The poignant story behind gorgeous photo by Limerick photographer
The ‘tail’ behind a photo which will be displayed across Europe
A LIMERICK woman’s image of her “faithful” dog is to be displayed at exhibitions around the world.
Michelle Dempsey, who lives in Bruff, took a picture of her gorgeous Siberian husky India exploring the Ballyhoura forest near her home.
Having been named Limerick Camera Club’s photographer of the year, Michelle entered the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) competition.
To her great surprise, organisers of the contest got in touch with her to tell her she was in line for a prize.
Ultimately, her picture of India won the silver medal in the category of Pets in the Garden.
Now it’s on display in London’s Kew Gardens as part of an exhibition of IGPOTY winners, as well as being featured in a hardback coffee table book.
“I had an email from them because I'd do some flower photography. They invited me to enter, and I thought - maybe I will. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would actually win,” she admits.
Winning a prize represented a bittersweet moment for Michelle though as, sadly, her faithful dog India - the subject of the photo - was diagnosed with having a liver tumour in 2022.
It was off the back of this diagnosis, she took India, now 15, for a final walk around the picturesque forest.
While the husky is still alive, Michelle concedes: “she won’t be with us much longer”.
“She loves going to Ballyhoura. It’s her playground. She loves the forests and the river.”
Michelle believes the picture she took “speaks volumes” about her pet, who joined the family in 2009 as a nine-week old puppy.
“We have had a fabulous time with her. Most of the kids would know her as the wolf dog. She’s been mistaken for a wolf on occasions, but she is not! She’s a really good dog with children, she has big paws and is a strong dog. My 11 grandchildren absolutely love her,” says Michelle.
The mum-of-five described India as a “loveable, loveable dog”.
“There’s not a bad bone in her body. Not a snap. She has always been soft and gentle, yet in another way, a bit boisterous and bossy!”
Asked why she entered the IGPOTY contest, Michelle said she wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone.
“I think I am one of those people who have imposter syndrome. You never think you're good enough at anything,” she smiles.
Ivan O’Riordan, the public relations officer at Limerick Camera Club is having none of it.
“We are very proud of her. We know her work is outstanding. We had no idea she entered this competition - she is a modest woman.”
Indeed, Michelle was sworn to secrecy by the competition organisers, only letting club chairman Denis Ryan know when she was actually in Kew Gardens about to receive her recognition.
“The picture depicts her in the next life I think. It looks like she has crossed a rainbow bridge already,” she explained.
In London, Michelle was lucky enough to meet photographers from across the world, and was surprised by how unassuming many were. “I spoke with one lady who won a big category in the competition, and she has just six followers on Instagram! I think she said her dog had more followers than her,” she laughed.
The photographer would love to see her work displayed in Ireland, but that is conditional upon an Irish garden expressing an interest in putting the collection on display.
"For now it will travel to Cambridge, Birmingham and Dundee, before heading to the continent - and possibly the USA! I have five daughters and they reckon I should visit every city it lands in," Michelle laughs.
The talented photographer's work is featured in IGPOTY's annual hardback book, which can be ordered online at www.igpoty.com.
Check out more of Michelle's work on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ michelledempseyimages2021.