My Creative Journey (So Far!)
Ice Cream, Lawyers and Academia
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming an ice cream maker, perfecting the art of creating the perfect scoop. By the time I finished my Leaving Cert, my focus had shifted to studying Law and Irish at University College Cork. The transition from secondary school to university was overwhelming. My love for the TV series Suits had led me to romanticise the legal profession, and I soon realised that my expectations might have been a bit unrealistic. I called my parents and, just like that, all the effort I had put into my studies seemed to dissolve.
Wise words from a man from New Zealand.
The Travel Bug Strikes
I spent the next year and a half working at The Killarney Park Hotel in my hometown of Killarney, County Kerry. When a colleague left for New Zealand, I served a Kiwi guest around the same time who gave me a piece of advice I’ll never forget ( see picture above). This bit of wisdom sparked a curiosity in me about the people in New Zealand. I looked into a working holiday visa and, although my parents were concerned about the distance, I was determined to travel. I also considered Canada and the possibility of moving to Vancouver, where a friend of mine lived.
Pink hair in Vancouver.
Canada, Cafés & Cameras
In January 2019, I set off on my own to Vancouver. At 19, it felt quite thrilling to be charting my own path while my friends were still at university. Looking back, it was one of the most spontaneous and adventurous chapters of my life. However, I also felt anxious and more isolated than I let on. Most Saturdays, I explored different parts of the city, visited new cafes, and took photographs of everything I encountered. I borrowed my roommate’s DSLR before buying my own Sony mirrorless camera at Best Buy for a trip to Hawaii. It was then that I realised my creative potential—though I couldn’t draw or paint, storytelling through photography gave me immense satisfaction.
A year later, I moved to Montréal for the second year of my Canadian Working Holiday Visa. I aimed to improve my French and experience a city rich in culture and art. However, the Québécois accent was a challenge, and then COVID-19 hit. My French roommates returned to France, and I found myself alone in a nearly empty apartment with two mice (a major fear of mine). With the borders set to close, I decided to return to Ireland.
Montréal, one of favourite places to wander, eat almond croissants and photograph.
Home Sweet Home
After two weeks of feeling down about the end of my Montréal adventure, I focus on my health and wellness. I took up yoga on YouTube and genuinely felt better than I had in months. TikTok dances, baking banana bread, and spending time with family were exactly what I needed. Looking back, it was the right decision. I had originally planned to move to Halifax, Canada, when the border reopened, but meeting my boyfriend in July 2020 changed my plans. My instinct was to stay, so I did.
Portraits of my loved one from my graduate exhibition from St John’s College, Cork.
Student Life & New Zealand
From September 2020 to June 2022, I studied Photography both in person and online. The course provided me with a deep understanding of film photography, darkroom printing, and the history of photography. Just before completing my studies, I found myself in a van in West Cork with two friends from Canada. I learned that New Zealand was reopening for working holiday visas, and it felt like another sign. I spoke to my boyfriend, who had never lived abroad but was keen on the adventure, particularly as a fan of rugby and The Lord of the Rings.
My partner Barry and I enjoying a wine tour with friends at Brennan Wines in the Gibbston Valley.
Big Girl Energy
We ended up in Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island. I discovered a wedding photography company that specialised in helicopter weddings in Queenstown, and to my delight, I got the job. My boyfriend soon found employment as well. I started taking on various photography gigs and even cleaned bars to afford professional wedding photography gear. Working with the wonderful Alpine Image Company team for two seasons, I gradually built my own portfolio.
Styled Shoot Crew at the beautiful Rippon, Wanaka
Be Brave. Take Risks.
In July 2024, I committed fully to Sadhbh Photography. Being a freelance photographer has been challenging but rewarding, opening new opportunities. While weddings are my primary focus, I am also passionate about documentary photography, fashion, and creative direction.
My dream is to become known for a unique blend of wedding and fashion photography. I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about my journey so far. I’m excited for the future and all the twists and turns it will bring—after all, that’s where the magic truly happens!
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