Starting a personal photography project was something that I had wanted to do for a while but I couldn’t quite find the ‘right’ project for me. Until now. The aim of this project was to enable me to get out there and meet people while practising my portrait photography skills. Little did I know that the women involved in the project were going to blow me away with their sheer brilliance at being human. The women photographed did not ask to be involved or put themselves forward, they were nominated by their friend/ sister/ colleague to take part. And I am so glad that they said yes.
From the minute I met my first subject, Jean, I realised that this project was to become far more than about the photographs to me. It was all about the stories we collect through our lives. Every one of these women had a story to tell, as we all do, and I was enthralled by all of them.
There are many things that connect these women but a stand out feature is passion. When they talk about what is important to them the passion radiates out of them whether that be birth, belief, chocolate, community or fire walking.
I hope you enjoy seeing these pictures. Hover over each picture to find out who they are…
Natalie and I met on a very warm sunny day at her home in the week that she completed her doctorate and became Dr Natalie, an Educational Psychologist. Having qualified as a primary teacher, Natalie was encouraged to follow her dream and so after years of study it is a real achievement and the start of a new career. All this comes after the devastating loss of her eldest child to cancer. Her youngest was diagnosed with cancer first and during his treatment so was her eldest son. Fortunately her youngest son is now in remission. This beautiful family have faced the most tragic loss, they have worked hard to cope with their grief and learn to live as a family of three. Natalie was so open in our conversation and I was so moved by her story there is no way I can condense it in to a caption on a photograph. Her strength will stay with me for a long time. Nominated by Amy.
Evie was nominated by Juliet because she is her sports therapist who has guided her back to health both in body and mind. As I listened to her story about education, sport and her work I couldn’t help but be inspired by her motivation and passion for helping people to improve their lives. Meeting a woman like Evie, who is just embarking on her career that she has worked so hard for is a reminder of all the good in the world.
Kelly set up Pink Peony Weddings as a stylist before the pandemic hit. Like so many others in her industry she has had to find creative ways to get through the last 18 months which have been incredibly hard. Nominated by her lovely friend Annie, Kelly was warm and open about the challenges of the last year but she continues to be positive for her family and inspires others in the process.
Meeting Lotte and her beloved Harley was a pretty special experience. After the tragic suicide of her younger brother Hector when he was just 18, Lotte and her family set up a suicide prevention charity; Hector’s house. This is to provide a safe space for people. They have supported so many young people in such difficult and dark times. Always with inner strength and from a place of experience. Lotte’s vision and dedication have enabled the charity to evolve include education and offering support services.
Coombe Hill and this view is where Lotte comes when she needs to find some calm and so it was important to her that we included it in her portrait.
Amy is a wonderful friend to Claire who nominated her for this project. It is so important not to underestimate the value of true friendship and how important it is when times get tough. Claire doesn’t know where she would be without the support of Amy and her family while her son has cancer. Amy has a lot on herself with a job in fundraising, a young family and her organisation of The Pepper Show for The Pepper Foundation which is a local charity that funds a team of nurses that look after children with life limiting illnesses. Amy is a total star and I could see how her positive outlook on life made her an invaluable friend to Claire.
Liz is an amazing example of how people in our community make a difference to others. Liz was inspired by Kat who she worked with who had set up Side by Side for Refugees in response to the growing refugee crisis in Europe. Liz has been to northern France many times to distribute much needed items for people and has heard, first hand, the challenges that people have faced on their journeys. This has spurred her on to work tirelessly to offer support not only to refugees but also to those volunteers working in northern France as emotional support is much needed. Liz co-ordinates donations and is part of a wider charity network in our local area, she has previously worked with Sue from Together 100, pictured below. I could have talked for hours with Liz, she is absolutely an amazing woman. For more information and to support go to www.sidebysiderefugees.org
Juliet was nominated by Sue Lacey who participated last year. After having a double mastectomy it was assumed that Juliet would want reconstructive breast surgery however she chose to ‘live flat’ and now advocates for women who have made that choice. She has appeared on billboards and large advertising campaigns to represent (up until now) unseen and unrepresented ‘flat’ women in the media. Her most recent appearance was in a Dove advert and she has overcome her own challenges to support others in having the right to make a choice after breast cancer. She is so warm and has an incredible smile to light up any day. To find out more about this amazing lady take a look at her blog.
If tables could talk this kitchen table would have a lot to say. It is the heart of the charity Electric Umbrella which was co-founded by Mel and Tom after they realised there is a real need for meaningful creative arts projects for young people with learning disabilities. Electric Umbrella challenges the perception of people with learning disabilities by empowering and enriching lives through music. This table hosts team meetings, late night planning and never-ending admin as well as family life with three young children.
Find out more Electric Umbrella
When I met Claire in trying Park in the Autumn I knew why she had chosen to be photographed here. It is her space to breathe, to run, to get perspective. Claire faced devastating news when her son was diagnosed with cancer. He is now being treated and the prognosis is positive but it is a long journey with the treatment itself taking three years. Claire was nominated by her friend Leanne who I had photographed previously who called her ‘a shining light of strength’. Claire has found strength she didn’t know she had and with the support of family and friends has raised money for charities that have supported her and her family by running long distance races. She says that the running has really given her a focus and allows her time to process everything that is going on. Claire is so warm and has a wonderful smile that would brighten anyones day.
Annie was nominated by Lucy who I photographed last year with her Mum. Annie has established her own successful calligraphy business and runs it between supporting others and looking after her own young family. In a busy world it was lovely to meet Annie in her studio where she feels most comfortable to photograph her at work. Find out more here
This is an ongoing project. If you would like to nominate a woman you know please do get in touch.