Chalk Talk: St Ciarán’s student Dom turns photography passion into opportunity

Third-year student Dom Lomajevas from St Ciarán’s Community School, Kells, is combining his love of soccer with a growing talent for photography. Having only picked up a camera in August, he is already building his experience, photographing sporting events and developing skills he hopes will help him in the future. Here, Dom shares his story in his own words.

My name is Dom Lomajevas, and I’m in third year at St Ciarán’s Community School.

I first started photography in August this year after being inspired by my friend Kodi Tormay and his photography. I thought that, at my age, there were lots of different things I could try, so I decided to give photography a go.

Soccer is my biggest passion. I play the game myself, and because I understand it, I know when to capture those important moments - the runs, the saves, the celebrations and everything in between that makes a match special.

Sport has always been a big part of my life, and being recognised as Sportsperson of the Month is something I’m really proud of.

But photography is becoming more than just a hobby. It’s teaching me skills that I know will be useful in the future.

When I’m older, I’d like to own my own business. Photography is already helping me learn about managing my time, taking responsibility and working towards something I enjoy.

One of my biggest challenges was getting the right equipment.

I’m very grateful to my parents, who helped me buy my camera body. I was also lucky enough to borrow a lens from a photographer for a few weeks.

During that time, I started taking photographs and earning some money from my work. I used that money to pay back my parents and the photographer who helped me.

That was important to me because I didn’t just want to learn photography. I wanted to take responsibility for what I was doing.

Lately, more people have been contacting me through social media, asking if I can come along to matches and take photographs.

I try to respond whenever I can because I understand that when somebody is organising something and counting on you, it’s important to be reliable.

I haven’t entered any photography competitions yet, but that’s something I’d like to work towards.

If I could give one piece of advice to another young person thinking about photography, it would be to understand what you want to photograph before buying equipment.

Do your research. Find out which camera and lens would suit the type of photography you’re interested in.

Things might not work out perfectly at the beginning, but you have to trust the process. Keep practising, keep learning and improve step by step.

I’m excited to see where photography might take me.

For now, I’m enjoying combining my love of soccer with being behind the camera, capturing the moments that make sport special.