Much of northern Europe has been experiencing a prolonged cold spell over the past 4 weeks. Here, on Ireland’s temperate south coast, snow is a rarity even for a short time. But what is it about snow that makes both passionate and casual photographers alike spring into action? I think that the welcome brightness of fresh snow and it’s immediate visual impact on everyday mundane scenes – along with it’s temporary nature makes us want to capture it in camera.

During this early morning walk to work, almost every person I encountered either had a camera or phone in hand. The fleeting nature of the scene was short-lived indeed – six hours later the snow had completely melted, only to be replaced with grey storm clouds, wind and rain.

Carpe diem – sieze the day. Sieze the moment.

Happy New Year and Welcome to JohnCollins.ie in a new and fresh look for 2010. I have been promising to update the site for many months and am finally getting around to it, learning Realmac Software’s Rapidweaver to create and build a new and fresh look. Some of the old website content will be available through links until the update is complete and my book, Cool Waters Emerald Seas is always available through publisher’s Atrium and Amazon and other online booksellers. If you would like a signed copy, contact me through the email link at the bottom of the page.