Photographer Nicola Webster has built a career on capturing the fleeting moments families treasure most. In this episode of The Raheny Podcast, she talks with Kevin Redmond about her creative beginnings, the lessons she’s learned across 25 years in business, and why the best photos are never about posing, but about connection. A thoughtful listen for anyone curious about creativity, memory, and the value of preserving life’s chapters.

00:00 – Kevin asks Nicola about the first photo that set her on the path to photography

01:10 – Early influences, mentors, and the importance of great teachers

02:30 – From waitressing to her first weddings: building a career from scratch

04:07 – The reality of “winging it” at her first wedding shoot

05:47 – Finding guidance through the Irish Professional Photographers Association

06:53 – Shifting from weddings to studio portraits with the help of a mentor

07:44 – Why she still loves photography after 25 years: the kids, the families, the buzz

09:06 – The emotional impact of seeing family portraits for the first time

10:48 – Creating a welcoming, stress-free studio experience

12:56 – Behind the curtain: her system for capturing natural smiles

13:56 – What makes a photo truly great: the emotion it carries

15:20 – A favourite family photo—taken of her own parents

16:40 – Seeing the world differently as a photographer

18:46 – What most people misunderstand about photography as a business

20:00 – Why families finally book that portrait session

21:00 – Reassurance for those nervous about photo shoots

21:43 – Moving into her new studio in Raheny and loving the village community

24:25 – Where to find Nicola online and view her work