The eye of the beholder
An inspiring passion for photography, art and creativity can overcome even the largest of all obstacles
Apassion for photography, classic literature and fine art, along with a love of landscapes and a romantic mind, all inspire me to create my photographic projects. Often a project starts with a classic novel I’ve read, and I visit The National Gallery regularly to take inspiration from the masterpieces there.
My images often have a painterly feel, a softer focus that gives them a romantic mood. Once I’ve chosen what I’d like interpret, whether that be a work of art, novel or poem, I begin looking for a location. I usually visit to photograph different points in a location before going with a model to shoot.
Then I put the costume together, researching period styles of the time. I design, style and make the clothes for my shoots, drawing on my experience making theatre sets and costumes. The shoot often follows a storyline, so there are a series of photographs – it can be as many as 24 images. All my projects have personal meaning and some have been in my head for years before I come to fully develop them.
Not long after starting my journey with photography five years ago, I developed binocular diplopia – a condition that left me with severe double vision and no depth of field. It was a progressive condition and made life more challenging. It limited my ability to be in challenging landscapes, as I would often fall and almost always injure myself. Turning up to shoots with an eyepatch
My passion to create what was in my heart and mind gave me the determination to keep shooting
and white stick also surprised the model from time to time.
Most of all it affected my confidence, both dealing with people and using the camera. But, my passion to create what was in my heart and mind gave me the determination to keep shooting. I was lucky to have the support of my peers and friends.
My work here is when my eyes were at their worst, but Canon cameras and lenses and a sturdy tripod enabled me to make the most of my one good eye. Fortunately last October I was operated on at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and my eyesight has been restored in full. I am so very grateful.
The one thing I’ve learned through the journey is that, if you have the passion and determination, you can find a way to convey your creativity and it becomes a huge part of acceptance and healing. I have the gift of full eyesight now, and I’m so excited about many new projects as I make a new home in Lancashire.