FREEZE FRAME ON THE HIGHLIGHTS OF LIFE
WITH THE WEDDING SEASON ABOUT TO TAKE OFF, AND COMMUNIONS AND CONFIRMATIONS LOOMING, COVID-19 SUDDENLY THREW ALL THE PLANS OUT THE WINDOW. SHEILA FITZGERALD SPOKE TO THREE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS TO LEARN HOW PEOPLE ARE COPING
PHOTOGRAPHERS can usually chart their yearly calendar with the confidence that it’s going to be fairly predictable. Annual events usually follow a pattern year on year and the regular schedule of weddings, Holy Communions, Confirmations and other events are par for the course.
As a year like no other descended on us, all plans and schedules were thrown into disarray and we are now left in no man’s land with the virus in charge of how long the stalemate will continue.
The Corkman chatted to three well known local photographers and found out how they have been affected by the crisis and how they are coping with ‘ the new normal’.
Eileen O’Connor from Newmarket is a gifted wedding photographer. She described the difficulties that couples who had planned to marry this year are dealing with. “Since early March, couples have been moving dates to later this year and some to 2021, there’s a lot involved trying to line up their church or civil service, venue and all other suppliers for a different date,” Eileen said.
“I feel that people are finding it very difficult to make the decision to postpone, and some are really frustrated and downhearted, but once they decide and pin down a new date they are more positive and just getting on with rearranging everything,” she explained.
“On a happier note, some have planned a second stag or hen night!”
Eileen notes that it’s very important that couples know that their suppliers are there for them and that flexibility is something they are really grateful for.
What was initially a hobby for Eileen ultimately became her job. “Any wedding I was at as a guest I took loads of photos and gave them to the couple. My hairdresser at the time saw an album I had done and asked me to do her wedding photos. I refused but, thankfully, she persuaded me and a few years later I found myself doing it full time,” Eileen explained.
“I love weddings, the buzz, excitement, emotion, anticipation, nerves, tears, tantrums and everything else that goes with them. I enjoy capturing every part of the event as unobtrusively as possible as I want to tell the whole story of the day. Family and friends are a huge part of any wedding and are very much included, and these images mean so much to the couples afterwards,” she said.
“I’m a great believer in keeping the bright side out. I’m looking forward to getting back to the buzz of weddings and think when they do take place they will be more fun than ever!” Eileen added.
Seán Jefferies has been nominated for countless prestigious photography awards. A native of Buttevant and with a studio in Mallow, like everyone else he has fallen prey to the Covid lockdown. “I was just about to start a very busy wedding season when the lockdown came into effect and effectively stopped our business overnight,” Seán told The Corkman.
“While we await the end of the restrictions we’re actively working with all our couples, trying to organise suitable dates and helping couples find solutions to the difficulties of re-organising everything,” he said.
“It’s a tough time and being as understanding and helpful as possible will make life easier for everyone. Hopefully, we will soon get the go ahead to re-open and I can’t wait to get back to capturing family memories and wedding moments for all our