#NoFilter Dublin

Im delighted to share that i am taking part in the third installment of the #NoFilter Photography Project set by the London City Airport, meant to highlight the non filtered beauty of popular city break destinations. This month’s star destination is our very own Dublin, so you can understand how happy i was to show the city trough my pictures.

Even after more than four years of being a Dubliner, the city still manages to surprise me and new places are just waiting to be discovered. What i love about Dublin the most are the outstanding sceneries that flourish with vibrancy and color every season change. Nothing relaxes more than walking around with my camera and capturing the natural beauty around.

Dun Laoghaire Harbor, Dublin (aproximately 12km from Dublin City Center).

Spring time is my favorite season in Dublin, everything comes back to life and the city is becoming a rainbow of colors. From yellow daffodils that are popping around every corner, contrasting with the lively ever green grass to delicate cherry blossomed trees. Besides walking around the pier, enjoying an ice cream cone, make sure you explore the Dun Laoghaire suburban area, the ‘marshmallow’ trees are something that must be captured on camera.

#NoFilter Tip: Take your time focusing on the subject, many times beautiful pictures turn out blurry because of rushed snaps. A steady hand helps or you can just invest in a light weight, portable tripod. It will make a difference!

 The Liffey River, Dublin City Center.

Summer in Dublin can be tricky, every year the weather is the most talked about subject of conversation in Ireland. Will we have a dry summer? Will it rain? Luckily for the last two summers, the weather gods were in our favor as we experienced months of clear blue skies and sunshine. The city center is filled with beer gardens where you can enjoy a refreshing pint and delicious food, so make sure you check at least one out.

#NoFilter Tip: Use the Landscape setting on your camera and try to not Zoom In or Out as it can distort the image. Cropping is your best friend, just try to keep proportions and center the subject.

St. Stephen’s Green Park, Dublin City Center.

Stephen’s Green Park is a quaint little breath of fresh air, right in the middle of Dublin. This is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch on the grass after a day of exploring or shopping, kids will love to feed the swans and ducks or you could indulge in some people watching over a Honey and Almond Hot Chocolate. Personally, I love getting a fresh salad from the near by Chopped Salad Bar and enjoying it on a bench in the park.

#NoFilter Tip: Do invest in a polarized filter for your camera – firstly it protects your lens and secondly, whilst it doesn’t change the colors, it helps cutting trough glare and reflection which will make it useful if you are shooting trough a glass window.

Grafton Street, Dublin.

This winter, there is a new attraction to Dublin: for the very first time we have a Christmas Market on the side of St. Stephen Green Park! Home to spicy mulled wine, nutella crepes or melting in the mouth pulled pork, even the biggest Grinch is bound to leave with a festive, warm and fuzzy feeling. If you are looking for handmade trinkets or one of a kind little memories, visit the Market stalls – you wont be left disappointed.

#NoFilter Tip – shooting in low light conditions can be tricky, make sure you use the Manual setting on you camera and adjust the ISO and Aperture accordingly (small ISO for low light – helps show true colors in pictures / high ISO for direct, bright sunlight – prevents photos looking washed out).

All of the blogger entries will be shared and judged by Monica Stott from The Travel Hack blog, so wish me luck!

UPDATE

 

I WON! You can’t imagine how grateful and happy i am, my post was chosen as winner by the lovely Monica after judging all entrants. You will probably wonder what the prize was – i am now the happy owner of an iPad Air 2! How crazy is that. And the best bit, i received the happy news just before my birthday. Now this is good karma!

This is what Monica had to say about my post:

“I love the colourful contrast in seasons and the way Andreea has managed to capture spring, summer, autumn and winter so perfectly. Her photos are vibrant and interesting and show the many different sides to Dublin. I also love her #nofilter photography tips and her tips to enjoy each season in Dublin.”