Norden’s new photography studio opens its doors to the public

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 14 November 2009

Norden Studio has been officially opened with a champagne reception and is ready for business.

Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket and fashion photographer Damian McGillicuddy cut the ribbon to the studio on Edenfield Road in front of a crowd made up of friends, family, photographers and local businesses.

Graham Sivills decided to open the studio to help his love for photography grow, after years in the IT business and living all over the world he thought it was time to settle down and come home.

Mr Sivills saw the perfect opportunity for his venture when the Mere Studio became available, he said: “I just had to get in.”

Norden Studio is working in association with Emma’s Diary, a website for expectant mums. Alongside this the studio will focus on portraits and wedding photography.

The studio has marked a new chapter in Mr Sivills life, he said: “I have finally discovered what I want to do when I grow up; I wish I has discovered it a long time ago.

“Everybody here has given me encouragement and helped me to get to where I am now. I have a lot of interesting shoots ahead of me.

“Norden is the place to open if you’re going to open anywhere, it is a lovely village. I have lived in Norden for 20 years, it is nice to be able to work near home and be part of a community.”

Mr Sivills’s wife, Briege, said: “I am very proud that Graham has got this far. Photography has been his passion for a long time and he has the drive to make it work. All his supporters here tonight wish him well.”

Comedian Jimmy Cricket thinks what Mr Sivills has decided to do his wonderful, he said: “Graham has been a pal of mine for a few years now, I am thrilled that he has taken the bull by the horns and opened the studio at this economically unstable time, he has got to be applauded.”

Damien McGillicuddy, 22nd Lord of Kerry, is Mr Sivills’s business and photographic mentor, before cutting the ribbon he said: “This is a fantastic space, I’m sure he will please all his clients. He should be commended for starting a venture in these difficult times. I think this business will develop, flourish and grow to the degree he wishes it to.”