arrival of Ross, not too much has changed in the Deasy household: Sofia is still gorgeous . . .


Padraic is still a great hand’s-on dad . . .


And Sonia is a genius in keeping four kids organized while she cooks the best dinner ever!



Thanks again to the Deasys for a memorable evening, including their valiant effort to medicate Jim’s cold with good Irish whiskey. At least he felt better temporarily!
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The Intriguing World of Ballydoyle

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Touring The Rock of Cashel & Holy Cross Abbey

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A Visit with Sinéad in Thurles, Tipperary

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The Beguiling Aran Islands

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More Ireland Adventures

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