Veteran photographer Rock donates images for cancer

One of Ireland’s most distinguished photographers is donating 125 pictures to a fundraising exhibition for a cancer support centre in east Cork.

Bob Rock (80), from Youghal, spent his career covering social events — 2,200 weddings in 30 years — as a professional photographer, while being more creative in his spare time.

Influenced by legendary photographers such as American Ansell Adams and Welshman Randall Myles (Telefís Éireann’s first lighting director), Bob also worked freelance for the then Cork Examiner and won awards for his work.

When he retired a decade ago, Bob followed his muse, photographing a vast array of landscapes, still life and nature scenes across Munster, Ireland and America. The results are often spectacular and stunning, with a high emphasis on colour, contrast and culture.

With boundless enthusiasm, the veteran still “sometimes rises at 5.30am or will suddenly stop the car in the middle of nowhere to capture that unique picture,” says his wife of 60 years, Teresa.

A lifelong philanthropist, Bob donates prints for charitable causes. When Bob heard the local Youghal Cancer Support Group was seeking funds for a new support centre, he volunteered.

“I am honoured to help, as my wife, Teresa, lost several members of her family to the disease,” he says.

Youghal Cancer Support Group chairperson, Therése O’Connell, said the group was grateful to the photographer for his kind gesture.

“Having seen the photos, I am absolutely amazed at the sheer quality. They would totally enhance any workplace or home,” Ms O’Connell said.

She said the support centre project was progressing well.

The prints will be exhibited at a town centre premises. They include stunning images of beach and countryside, from setting shadows over sand to grazing horses, restful swans and a peregrine falcon feeding, with the legs of its prey dangling.

Costing just €60, the mounted prints have a lifespan of 100 years under glass.

• The Bob Rock Cancer Support Centre Exhibition runs 10am to 6 pm, from Saturday next, July 25, at the former Snell’s shoe shop. Inquiries: 024-92353; 087- 2731121.