Get in the picture for christmas with liz king

SNAP happy Liz King wants to put the ladies of Mayo in the picture for Christmas. The Ballinrobe-based photographer has framed up with Megan Durkan of the Green Room beauty salons and together they are offering a makeover photo shoot package to all the ladies in the county, writes Tom Gillespie.

She explained: “We are putting affordable packages together so all the men of Mayo can surprise their other halves with a voucher entitling them to a day of pampering and feeling like a star.”

Liz was born and raised in Ballinrobe. She is married to Mike and they have a son, Ryan, aged 14.

She explained: “I was always artistic, and for many years I painted murals, windows at Christmas, signs, oil paintings, etcetera. I have always loved photography and being the eldest of nine children, with a huge extended family, there was always an occasion and a reason to be snap happy. When my son was born, my hobby became more of an obsession, wanting to commemorate every little moment.

'As time passed, I decided to learn more about photography and I started doing some courses with Peter Gorman in Ennis, who teaches photography. He was originally an engineer and was involved in the design and manufacturing of the first digital camera. I then studied portrait photography in the GMIT, under Glenda Colqohoun, who is a well-renowned British photographer, who also has a studio in Achill.

'Portraiture was my main area of interest, as I love photographing people, and I had worked and trained for many years as a childminder, and then trained as a special needs assistant. I really wanted to work with families and children, and I felt that my background would be beneficial in this area.

“I continued to study and I did a diploma with the Institute of Photography in Dublin. I like to keep abreast of new techniques by continually updating my training and I am now completing another diploma with the Shaw Academy in the UK.”

Liz is a member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWWP). Earlier this year she completed a train the trainer course and wants to teach photography skills to others. She has been running classes in Partry, Ballinrobe and Castlebar. She hopes to start a photography club in Ballinrobe and to offer a summer camp for children next year.

Liz is part of a voluntary group called Faces of Autism, a group of photographers countrywide who volunteer their services in April, Autism Awareness Month, by giving free photo shoots to families who have children with autism. The images are used to promote awareness in publications, etcetera.

She added: “I am the only photographer in Mayo who is involved with this group. I also volunteer my services to AIRC, which is a wonderful charity that helps families of special needs children. I do a lot of work with Cairde Crann Mor in Ballinrobe, which is part of the Western Care group. The last two years I have covered Ballinrobe Agricultural Show and the Connaught Spring Show, as well as Cong Festival and Ballinrobe Festival, Queen of the Lakes.”

She has worked with George Hook and Mary Kennedy and has photographed Maureen O’Dowd, who is very well-renowned American journalist. Liz loves to love to work on location: “I find that families of younger children love the option of going to the local park, etcetera, and having their photo shoot there. It is a much more relaxed approach and allows the family to really enjoy the experience.

“I will do all types of photography and I am always in demand for taking headshots for online profiles, business cards and promotional material. I am currently trying to expand the wedding end of the business, but I will continue to do communions, christenings, portraits, etcetera, as these are my favourite genres. I am still in the early stages of my business as it is only running for about two years and I am hoping to continue to grow my client base.”

Liz can be contacted on (089) 4998646 or visit www.kingklixphotos.com.