Laura Dunwoody

I'm absolutely honored to receive the Taylor Wessing Judges' Selection Photo Prize 2026 at Photo Museum Ireland from my series Nothing Lasts Forever. I am forever thankful to all the judges for selecting me, it means so much to have my work recognised. Thank you to everyone who has supported my practice, especially the team at Photo Museum Ireland, who have been so generous over the months working together. I still can't believe this is happening to me! A huge congratulations to all the shortlisted artists, we've made history and it was great to finally meet a lot of you! And thanks again to Photo Museum Ireland, for hosting such an incredible night. Irish photography has a fantastic future ahead and I look forward to being apart of it. @photomuseumirl @taylorwessingllp @businesstoarts Image credit- Leon Farrell

Come to the opening of the @royalacademyofart.thehague graduation show tonight! We're marking the end of a 4 year journey so come celebrate with us and have some lovely chats🔥 @kabkphotography Graduation Show July 3rd - 8th Thank you to my amazing friends/classmates, without them this project wouldn't be possible, and to everyone who supported me this past year. You are the best👏 📸@davidmanuelo

The spring photography programs have come to an end. A heartfelt congratulations and hugs to all the young people I was lucky enough to work with over the last few months. Time gifts these collaborations in a unique way. I am separate and also present as the experiences unfold around me. The young people embraced play and process as they engaged with their own environment and each other. In a time when images carry so much meaning and responsibility; I was reminded of why most of us picked up a camera in the first place, because it brought joy and curiousity. Pleased to be developing this work through the Irish Photo Network Commission 2025, funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and an artist's residency supported by Photo Museum Ireland.

Laura Dunwoody, Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize Judges’ Selection Award Winner, reflects on her work and practice. Learn more 👉 via our link in bio For free. For everyone. Presented in partnership with @taylorwessingllp and @photomuseumirl and facilitated by @businesstoarts , the Prize establishes a major new national platform for artists working in photography. #IrishPhotoPrize #TWIPP #PhotoMuseumIreland #IrishPhotography #Ireland #Dublin #PhotographyAward #ContemporaryPhotography #Dublin #Museum #FreeThingsToDo @san0we @jpkeatingphoto @mickcassidy @polinacosgrave @lixyphoto_ @elle.dee_ @conorhorgan @AthyPhotos @photomando7 @whereismissyb @patrykgizicki @jillymacjillymac @joelavertyphotography @narryphotographyvids @blaisesmithartist @yvettemonahan @emmaobrien2016 @1eurofiddy @emily_rochex @deirdre_brennan_photographer @michael_croghan_visual_artist @shanehynan @ishmaelclaxtonphotos @by_evanna @lisabennettinsta @catgundrybeck @carolineguinanphotos @philiparneill @chrisreid_artist @chadalexander__ @jeanetteloweartist

Hear directly from the award winning artists of the Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize 2026. Join us on 12 May for a panel discussion, exploring the work and practice behind these exceptional images. Places limited - booking required. Book now 👉 via our link in bio For free. For everyone. Presented in partnership with @taylorwessingllp and @photomuseumirl and facilitated by @businesstoarts , the Prize establishes a major new national platform for artists working in photography. #IrishPhotoPrize #TWIPP #PhotoMuseumIreland #IrishPhotography #Ireland #Dublin #PhotographyAward #ContemporaryPhotography #Dublin #Museum #FreeThingsToDo @san0we @jpkeatingphoto @mickcassidy @polinacosgrave @lixyphoto_ @elle.dee_ @conorhorgan @AthyPhotos @photomando7 @whereismissyb @patrykgizicki @jillymacjillymac @joelavertyphotography @narryphotographyvids @blaisesmithartist @yvettemonahan @emmaobrien2016 @1eurofiddy @emily_rochex @deirdre_brennan_photographer @michael_croghan_visual_artist @shanehynan @ishmaelclaxtonphotos @by_evanna @lisabennettinsta @catgundrybeck @carolineguinanphotos @philiparneill @chrisreid_artist @chadalexander__ @jeanetteloweartist [Image description: A crowd of people seated in the exhibition space at Photo Museum Ireland during a public talk, with large-scale photographic works from the Taylor Wessing Irish Photo Prize visible on the gallery walls behind them.]

We’re delighted to award a Judges’ Selection Prize to Laura Dunwoody for Caoimhe on the bus (2025) from the series Nothing Lasts Forever – Youth of Ballymun. Dunwoody’s practice is rooted in community and shaped by a strong awareness of photography’s role in representation. This work offers an intimate and thoughtful look at adolescence, belonging and identity within Ballymun — a place often defined through negative stereotypes, but here seen with care, nuance and complexity. "My work highlights the often complex relationship we have with the places that shape us and our identities. How we are seen by others; and how we understand ourselves. As an emerging artist; it has been a huge honour to be selected. Its a pivotal moment in my practice. I'm so grateful for this award and opportunity, it gives me the confidence to keep going." – Laura Dunwoody Working across documentary and socially engaged practice, Dunwoody continues to challenge how photography represents people and place, opening up space for more considered ways of seeing. Congratulations to Laura on this award. The exhibition is now open. For free. For everyone. Learn more 👉 via our link in bio Presented in partnership with @taylorwessingllp and @photomuseumirl and facilitated by @businesstoarts , the Prize establishes a major new national platform for artists working in photography. #IrishPhotoPrize #TWIPP #PhotoMuseumIreland #IrishPhotography #Ireland #Dublin #PhotographyAward #ContemporaryPhotography @san0we @jpkeatingphoto @mickcassidy @polinacosgrave @lixyphoto_ @elle.dee_ @conorhorgan @AthyPhotos @photomando7 @whereismissyb @patrykgizicki @jillymacjillymac @joelavertyphotography @narryphotographyvids @blaisesmithartist @yvettemonahan @emmaobrien2016 @1eurofiddy @emily_rochex @deirdre_brennan_photographer @michael_croghan_visual_artist @shanehynan @ishmaelclaxtonphotos @by_evanna @lisabennettinsta @catgundrybeck @carolineguinanphotos @philiparneill @chrisreid_artist @chadalexander__ @jeanetteloweartist Image credit: Leon Farrrell

WIP How is education shaped by the community around it? Through long-term collaboration; I investigate the role of creative practice in the lives of young people in Dublin’s North Inner City. Positioned between home and school, amid the borders of power. The local youth find solace in the safe spaces of after school clubs. Here, they are free to express themselves, in the ring of a boxing club, on a football field, or within the colourful walls of a youth club; these community spaces shape connection and knowledge. Through these non-formal educational sites; facilitated by youth workers, parents and coaches. The young people learn about each other, and they learn about life. I'm very pleased to be developing this work through the Irish Photo Network Commission 2025, funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, and an artist's residency supported by Photo Museum Ireland. So many wonderful people in the community have supported this project so far, to name a few - @belvedereyouth @eastwallyouth @corinthiansbc

🌎 COMMUNITY - 🇲🇦I spent the last few days of 2025 in the peaceful surf village of Tamraght, Morocco. As the AFCON League raged on, it occupied every television screen and device in the African landscape. I was drawn to the many young locals caught up in the football frenzy. Inspired by their idols, young people gathered in the streets and fields to imitate their favourite footballers. While donning the jerseys of rival teams and countries, the young boys came together to practice their skills and feed their dreams. Laura Dunwoody is a photographer, educator, and social activist. She is a community-focused visual artist and educator navigating a socially engaged practice through documentary photography. The photos were taken with a Fujica ST605 and Kodak Gold 200 film. @elle.dee_ #analogfootball #afcon #35mm #filmphotography #morocco

I spent the last few days of 2025 in the peaceful surf village of Tamraght, Morocco. As the AFCON League raged on, it occupied every television screen and device in the African landscape. I was drawn to the many young locals caught up in the football frenzy. Inspired by their idols, young people gathered in the streets and fields to imitate their favourite footballers. While donning the jerseys of rival teams and countries, the young boys came together to practice their skills and feed their dreams. A perfect way to capture a special trip, thank you.... ❤️💚 #afcon #morocco

Governed by rules, roles and social standards, football becomes a metaphor for society and the structures we coexist in. To observe the collective behaviour of spectatorship, authority and play, is a window into how we function in everyday life. I'm getting more obsessed with this theory, more football to come x

David & Marley - People and their Pets Our pets often reflect parts of our personalities, lifestyle and inner world. In a shared rhythm of life they mirror our own features and we grow into each other's mannerisms. In simple visual poetry, nature finds symmetry between species. The beginning of a new photo and research series, contact me for more info❤️‍🔥

📣 Announcing Laura Dunwoody — recipient of the 2025 Irish Photo Network Sustaining Futures Artist’s Commission Laura will receive a €5,000 commission and Artist Development Residency to bring together a new publication from her ongoing project, engaging with themes of sustainability, climate action, and diversity. The commission forms part of the Irish Photo Network’s all-island Sustaining Futures programme, which supports artists and strengthens photography across Ireland. We look forward to supporting Laura through this next stage of her practice and to sharing the outcomes as part of the 2025 Irish Photo Network programme. Congratulations! Learn more 👉 https://ow.ly/LS1K50XgTTw @deptculturecommssport @artscouncilireland @bx_gallery @belfastphotofestival @sourcephotographicreview @elle.dee_ #IrishPhotoNetwork #IrishPhotography #CrossBorder #IrishArt #Photography #IrishArtist #PhotoMuseumIreland