A month of warm welcomes, winter sunrises, coffee mornings, fine art inspiration, and a deep dive into underwater ecology
January arrived exactly as a new year should — with energy, enthusiasm, and the click of camera shutters. After a well-earned Christmas break, active members reunited while new faces joined the fold, bringing fresh curiosity and, in some cases, shiny new photography gear. With the club year already halfway through, January’s calendar proved there was no slowing down. It was a month dedicated to creating, learning, and collaborating — the very heart of Solas Photography Club.
A Solas Tradition: Sunrise at Blackrock Diving Tower – January 3rd
Some traditions never lose their magic. The annual Solas sunrise meet at Blackrock Diving Tower unfolded as if Mother Nature herself was part of the committee. A crisp winter morning greeted members with frost underfoot and a breathtaking sunrise stretching across the horizon.
Scattered left, right, and centre around the iconic tower, 25 members captured the scene as low tide revealed a perfectly dramatic stage. Locals paused, puzzled, perhaps wondering which celebrity had arrived — but for Solas members, the star was the sunrise in all its glory.
Each attendee was gifted a Solas Photography Club cap, worn with pride before retreating to the warmth of Blackrock Cottage Restaurant. There, over hot coffee and much-loved limited-edition scones, stories were shared, laughter flowed, and new photographic plans were born.
An Evening with Denis O’Reilly – January 7th
The first guest speaker of 2026 set the bar high. Denis O’Reilly FIPF, ARPS travelled from Kilkenny to present a stunning panel of fine art flower and still life photography.
Denis didn’t just talk about images — he revealed the passion behind them. From planting and nurturing specific flowers solely for photography, to harvesting them at just the right moment, his dedication was inspiring. He shared his studio setups, lighting techniques, recommended reading, and the extensive equipment that brings his vision to life. The evening was rich with insight, leaving members both informed and creatively energised.
Chasing the Northern Lights – January 19th–20th
Some nights are simply unforgettable. An unplanned but spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis lit up skies across the island of Ireland, and Solas Photography Club members were ready.
From early evening on the 19th through to the small hours of the 20th, cameras were pointed skyward as the “Northern Nights” danced overhead. It was one of those rare moments photographers live for — miss it, and you’d regret it. Members shared an array of stunning images that captured the magic of the night.
Underwater Explorer & Ecologist: Nick Pfeiffer – January 21st
With a slight change to the schedule, January welcomed underwater explorer and ecologist Nick Pfeiffer — and he arrived with an impressive arsenal. The club meeting room was transformed, layered with gear including Sony A7s, Nikon Z9s, Canon D90s, GoPros, underwater domes, and specialist diving rigs.
Nick offered a fascinating insight into his world beneath the surface, narrating his dives through powerful imagery and immersive video. His work highlighted both the beauty and complexity of underwater ecosystems, and one truth became clear by the end of the night: capturing an underwater image makes landscape photography feel easy by comparison.
January at Solas Photography Club was a month of connection, inspiration, and unforgettable moments — a perfect opening
chapter to the year ahead.