Lisa Connolly
I am a photographer specialising in both documentary and commercial photography. My commercial work has been featured in many publications such as Irish Fashion, Glamour, VICE, Totally Dublin and Marie Claire. I also exhibited my work at the CHQ in Dublin, June 2019.
My documentary work primarily focuses on the rural Ireland, as I myself am from a small town in the west of Ireland. My photography represents the society in which I live, and which surrounds me. Capturing people within their environment is a strong theme in my documentary work. My influences are Eamonn Doyle, Alec Soth, and Enda Bowe.
Modifications and Misconceptions
Modifications and Misconceptions explores youth culture and the community of 'boyracers' in car subcultures in rural Ireland. 'Boyracers' express one facet of their personalities through the modified car. When they meet up they mess, they perform and they take part in rituals that confirm their identities as members of this tribe. This series explores the materiality of the car as an object, as well as the motivations of the participants in the community, using photography as the primary tool of investigation. 'Boyracers' are passionate about what they do and do not deserve the negative stereotypical criticism which they receive.
My dissertation explores the increasing legislation exerted on photographers who work in the public realm. With the recent introduction of stricter regulations in the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) many photographers are confused or unaware of their legal obligations regarding the law when photographing in public spaces. I examine the ethical responsibilities of press photographers and the paparazzi who compete with each other to capture exclusive celebrity photographs which can attract significant sums of money. I examine case studies of legal claims against photographers for the invasion of privacy, and counterclaims against celebrities for infringement of the photographer’s copyright. The key question this dissertation asks is: Do photographers have the right (under freedom of expression) to photograph people in public spaces as they please or is this an invasion of privacy punishable by law?
Photobook
Modifications And Misconceptions explores youth culture and the community of boyracers within car subcultures in rural Ireland. Boyracers express one facet of their personalities through the modified car. When they meet up they mess, they perform and they take part in rituals that confirm their identities as members of this tribe, which not everyone understands.