About
I’m an outdoor photographer from the West of Ireland. Growing up in County Mayo, an area with a stunning diverse natural landscape, encompassing rugged coastlines, unspoiled mountains, and countless pristine lakes. My affinity for nature was nurtured during my younger years, as I immersed myself in the great outdoors.
I pursued a degree in relation to this and studied Marine Science at the University in Galway, I successfully graduated in 2015, subsequently embarking on a career in the field, which enabled me to travel along the stunning western coast of Ireland, from Donegal to Cork, and even explore international scenes in Scotland and Norway. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work in London, granting me the opportunity to travel around the United Kingdom at weekends.
My journey into the realm of photography officially started in 2013 when I acquired my first DSLR camera, but in truth, my fascination with capturing moments through a lens began much earlier. My initial foray into photography was marked by the gift of a film camera for my first holy communion. Although the exact subjects of my early captures elude my memory, I recently found my very first “photobook” created while visiting Dublin Zoo and meticulously photographing every creature and sticking the photographs into a notebook. Subsequently, I ventured into the world of action cameras, using a GoPro for several years to document my outdoor exploits. However, a desire to delve deeper into photography soon consumed me.
My interest in astrophotography, kindled during my youth as I marveled at the breathtaking Milky Way, star trail, and long-exposure photographs, played a pivotal role in my decision to invest in a DSLR camera ten years ago. My photographic journey commenced with a broad spectrum of subjects, but it was landscape photography that truly captured my heart. It was during the summer of 2015, while living in the northern reaches of Donegal, that I fell head over heels for landscape photography. Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes and seascapes, I spent countless hours each week exploring new locations and capturing their beauty through my lens.
Apart from my passion for photography, I have a deep love for traveling, pushing my boundaries, and immersing myself in diverse cultures and landscapes. In 2019, I took a bold step by leaving my job and embarking on a seven-month adventure through Southeast Asia and Australia. Beyond photography, I indulge in a range of hobbies that keep me connected with the natural world. These pursuits include fishing, hiking, diving, surfing, and snowboarding. Hiking, in particular, stands out as a fantastic means to venture into the mountains, savor breathtaking vistas, and occasionally capture a striking photograph along the way.
As time went on, my passion for landscape photography continued to intensify. Alongside that, my skills behind the camera developed, and I eagerly absorbed photography knowledge from various sources—books, online tutorials, and in-person experiences. This dedication propelled me to achieve notable success in prestigious competitions in recent years. I was honored to be recognized as the World Landscape Photographer of the Year in 2021, secured the title of Irish Landscape Photographer of the Year for 'Best Image' in both 2022 and again in 2023, and clinched the first prize in the DIAS Reach for the Stars competition in 2022. While these accomplishments are truly gratifying, my primary motivation for venturing out to capture photographs remains deeply personal. Exploring the world through my lens constantly reveals new and awe-inspiring sights, regardless of whether I capture that perfect shot or not.
