We left our familiar environment and busy homelife, the work and the chores, just for one last adventure before term time. We went to explore the island. To chase the tide, and watch the sunset. We whispered in the perfect silence. We swam in the water, tasted the salt, and held up our faces to the wind. We cooked ‘happier’ meals together. We breathed easy and we smiled at our good fortune to know this place. Just for a little while.
People often ask me what I love most about this job. I do enjoy the photographs but I think it’s the relationships I have made along the way that keep me going. The people that have allowed me into their lives and constantly surprise with their kindness. I think what I cherish most about this job is that I get to see the best of people. Thank-you Toners for welcoming us into your beautiful home. We needed it more than we even knew. And thank-you Inch Island for sharing the magic.
Normally my blogposts are about people, but this blogpost is about a place. Inch Island and beautiful Inishowen. I’m making a wee book so I thought I would share some of those photos, taken with my camera and with my iphone.
There is something very therapeutic about heading out at dawn to take photos for yourself. My Dad is here too. He’ll be 70 this month so it’s a special year. He is like me. We’re easily contented with wide open spaces and a good pint of Guinness!
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I managed to squeeze in an engagement shoot up there too. Next up on the blog.
8 Responses to “Escape”
Alise: So, I guess by now I'm your nerdy superfan, since I leave comments on every post- but I just can't help myself! You honestly get better with each new post Paula- I've been looking forward to this one as I knew it would be a glimpse into your world instead of the wedding world you always are capturing for your clients. These landscape pictures are so beautiful-and Niamh and Seanan are going to appreciate these of their grandfather and you and Dessie so much when they are older. You honestly amaze me with how good you are and I just hope to be a fraction of how amazingly talented you are one day :) xxx (09/05/12, 12:31 am)
Ciara: Even just looking at these photos makes me feels the sense of calm and stillness and beauty of the place. It looks like a special few days and I can't wait to hear and see more of this book of yours! (09/05/12, 8:35 am)
TIM: Love! (09/05/12, 10:32 am)
Maura Tonert: Alise, I'm glad not to be the only "nerdy superfan"!! - Paula, as always, wonderful photos. Love the one with Niamh in a bit of a strop at the beach, Emer is great at those too! Colm will be thrilled to see Seanan learning to cycle his bike. It's so lovely to see Inch through someone else's eyes and the sun is shining in all of them - YAY! Looking forward to having you back, some day soon x (09/05/12, 11:19 am)
admin: Thank-you for messages! Alise and Maura, just knowing you both enjoy these more personal posts is enough reason to keep sharing. I wish I had more time between weddings! (09/05/12, 12:49 pm)
Lou: such a beautiful post Paula. I now have to visit Inch Island. (09/06/12, 11:58 pm)
Lisa McCormack: I'm now flooded with cherished memories of family holidays, thanks Paula! (09/12/12, 12:18 pm)
Mairead: This is what memories are made of. Beautiful photos of your loved ones and of a part of the country I must re-visit. Have been following your blog for a while and love your work and honesty. Keep it up. (09/21/12, 8:08 pm)