College results were released on Tuesday and I’m very proud to announce that I now hold a BA Honours Degree in Communications and Public Relations, receiving 1st Class Honours.

Over the course of the last four years (I also have a Diploma in Print Journalism) I’ve studied a very broad range of subjects; Journalistic Research & Writing, Public Relations, Media Analysis, I.T, Shorthand, Publishing, Law, Marketing, Social Psychology, Management, Politics, Communications, Cultural Sociology, Visual Communications, Contemporary Irish Literature, T.V studio practice, radio studio practice and of course my thesis; “An investigation into the use of MySpace as a P.R tool for independent musicians in the Irish music industry”.

During that time I’ve also gained extensive experience working with countless musicians, theatre companies and film-makers. Along with podcasting, blogging and of course photography. So please, somebody, GIVE ME A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

I’m currently working with several bands and musicians at various levels, everything from gig & promo shoots to E.P launches, management and national tours (I do believe you’ll find one of our press releases in the latest edition of HotPress). If your want to hire me to work with your band then just get in touch, either here or send me an email or send me a message on MySpace or Bebo.

I’ve worked with tattoo artists, body-painters, models, makeup/special FX artists and event managers. In the next few weeks you’ll be seeing a whole new batch of my work appearing from local to national levels. If you want to work with me on a project or just step in front of my lens then please just let me know. Finally, to once again repeat the point of this blog, please, somebody, GIVE ME A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, Oss237.com - Ross Costigan Photography celebrates it’s second birthday today. Looking back on the last couple of years I’m amazed by how quickly it has flown by and how far my adventures behind the lens have taken me.

Three years ago, I started getting really into photography, with a background in film-making I got frustrated by the long process of creating things and photography meant I didn’t have to wait. Around about the same time, KenMc was setting up KilkennyMusic.com and asked me to come on board as the Resident Photographer. Combining my passion for music and my growing passion for photography, I’d never shot a gig before but how could I say no!? And in return he set up Oss237.com. He later went on to give me a loan of his Nikon D70 (for over a year) and continues to give me technical support and listen to my stupid questions on a daily basis!?

After countless hours; thinking, day-dreaming, cursing to myself, thousands of shots, hours of practicing, trying to figure things out, learning rules and trying to break them, I’ve slowly but surely developed as a photographer. I now have over 1000 live shots on display in the KilkennyMusic Galleries. My shots have been used by hundreds of bands and musicians on websites, myspace & bebo profiles, albums, E.P’s and posters. I was short-listed for an Irish Blog Award. I’ve gotten regional, national and international publications. My work with KKM has expanded into PR work, podcasting, blogging and generally being surrounded by awesome music and musicians every day.

Today Oss237.com reached 62,000 hits. Over the last two years I’ve posted just over 200 of my favourite shots, capturing not only my adventures and work, but my progress as a photographer. I’ve received hundreds of comments and feedback from people all over the world. I’ve worked with bands, musicians, other photographers, models, tattoo artists, makeup artists, fire-dancers, teachers, students, film-makers, artists, bloggers and generally got to meet the most awesome people from all over the country.

All the time just doing something that I love doing!? And whilst I’m well aware that I still have an awful lot to learn, I’m just looking forward to it and wondering where it will take me next.

Two years in, I have to say a huge thanks to KenMc for everything basically. I also have to thank my long suffering housemates Sla and Daw (Happy Birthday dude!), they complete my technical support and also answer my stupid questions on a daily basis. Finally, thanks to all the people who have visited the site, checked out my work, continue to do so and the people who have commented and shared their opinions or thoughts. Your feedback is always welcome and provides me with a constant encouragement to learn more.