Growing up in Central Oxford, throughout my life I always felt quite lost and unfamiliar with my interests. I would always be in awe of people that had a hobby, especially when they were young. I look back and remember loving stuff like, gymnastics, singing, piano etc, but nothing that I would dream about and carry it into my Adulthood.
When people would ask me my favourite music, colour and other interests I wouldn’t really know what to say, (apart from I was obsessed with Avril Lavigne for a while, but lets not go there). I always felt like I never really knew myself. I’m not sure if that’s from certain traumas.
Fast forward becoming a Mum and being in a situation where I tried to be more open to what draws my attention. I never really had time whilst my Son was a baby to be able to sit down and research or browse. Now he’s older, has more of a routine it became more natural and easier.
I recall going through Instagram one day and seeing a photoshoot and thinking ‘I feel like I could capture moments like this, actually enjoy it’.
Then it made me remember, I’ve always liked editing videos, capturing emotions and coming up with ideas for authentic photos. After this realisation, I kept going back and forth with the idea of potentially becoming a Photographer.
Do I have the right to do that? Would people like my work? How would I fit it into my life?
In the end I just thought, I’m going to do this, for my Son and for myself.
I researched many things, got my first camera and started taking pictures. Knew I didn’t want to always do photography away from home, a studio would fit better into my life.
So ordered one, got it built and made it mine.
I’ve had the best journey so far, the photography world is so supportive! I have welcomed so many lovely families.
My goal? I would love to be a highly sought after Oxfordshire Newborn, Family & Maternity Photographer.
At night sometimes when I get a moment, I look out at my studio and think, ‘wow, I’m really doing something that I enjoy and love’ and an immense sense of being proud of myself.
So take my advice, you will not regret it.
ever feel ready, take the plunge and if it makes you happy, hold onto it and give it your all!
I hope I make it.
Tori xx
