"I can't imagine a life without creative curiosity. Whether that is designing a garden, a photograph, a floral design or a painting - it brings me such a strong sense of purpose and a deep connection with nature that can only be found in the intimacy of knowing it. Alongside that is the joy of gardening daily and watching the beauty unfold. Each image is a story of the garden in a particular moment of the season, suspended in time with the click of the camera. I enjoy the sensory feeling of working with flowers - the feel of them, the colours, the scent, the details... This artistic process is about learning to observe, appreciate and lose yourself in every petal."
ABOUT PAULA
After graduating from the Belfast School of Art with a Degree in Visual Communication in 1998, Paula worked within varied, creative disciplines for over 20 years enjoying success in Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography. Her 12 year career as a wedding photographer took her across Ireland and beyond with features and awards in international magazines such as Martha Stewart, The NY Times, Professional Photo and PDN Magazine.
But having spent most of life in commercial digital arts, and feeling a little screen-fatigued, she felt a yearning to return to more tactile creative work. So after retiring her wedding career in 2021 she set about to change things and pivoted toward garden photography and floral art. Like most women, she has plenty of responsibilities to fill her days, but she makes sure to spend her free time in the garden, observing, writing, photographing and making art with the things that grow there.
A simpler, quieter life but hugely nourishing and rewarding.
MENTORING
I've been using my camera professionally for over 20 years and have always enjoyed organic and naturalistic styling. Through mentoring I hope to pass on some of what I have learned over the years.
Not only the technique of a photograph but the heart of it.