Robert's Ramblings

Ben Bulben loomed, first small in the distance and now larger as we neared.

Grey clouds shrouded the landscape and rain fell like folded curtains across the mountain. Having only ever seen Ben Bulben from a distance it was time to get a little closer.

We drove up green shrouded country lanes, closer, higher. Then we got out of the car and walked.

Still not happy with our roadside fenced off vantage, over the fence I climbed and continued upwards into a landscape of boggy green tussocks of grass, mosses and wet squelchy ground.

When I had finally picked my way up to this spot a blanket of cloud covered the landscape in flat grey light. So there I waited. And waited. I waited some more. Then a rent in the clouds opened wide enough to let the sun come through and light up Ben Bulben and the surrounding landscape.

The sunshine only lasted a few minutes as I watched that searchlight of sunshine sweep across the scene and then into the north.

I am grateful it was just long enough to capture a few images of this iconic natural Sligo wonder.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Ben Bulben', 1/30s f/7.1 ISO640 17mm

Long ago castles were constructed to both defend and impress. In more peaceful times manor homes continued the tradition of impressing positions of wealth and power.

The need to impress will never go away but it's nice to spend a little while dining in a fabulous structure looking out over an even more beautiful land and seascape. For a few hours at least, lording over it all.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Lording Over It All', 1/30s f/7.1 ISO640 17mm

There is no one I know that does not love the view across water.

To gaze out across a vista unencumbered by any obstacle to either a distant bank, shore or horizon is universally calming.

Perhaps this tiny island might have broken that spell but when the water is calm and its reflection ripples out and back towards me it makes it all the more peaceful.

Photo: Robert Rath, 'Peaceful Symmetry', 1/6s f/5 ISO100 120mm

The 'Unity Candle' is a common part of weddings ceremonies in western culture but where does this tradition actually come from?

Today for Jennifer and Steve all that matters is that it symbolises their love and coming together as newlyweds.

Their wedding was a unique fusion of ceremony, music and place which they made their own and which we were privileged to be a part of.

So, does it really matter the history behind those candles and their gentle flames? Perhaps it is best to not delve too deeply and risk disapproval.

As in all things they have given it their own beautiful meaning just as it should be.

Congratulations Jennifer and Steve. May your marriage forever be an inexhaustible source of love, nurture and joy for you both.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Three Candles', 1/1250 f/2.8 ISO400 135mm

Imposing, majestic, graceful, serene, beautiful, and elegant all come to mind where swans are concerned.

When it comes to being photographed they are not so different from people.

Here's looking at you!


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Look At Me', 1/640s f/2.8 ISO320 200mm

No matter your interests in motorcycles there is no mistaking the shear imposing audacity of Honda's 'GoldWing'.

This is the first time I've come across one with camera in hand so I really had no choice in the subject matter.

If gold could fly this would be it!


Photo: Robert Rath, 'If Gold Could Fly', 1/250s f/2.8 ISO100 70mm

The water was calm, almost mirror like and perfect for capturing the feel of the lake at dawn. Now all I needed was a splash of blue sky and a hint of sun. Despite all my coaxing I could not extract a glimmer of sunshine.

Being grateful for the smidgen of colour that did appear I sought a new perspective in this tangle of gnarled branches of some long fallen tree.

The foreground will always be an important part of any landscape and this tangled place made it something special even without the sun I had risen so early and driven so far for.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Tangled', 1/50s f/11 ISO100 8mm

A whiskey was the last thing on my mind as I approached the bar to buy a round of drinks. Then I saw them all lined up together.

Since experiencing my first Irish whiskey some fifteen year ago I have come to love whiskeys with almost no hint of peat and have learned to always end my whiskeys with an 'ey'.

Seeing that bottle of Midleton Barry Crockett opened on the bar and after a serious conversation with my will power I chose to bring "Barry' back to the table.

Tonight we dined in very fine company indeed.

Photo: Robert Rath, 'In Fine Company', 1/40s f/4 ISO2000 75mm

What do Austrian and Australian formula one drivers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo have in common aside from the fact that they both drive for Red Bull? And my answer is ... 'Austr__ia'.

Being an Austrian Australian I find this play on words somewhat amusing and on the odd occasion a source of confusion when travelling.

Despite their differences and recent spats I hope Verstappen and Ricciardo remain civil and continue driving for Red Bull as a team. It's great seeing such a public connection with an Austrian and Australian working together in such a high profile (if not high ego) sport.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Austria and Australia', 1/50s f/6.3 ISO3200 40mm

In amidst all the other sailing and motor boats she sits. No privacy here other than her namesake.

Take her far out into the blue water. Take her out towards the horizon and beyond prying eyes and she'll give you all the privacy you want!

Photo: Robert Rath, 'No Privacy', 1/1250s f2.8 ISO100 200m

Fronting up to a desk job every day for a prolong period is a sure way to loose contact with photography. Or is it?

Well it might be an easy excuse but really there is no reason why a quick lunch break and a 30 minute stroll away from your desk can't be used to keep your your photographic eye sharp and get a little exercise at the same time. Today I did just that, grabbing my camera and heading out for a quick stroll.

Ten minutes into a little sunshine and fresh air I came across this little guy, a juvenile pied cormorant who just oozed attitude. For a few minutes it preened and peered gawking at me with all kinds of expressions as I lay on the ground capturing this portrait.

Then without warning it turn around, raised its backside in the air towards me and plopped into the water. Thanks dude!


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Dude With 'Tude', 1/800s f3.5 ISO160 200mm

I grew up with the family car having always been a Ford.

As a young teenager I was inspired by such Australian muscle cars as the GTHO and Coupe Falcons but when I encountered my first Mustang, an exotic car in the Australian 70's I got my first hint there were bigger beasts out there.

I've long since shed my insular loyalty to a motoring brand just because that's what my Dad drove but still to this day I find my self singing along in my head to Mack Rice's Mustang Sally when ever I see a Mustang old or new.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Ride Sally Ride', 1/640s f6.3 ISO640 200m

With a strong feeling that there just might be an awesome sky this evening I headed down to Henley Beach about 15 minutes before sunset. The moment I arrived I realised I had made a mistake.

For some months now Henley Beach Jetty has been a no public access construction site as storm damage is being repaired and a new shelter constructed. The interim downside is that it has become a bit of an eyesore and not conducive to lovely images.

Leaving it so late I really had no choice but to make the most of being here and pointed my camera North by North West instead.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'North by North West ', 0.3s f20 ISO100 14mm

As I drove home earlier in the week I noticed a great rent in the clouds opening up as if someone had taken a knife to the sky.
There was of course nowhere safe to stop atop the Port River expressway bridge and I'm sure it would not have been legal regardless.

I nearly drove on being happy to just take in the sight when a little way on inspiration took me and I found a place to pull over. Crossing the four lanes of high speed merging traffic was a little nerve racking and when I did get to the safety of the medium I was a little shaken. Note to self: cars travelling a high speed appear from nowhere and without warning!

The walk back and up to the crest of the bridge between the two opposing flows of traffic was fortunately uneventful and I got to stand admiring that ripped canvas peacefully oblivious to the cars and trucks all around me.

I stayed awhile up there as the sun disappeared and that ripped canvas tore slowly apart like some giant zipper revealing a clear blue grey sky beyond.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'A Rip in the Canvas', 1/320s f5.6 ISO200 100mm

This story began more than 34 years ago when I stopped by an old electronics salvage store on Churchill Road, Kilburn where I first met Batz Goodfortune, inventor, designer and electronic music composer extraordinaire and creator of the All Electric Kitchen (AEK). Sharing just a little common ground, we hit it off.

A year earlier, in 1983, Yamaha introduced a synthesiser they dubbed the DX7. This machine took the mainstream music industry on a transformative ride that created some of the most iconic keyboard sounds of the 80s. Batz had two of these coveted machines, and I was envious!

More than 34 years later, a very good friend of Jennifer's, Russ, decided it was time for his DX7 to find a new home. Thanks to his wonderful generosity we now have one of the wonders of the 80s here in our living room.

At first it was a bit reluctant to come back to life. Its internal memories were lost, the performance settings were corrupt, and all we could initially get out of it were the most appalling squawks. After a bit of Googling, some circuit board surgery, a copy of the original sounds as MIDI system message files, and a fair dose of TLC later, Russ's DX7 was once again making those nostalgic synthesiser riffs come alive!

Thank you, Russ. This trip back to the 80s has been so much fun.


Photo: Robert Rath, 'Back to the 80s', 3.2s f4.5 ISO200 100mm