Selected by Maria Shields O’Kelly
The Christmas season of goodwill to all men is upon us and is evident in the unending list of charity cards and gifts now on offer. It can be difficult to pick one from all the worthy causes, but an excellent way to get that Christmassy glow during the pre-Christmas gift-buying spree is to find a good cause and a quality product in one package.
NewsFour recently attended the launch and exhibition of the annual Dublin Photography School’s calendar, A Year through a Lens, in aid of Epilepsy Ireland. The calendar is a compilation of the 12 winning entries to DPS’s photography competition, each image a representation of that month.
Sinead Murphy of DPS said, “About half of the people with pictures in the calendar have gone to our school but it is open to all amateur photographers from around the country.”
March is where you will find the overall winner. Stewart Kenny of DPS said, “Fredrick’s image is absolutely stunning. In terms of composition, focus and impact of the sky, it’s on fire. These winners beat off some serious competition.”
A highly recommended stocking filler, this calendar is vibrant and varied, and the exhibition can be viewed in DPS headquarters, the Carmelite Centre, 56 Aungier Street.
Details of Christmas offers and vouchers from DPS, including deductions on courses can be found on their website www.dublin-photography-school.com
Focus
This is one stocking filler that will be much appreciated into the New Year. Valerie Pierce’s “definitive guide to success” as the book is described by The Sunday Business Post, previously featured in our Author in Profile column. Pierce is a facilitator, philosopher and business woman, and her previous book, Quick Thinking on your Feet, was a number one bestseller with Hodges and Figgis.
Her approach differs from the usual life skills and personal training through its focus on thinking, rather than behaviour. This is reflected in her book Focus, which is on our recommended Christmas list. The illustrations provided by Alan Clarke are an effective visual aid. The topics covered include the spiral staircase, with its learning curves and platforms of passion, productivity and perseverance. When the gluttony of Christmas has left us with a hangover, Focus will help us take on the New Year with confidence.
