I was born in Canada, but my parents were originally from Poland and Ukraine. As a result, I always felt drawn to Europe. As an adult, I spent some time travelling in 2012 and 2013, including Poland, Sweden, Italy and, finally, France.
For me, France had the perfect balance: the climate suited me, there were mountains and the sea, and I felt it had the best elements of both Eastern and Western Europe. I knew that one day I wanted to live in the country.
I started my career as an engineer in 1991, having studied mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo in Canada. But after three years I switched to teacher training, specialising in maths and physics.
My first teaching job was in a Canadian secondary school. I enjoyed my time in the classroom, but the urge to live in Europe remained.
Philipa Daria has always felt drawn to EuropePhilipa Daria
In April 2013, my mum died and I took a sabbatical. As is often the case in times of grief, I found myself re-evaluating life. I had nothing tying me to Canada, perhaps this was the time to try France?
A year later, I moved to Paris, where I started teaching science, maths and physics at the International School of Paris. I have since moved on to teaching maths at the American School of Paris and also now work as a private tutor.
My love of photography began in childhood. My uncle was a keen amateur photographer and his passion was infectious. Over the years, he taught me about process and techniques, including the ‘rule of thirds’ to help frame shots and create professionally composed pictures.
In 2012, I bought my first Nikon and, on a whim, travelled to Poland with a friend who was a journalist. Some of my photos were published in a Swedish newspaper and I was thrilled!
I also began to gift photos to friends, and my heart would skip a beat when they hung them up. People often said I ought to turn professional, and I began to explore ways of developing my craft.
My first exhibition was in Łódź, Poland in 2015 and since then I have participated in many competitions and exhibitions.
Over time, I learned how to use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to expand my work, and in April 2024 I began to study with Serge Ramelli, a renowned photographer, through his Institute of Photography course.
In summer 2024, I met a talented and determined group of local photographers who regularly chase the moon as well as the morning and evening light.
They meet a couple of times a week and I join them when I can with my Sony and tripod. I love the camaraderie and mutual support. My French has also improved thanks to the daily WhatsApp chats!
In 2024, I formed my own company – SAS Philipa Daria Consulting and Design – combining my skills as an engineer, teacher and photographer.
I also sell artwork through an online Etsy shop. My work is on display in a local hospital, a bistro near the Jardin du Luxembourg, a chambre d'hôtes in Deauville (Calvados) and an office in Paris 8.
I have been experimenting with blending my photos with sketches or other photos and this new direction is reinvigorating my creativity.
Last year, one of my photos featured in a Paris exhibition dedicated to women. It was close to my heart as I submitted a photo of a little girl taken in Lviv, Ukraine in 2018, my last trip to the city where my parents were born.
Embracing the different parts of myself has been an incredible journey and has given me confidence and hope for the future.
