libbycooktoppan's photostream

Please use my TRANSACT account to email me: libby@transact.bm

Self-taught graphic designer, photographer and publisher of Bermuda Homes & Gardens Magazine, Bahamian born Bermudian Libby Cook-Toppan discovered her love for photography at an early age.

On a school trip to the Isle of Wight at the age of 10 she successfully photographed a particularly long building as a panoramic in three successive shots, carefully maintaining the level of the camera and the perspective for each shot. Since then she continued to shoot with any camera she could get her hands on, often spending hours as a teen setting up shots with her multitude of pets and later (while pursuing a career in advertising) styling and photographing products for various employers.

The birth of her son in 1996 triggered the catalyst for how she would learn to view her surroundings: ‘One day, entranced by my young son playing, I voiced my sadness at not having a camera with me. “Take a photograph in your mind” my mother had replied. From that day forth I began to see my world as a series of captured moments.’

After purchasing Bermuda Homes & Gardens magazine in 2002, she began the painstaking process of rebuilding and upgrading its design and content. Initially unable to afford the cost of hiring photographers she took up the challenge and purchased a second hand digital SLR from local photographer and friend Antoine Hunt. Previous frustrations with film conservation and the prohibitive cost of developing made the transition to digital a welcome release to shoot unhindered. What began as a cost saving initiative, allowed for deeper exploration and the ability to play and enjoy shooting a broad range of subjects on a regular basis, developing Libby’s talent further.

A favorite pastime, though rarely enjoyed, is to go on nature-walks, camera in hand, with her husband, son and their family dog. “I am truly grateful each time I’m able to capture the essence and emotion of a moment…downloading and reviewing images feels like I’m opening presents… it’s still like magic every time!!”


Achievements in photography:
• Best in Show – BAMZ Photographic Contest 2003 (first time entering)
& 1st Place – Adult ‘Plant’ category - BAMZ Photographic Contest 2003
• Cover of the 2005 - Real Estate Guide to Bermuda
• 2005 Italian Cruise Travel feature for Crystal Cruises
& GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI - Lake Como, Italy
• Cover of the 2006 – Your Kitchen & Bath magazine
• 2006 Bacardi Biennial
• 2007 2nd place Adult, BNTB/Masterworks Art in the Park
• 2008 Debut show Rock Island Coffee
• 2009 Olio - a collection of recent art works, featuring photographic works by longtime friends
and co-workers Kiona Estravit and Libby Cook, Edinburgh Gallery, BSoA
• 2010 1st Place, Adult Digital Photography, Tech Art show, BSoA