Photographs and the memories they create, were always a huge part of our family home. The walls are covered in family photographs from throughout the years. There is a large picture of our beautiful sister Karen that takes pride of place in the middle of our sitting room. I have always loved looking at pictures ‘’even when I was very little’’ and I believe that photographs and memories are one of the most important things we can all have in life.
When my school days ended, my cousin had just started his own photography business in Killarney. I was extremely lucky to go straight to work for him. This was definitely one of many turning points in my life.
Working in photography, helped me to see a possible future and an opportunity to make money doing something creative which I loved to do. While also still being able to remain in the background (in my comfort zone) as I was working for someone else.
Photography was like an awakening. It became the perfect tool for me to express myself and the best thing about it, is that you never stop learning about yourself and your abilities. I learned how to use a camera, but my camera helped me develop a focus, grew my social skills, gave me some confidence, helped me slowly exit my comfort zone bit by bit and the most important thing, I now know it helped me be happy and keep my Anxiety at bay for years.
My hobby/profession gave me a huge sense of achievement. I got to creatively express myself, while capturing amazing pictures and memories for others, which brought us both joy. I grew so much as a person through my photography journey over the years. It definitely thought me more about myself than I would ever have learned in any other schooling environment. My workdays were spent creating memories for people which I loved to do, and my weekends were spent exploring in nature and learning with my camera. From here I developed an interest in taking pictures on the hills and this encouraged me to exercise more and more, which also helped me to keep my body physically healthy.