Shay Conroy (she/her) is a Canadian-Māori photographer who develops intimate long term documentary projects and is a contributing photojournalist. Drawing upon lived experiences of growing up in a low-income, blue-collar environment, Shay is passionate in advocating for those experiencing disabilities, mental health, addictions and poverty. With a patient and quiet approach, her work explores themes of questioning home, community, identity, belonging, and reconnection. Early on, she found photography as a coping mechanism and a method of vulnerable communication. Through her practice and life, she’s found empowering therapeutic outlets by using her photo practice to process, document, find connection and at times, escapism.
Shay is a graduate of Sheridan College and a member of Women Photograph. She is a part time professor at Durham College in the Media, Arts and Design Faculty. She has exhibited work in several group shows with Scotiabank’s Contact Photography Festival, Toronto and had her first solo exhibit “Port of Prosper” as a public art installation from October 2023 - March 2024. Shay has contributed to various publications including The Globe and Mail and Washington Post. She works with commercial and corporate clients at both city and regional levels to produce editorial inspired imagery for tourism and marketing campaigns.
Shay loves time with her dog, eating breakfast food, travelling by train, and being near large bodies of water. Currently based in her hometown of Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, Shay works within the Greater Toronto Area and is willing to go pretty much anywhere.
Available for assignments and commissions.
+1 905-914-7429
shayconroy@outlook.com
