A Community in Focus

About us
Celebrating 50 Years
A Community in Focus

Shane Rooney

A Community in Focus

I live in Galway in the west of Ireland and have had a passion for photography for the best part of 40 years. In one shape or another, I have worked as both an amateur and professional photographer throughout my adult life and am rarely far from a camera given the opportunity.

People and places, as well as light, shade and texture in photography, have always fascinated me. Whether it is landscapes, objects or people, I strive to capture situations and personalities whenever I pick up my camera. In my professional work, I have photographed everything from weddings and events to portraiture and candid moments. The experience and training gained from capturing people and events in real-time, real-world situations proved to be a huge asset when it came to this Camphill project.

My connection to Camphill stems from family members who both work and volunteer here. During previous family visits to the area, they introduced me to this wonderful community and to some of the people who benefit from, and work to provide, all that Camphill Blair Drummond offers. The 50 Years project grew from this profound experience.

My own personal challenges and experiences have also shaped me and prompted a period of reflection in recent years. As part of that journey, I found myself drawn back to my passion for photography. The idea of capturing the people, personalities and everyday life of Camphill Blair Drummond became a positive way for me to support the work taking place here and contribute to the 50 Years celebrations.

Being part of this project has been an enormous honour and privilege. The trust, joy and energy shown to me far surpassed my hopes and expectations. From the first photograph on the first day, I was struck by the sense of respect, connection and community that surrounds everyday life here. It inspired me to capture people in their own real-time, real-world situations.

My aim was to meet as many people as possible in the places where they live, work and spend their time, and to use the skills and experience I have developed over many years to reveal something of the people behind those moments. The reality turned out to be far better than I ever expected.

The joy, smiles and hugs I experienced throughout this project will remain the greatest reward of this photography project. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to contribute, in a small way, to the remarkable work and community that exists here.

Thank you, Camphill.