Where it all began
My journey started at the age of six with a Fisher-Price camera and a roll of film. I still own that camera today.
Photography quickly became more than a childhood interest. I joined a photography club, developed my skills and began entering international competitions. By the age of 12, I was representing Ireland, later achieving multiple FIAP gold medals and PFIAP at 15.
The first camera
This is the camera that started it all. From a small film camera at six, photography became a passion that would take me into international competition and eventually around the world.
Photography and FIAP
At a young age I was competing internationally and representing Ireland. The recognition I received, including multiple FIAP gold medals and the PFIAP distinction at 15, gave me the opportunity to develop photography to a professional level.
Photography with a purpose
At 17, I travelled to Zambia as part of the Gold Award with Gaisce. I used photography to help raise funds by selling some of my early work to people at school and beyond. Through connections made through competitions, including with Agfa and Kodak, we also helped secure printers, computers and cameras.
We helped secure funding for a well at a school, supporting local education and medical needs. I still have this photograph from Zambia framed on my wall today.
Woodturning joins the story
At 16, I was introduced to woodturning by Peter Mulvaney. I spent my school years making small pieces and honing my skills. Over the years I found myself returning to both photography and woodturning.
That connection eventually led to the lighthouse lamps. One night at Hook Head Lighthouse, while photographing the lighthouse and trying to line up the Milky Way, the idea for a nightlight for my nephew came to me. That idea became the lighthouse lamps, and later the Poolbeg Towers lamp.
Made in Dublin. Inspired by Ireland.
Photography taught me to look closely at light, shape and character. Woodturning gives me a way to turn those ideas into something tangible.
Explore the collection