Weddings are now behind me
Starting afresh hasn't been the easiest of journeys. Leaving a much loved career in the wedding industry behind still makes my heart a little heavy. But recognising when something isn't a good fit and moving on is very important to sustain happiness. With a need for perfection and control over my environment weddings were never a good fit for me despite the love of photography, weddings and my clients. Too much uncertainty and change happens as a wedding day unfolds, and that is something I found hard to embrace. Most photographers might have a Plan B to their Plan A, but to cope with all the uncertainly my planning went further to Plan C and at times Plan D and E. Prepping for multiple plans was mentally draining and time consuming to prepare. And the constant living in the fears of the scenarios I had built around every wedding made it feel like I was photographing, and rehearsing for, ten different weddings for that one day. After seven years it was time for change.
The skills I learnt as a wedding photographer are so valuable to my new projects, and I will always be eternally grateful to all my clients who put their trust in me to capture one of the most important days of their lives as a couple.
Sash & Veil Photoshoot
Transitioning from one to the other
Deciding on all the elements to create a new career path wasn't difficult, but deciding upon how they would all fit together to create a financially viable business was. Probably 5 years of trial and error have gone into creating where I am now, albeit still very much a work in progress. As with any new venture, it can take time before the business even gets to a starting point. But the skeleton is in place, ready to build upon, and that feels good to me right now.
Now that my business has a clear direction, the real work begins. Success rarely comes without effort; most ventures are built through persistence, overcoming obstacles, and tackling challenges along the way. For me, the most important ingredient is passion. Passion makes the hard work feel lighter and the steepest climbs worthwhile.
My passion lies in art, photography, crafting, nature, wildlife, fighting for a cause, and promoting empathy and compassion for all living things. Sustainability for future generations is also central to what I love. These are the elements that form the foundation of my business, shaping every decision I make and inspiring everything I create. Somewhat reluctantly, I’ve included writing too, a necessary part of sharing my vision, even if it doesn’t come as naturally as the other forms of creativity I love.
To stay true to my core, I work alone, at home, surrounded by nature and all the things I love. My goal is to help build a kinder, more compassionate world for future generations. I share and educate through my work, but most importantly, I tell the stories of those who cannot speak for themselves, hoping to bring a little closer the wonderful world I know is possible.
Briar Rose Photoshoot ~ Styling and making costumes was what I loved most in the wedding industry
“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”
The Present, and on to the Future
Learning is at the heart of a successful, well-rounded, and sustainable business. It keeps a business growing, prevents it from becoming stagnant, and helps navigate the inevitable ups and downs—much like nature’s own life cycles. In this sense, learning is a business’s best friend, guiding its evolution and adaptation to the world around it.
From writing nature guides and zines to restoring Frowning Sparrow and creating art inspired by the natural world, every project I take on is an opportunity to help people connect with the living world around them. Each endeavor—whether practical, visual, or creative—aims to inspire curiosity, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for nature.
Every step I take brings me closer to future projects, even if nothing is fully set in stone yet. My work—whether art, photography, or practical guides—is inspired by the natural world and by the quiet, often unnoticed losses happening all around us. It seeks to celebrate what is taken for granted, encourage awareness, and inspire people to notice and care for the beauty and complexity of life that surrounds them.
