10 Questions with Content Creator, Sarah Edel Hayes

Sarah Edel Hayes is a videographer, storyteller and content creator.

Originally from Limerick, Sarah’s love for telling people’s stories through film and photography started from an early age. She was inspired by her mom, Siobhan Gleeson, (who is also a photographer) and her family’s history in the film industry. Sarah grew up with a camera in hand and a love of editing.

In 2022, Sarah began working with a number of different businesses to create content for their social media channels and websites, often working alongside her mom. The pair have since tapped into the wedding industry, filming couples on their wedding days and for their engagements.

The art of storytelling is one that has the power to make a person smile or even bring a tear to their eye, which is what Sarah adores the most about what she does.

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Sarah has had the opportunity to create content for a number of Irish brands’ social media channels and websites including well-known Limerick businesses such as, Namaste Skin Clinic, Pressed Flowers by Nell and Superbloom.

Sarah’s ambition is always to capture the essence of a brand or couple’s story through film. For her, it’s about looking past the camera, understanding what she’s capturing and delivering footage of a moment that will last forever.

What was your childhood like and what makes you a proud Limerick woman?

I’m so fortunate to be able to say I had such a grounding and wholesome childhood. Limerick has always been home and I hope it remains that way forever.

When I think about what makes me proud to be a ‘Limerick woman’, it has to be the people. There’s a real sense of community being from Limerick and having lived in Dublin since college, it’s something I cherish and carry with me.

Where does your love and passion for photography and content creation come from?

An obvious one I guess but it really is my mom. We grew up in a house where creativity was encouraged by both of my parents but mom being the photographer she is, gave me that flair and love for picking up a camera.

My mom’s dad and brother owned cinemas, which undoubtedly influenced my love for cinematography from an early age. I will always cherish time spent in my uncle’s cinema when I was a child where he’d show my brother and me the film roll and speak so passionately about the film industry. Cinematography and the art of storytelling make people feel good, it’s escapism and I think that’s why I now love creating content for people.

Tell us about ‘the art of storytelling’

To me, storytelling is about evoking emotion. It’s art. It’s using a camera as a tool to capture a moment you want to keep forever.

Who is your biggest inspiration in life and in your creativity?

When I have a creative block, I look to my friends for inspiration. During the lockdowns, I started a series called ‘Creative Flow’ where I interviewed a few of my friends, some of whom are designers, musicians and artists. Seeing them pursue what they love genuinely inspires me. I wouldn’t be anything without my friends’ love and support so I can’t deny that they are one of, if not the biggest inspiration to me creatively.

What does filming people’s weddings mean to you?

Filming a couple’s wedding day is so special. I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic at heart and being able to capture a couple on what’s said to be one of the happiest days of their lives is bliss. It can certainly be a lot of pressure especially when you only have one take at capturing a moment but it’s so worth it.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an online creator?

I’m in my infancy but I’d tell anyone who’s starting out not to worry about having the best equipment right away. It’s only within the last year or two I’ve been able to upgrade to one of my dream cameras. It’s also taken me time to add mics, tripods, and lighting to my camera bag. You don’t need to have the best equipment right away, I think it’s important to perfect your skills with what you already have and work on cultivating strong relationships within the creative industry and prospective clients. Something my dad taught me from a young age is that ‘life is a marathon, not a sprint’.

What work achievements are you most proud of?

A tough one to answer, as I can be my own worst critic but the work I’m doing within the last year is something I’m really proud of. I love the content I’m creating for businesses and couples, as well as the amazing people that I’ve had the opportunity to work and connect with.

What have been the greatest challenges in your career?

Staying true to myself is something I’ve definitely struggled with career-wise. I’ve made mistakes and I have no doubt that I will continue to make some more along the way – however, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to keep moving if something doesn’t feel right or doesn’t align with your true authentic voice … ‘where your attention goes, your energy flows’.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

Hopefully doing more of what I’m doing now, perfecting my photography and videography skills, being grounded, healthy, content and still being surrounded by my family, boyfriend and friends.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about Limerick?

The fact that it’s home and it’s where so many familiar faces are from. I love pottering around Limerick city on a Saturday morning … walking the three bridges, grabbing a matcha in Abbey River Coffee and popping into the Milk Market. Like I said in a previous answer, Limerick is a community … It’s the people that make it as special as what it is and I’m so fortunate to have met some of my closest friends in Limerick.

For more 10 Questions segments go here.
Find out more about Sarah Edel Hayes here.