I always get asked where does my inspiration come from. Well, I have always had a love for writing but to be honest, I never did much with it. But I have realised life is too short, so here we go!
Photography…anyone who knows my dearest grandmother Eileen McNulty, knows that she was a camera fanatic back in her day! A very special room her in her family home, known as Granny’s Den holds a huge place in my heart. Filled with thousands of photographs, newspaper articles, sentimental pieces, and scrapbooks delicately dated and captioned – it is extraordinary. This room is a safe haven filled with so many memories, my words can’t do it justice. Growing up, I aspired to have my own den but it goes without saying, Granny has set the bar incredibly high! I love showing Granny the final results from my photo sessions – every time, with a proud and humble smile, she religiously says “I wonder where you got the grá for photography, a leanbh”. She knows deep down, she has always been my biggest inspiration.
Storytelling is a huge part of photography. My photography style is authentic, natural and genuine. I would like to think that my photographs tells the family’s/couple’s/individual’s stories alone.
My Junior Cert English teacher, Mr Tony Magner, told me I had a gift for writing. A short and simple sentence, that has stuck with me for eight years. My personal essay was actually about Granny and Grandad’s home, and it got top marks, which I was only delighted with at the time!
But when it comes to writing, my biggest inspiration…that’s easy. My late Papa, Johnny Halton. One of my fondest memories of him was when I was younger (long before social media!), we used to write each other letters back and forth between Ireland and England. Over the years, Papa wrote the most beautiful poems. When creating these poems, he used to say “you pick it up, you put it down, phrases run around your head”, well Papa, writing this blog is just as you said.
After a lot of reflection these last few months, I had an epiphany, if you like! I want to use my love of writing and make something of it. It’s a gift that I gained from Papa, and in his memory, I would love to honour it. Ever since I started pursuing photography, I have met many wonderful, interesting and inspiring people. I want to help spread love and kindness, and hopefully inspire a few people along the way!
So on that note, please join me on my new journey of blog writing, which will accompany my love and passion for photography. I always love meeting new people, I am very open-minded and creative. Like to work together? Get in touch with me today, I would love to hear from you!
Stay inspired, stay motivated, and never stop learning. Until next time!
Your friend, Grace x
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