An amateur photographer from Wexford is showcasing her love of the county’s landscapes, wildlife and animals in her first photography exhibition, currently on display at Cappuccino’s in Wexford town…
Sharon Walsh’s exhibition features ten photographs capturing some of the beauty and character of the natural world, with the display running until October 31. The exhibition coincides with the Wexford Festival Opera, offering locals and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the photographs while stopping in for a coffee.
For Sharon, photography has become a way to express her artistic side and capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“I’ve always felt I had an artistic side, but unfortunately painting and writing were never my forte! With photography, I found a way to express myself and capture different moods, moments and experiences. I’m not always the best at putting things into words, so I suppose I let my pictures do the talking for me” she told Wexford Weekly.
Living in a county renowned for its coastline, countryside and wildlife has provided Sharon with plenty of inspiration for her work.
“We are really spoiled in Wexford with our beautiful beaches, countryside, wildlife and lovely towns. What I enjoy most is that even familiar places can look completely different depending on the light, the weather or the season. There’s always something new to notice and capture, sometimes in the simplest of moments.”
Seeing her photographs displayed publicly for the first time has been a particularly special experience for Sharon, who received help from her family when selecting the images for the exhibition.
“It was a bit of an out-of-this-world experience to see a hobby turn into something more. My parents and my son helped me go through my archives and choose the photographs for the exhibition, which made it even more special.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Cappuccino’s for providing the opportunity to showcase her work and for supporting her first exhibition.
Among the ten photographs on display, one image holds a particularly special place in Sharon’s heart. The photograph features her cat, Darcy, alongside a foal, capturing a moment of gentle curiosity between the two animals.
“I love them all, but the one that stands out most to me is the photograph of my cat Darcy with a foal,” she explained. I love the gentle curiosity between them. They almost look as though they’re having a little conversation, while being completely relaxed around each other.”
Sharon hopes the exhibition will encourage others to take an interest in photography, regardless of their experience or the equipment they have available.
With smartphone cameras making photography more accessible than ever, she believes it is a hobby anyone can enjoy.
“I’d say just go for it. Phone cameras are so good now that it’s incredibly easy to start taking photographs. It’s a lovely relaxing hobby to have, and you never know where it might lead.”
Sharon’s first exhibition offers visitors a chance to see Wexford through her eyes, celebrating the small details, natural beauty and unexpected moments that make the county special.
The exhibition is on display at Cappuccino’s in Wexford town until October 31. Locals and visitors are encouraged to pop in, enjoy a coffee and take a look at Sharon’s photographs while the exhibition continues.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
To advertise on our website or social media channels, email our team | Click here –> Rates | info@wexfordweekly.com
Read also: