The Story Behind the Lens
I’ve always been drawn to the power of images and stories - the way they can capture emotion, spark conversation, and bring people together. From a young age, I found myself behind the camera, eager to document the world around me and share the voices often overlooked. Building a community online has allowed me to connect with thousands who care about the places and people that shape our lives.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: to tell stories that resonate and inspire. My work has taken me across Ireland and beyond.
I’ve also had the privilege of directing award-winning short documentaries that explore the stories closest to my heart.
Year after year, I’ve steadily built my career - expanding my skills, embracing new challenges, and finding fresh ways to connect with audiences. Each step has brought growth, exciting opportunities, and a broader perspective on the power of storytelling.
Telling stories through visuals is my job, passion and hobby. It’s my whole world.
Everything Started With Resilience
My passion for visuals started early - long before I picked up any cameras… I was fascinated by how images and design could evoke deep emotions and tell stories without words. This curiosity led me to explore graphic design, where I gained invaluable experience during my work placement at IPrint, a family-run, state-of-the-art design studio and print factory in Derry.
In secondary school, I was obsessed with technology. Writing didn’t come naturally to me back then because I struggled with dyslexia (and I’m more of a visual learner) so I leaned into my creativity, pushing myself to design innovative PowerPoints, posters, and all kinds of graphics for my coursework. My classmates and teachers started calling me the ‘computer whiz.’
After secondary school, I started studying Creative Media Production (Film and TV) at North West Regional College and graduated at the top of my class with top grades (D*D*D*).
Throughout education, nothing ever truly got easier. I endured a heartbreaking series of family losses within a matter of months - losing my mother, her partner, and my grandmother. My grandfather had passed before, and I’d grown up without my father. Not yet 18, I suddenly found myself without a legal guardian or financial stability. These experiences brought me to my lowest point, but I was determined not to let tragedy define me.
University and Royal Television Society
Emerging from a period of profound loss, I embarked on my Cinematic Arts BSc (Hons) journey at Ulster University, channelling my focus into refining the craft of storytelling and visual creation. Driven by a relentless commitment to excellence, I earned a consistent place on the Dean’s List, achieving over 70% each year - a testament to both my resilience and my dedication to mastering the cinematic arts.
Over the course of my studies, I deepened my understanding of cinematic storytelling, progressing from fundamental concepts to mastering complex techniques and creative approaches.
At the same time I started university, I was honoured to be selected as a Royal Television Society Bursary Scholar, joining a group of 39 scholars from 27 universities across the UK. The RTS provided me with annual financial support, a free membership with access to industry events, and an industry mentor. I also attend RTS mentoring and masterclass events in London every year, where I continue to build my network of media professionals in Great Britain.
I also hold a Level 4 Award in Social Media and Digital Marketing through Belfast Metropolitan College.
I used the bad experiences in my life to make me a mentally, socially, emotionally and physically stronger person.
Newsroom-Ready Visuals That Deliver
I work across the full spectrum of visual journalism, producing stills, video, and multimedia content for print, digital, and broadcast. My portfolio includes front-page and magazine cover features, live breaking news, and complex, high-risk assignments such as shootings, major fires, security alerts, and murder scenes. I also cover political events, royal visits, concerts, court, severe weather, and day-to-day news across communities - from press calls and planned features to fast-developing incidents in the field.
I am trained in legal and ethical standards, I operate with a clear understanding of press regulation, privacy, defamation laws and public interest - ensuring every frame meets the lawful requirements of publication. My time on the visuals desk at the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life sharpened my editorial judgement and gave me firsthand insight into what newsrooms demand - speed, clarity, and visuals that stand up to scrutiny. I work with precision in high-pressure situations, where trust, accuracy, and timing are everything.
I also own Derry Footage, a social media platform dedicated to sharing local stories, community events, culture, music, and the arts in the Northwest region.
Digital Storytelling for Purpose-Led Clients
In addition to my work in the news industry, I also support a diverse range of clients - spanning nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and established local businesses - in enhancing their digital presence through expert visual content creation, content strategy, and social media. I help charities vividly communicate their impact through authentic storytelling, enabling them to deepen engagement and unlock critical funding streams. For businesses and individuals, I help to create multimedia campaigns that drive brand awareness, nurture audiences, and convert followers into customers or advocates.
My approach is collaborative and goal-oriented. I guide clients from concept through to final production, managing all stages including planning, filming, editing, and scheduling. Many clients come to me with limited time or resources, and I provide the professional expertise and equipment necessary to deliver high-quality content that cuts through the noise.
Check out my portfolio of work or my testimonials.
Rooted in Community, Powered by Creativity
At Greater Shantallow Community Arts (Studio 2), I often facilitate media projects, helping people of all age ranges to build skills in filming, editing, and production. I also produce videos that tell their stories - capturing their creativity, energy, and perspectives with purpose. Working in one of Derry’s most deprived areas, I document the charity’s wider impact through video, creating content that engages funders and strengthens support for community arts in the Outer North.
For almost 3 years, I was a volunteer with Headliners UK, which is a charity that provides a voice for young people through its unique multi-media journalism programme.
I hold the Millennium Volunteers Gold 200-hour award through Headliners, which is the highest accolade for commitment to volunteering.
In 2023, I was proud to win the Derry Journal Best of Derry / BetMcLean awards in the Outstanding Bravery Award category for overcoming adversity in the face of life's hardest moments, proving that courage comes from within.
I was also honoured with a high commendation in the NI Road Safety Awards for my efforts in promoting road safety awareness.
I truly strive to place the creative arts at the heart of my life and serve the creative aspirations of my community to enrich the lives of everybody around me, particularly our young people.
Finding Balance in a Busy Life
I lead a busy, fast-paced life - always on the go, always engaged. Yet, I learnt from a young age that it’s important to step back and recharge.
Outside of work, weightlifting is my go-to for mental clarity and focus. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s a way to reset and sharpen my mindset.
I'm always exploring fresh approaches, often by engaging in discussions with others and experimenting with new techniques to boost productivity and creativity. I'm particularly interested in emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, which offers exciting opportunities for innovation.
Music is another passion, and nothing thrills me quite like AC/DC. I’ve been a fan since childhood - my ringtone was “Highway to Hell” when I was nine - and in 2024, I attended three of their concerts. I recently took up drumming as well, finding it a perfect blend of focus and fun. After all, who doesn’t love a bit of rock n’ roll?
Travelling to new places also broadens my perspective, offering exposure to different cultures and sparking fresh ideas. Attending the Berlin Film Festival was a highlight - watching scripted and unscripted films, hearing from the directors, seeing Steven Spielberg in person and immersing myself in the creative energy.
My proudest achivement
In June 2021, I received the Diana Award.
Out of the 450 people that received the Diana Award in 2020 and 2021, only 20 people worldwide can achieve the Diana Legacy Award which is assessed by an external judging panel chaired by Lord Spencer.
In December 2021, I was proud to announce that I was one of those 20 people and the only one on the island of Ireland. This award is the highest accolade a person can achieve for social action, diversity and humanitarianism.
Being acknowledged in connection to Diana's legacy was a significant and humbling experience.
I met Prince William at Kensington Palace to represent the people of Derry and provide a voice for my community. During our conversation, I highlighted the importance of creative and safe spaces, discussed the arts' role in fostering community connection and resilience and discussed my journey and experiences.
I also joined 19 other changemakers for a week-long development programme that involved communication, stress management, goal setting, leadership development, networking, personal branding and media training.
Then in 2023/2024, I was on the Diana Legacy Awards judging panel to choose the next 20 big award winners from across the world.
Check out my other accolades.
Own Your Story. Chase Your Vision. Be Unstoppable.
Where I began versus where I am now is a constant reminder to work harder, speak truth, and be a force for good in my community.
No one’s going to hand you success on a silver platter, and honestly, that’s a good thing. The best stuff comes from grinding it out, learning from mistakes, and daring to take risks no matter who is watching. Confidence isn’t something you wait for… It’s something you build by showing up again and again, even when it’s tough.
Don’t let fear or doubt talk you out of going after what you want. Falling over isn’t failure - it’s part of the process. Each time you get back up, you get a little stronger, a little sharper. The only real failure is giving up.
Forget the idea that you have to fit in or wait for permission. Your story, your voice, your vision - those are your superpowers. Own them. Share them. Don’t shrink to make others comfortable.
If you want something, chase it relentlessly. Work hard, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to shake things up. Life’s too short to play small or second-guess yourself. So take the chance, make some noise, and show the world exactly what you’re made of.
