‘Being creative was a great outlet’
Estelle Keeber, 36, lives in Leicester with her two sons.
I’d never had many hobbies growing up, but when my first son Jed arrived in 2008, like any new mum I loved taking photos of him. I documented everything – every smile, every outfit, every trip to the park.
Two years later, I fell pregnant again. Only this time, it wasn't as easy. There were complications, and at six months I started to develop prenatal depression.
Picture perfect
When Obi was born in 2011, things got worse. Eventually, my GP diagnosed me and suggested I see a counsellor, who in turn suggested a hobby could help. Immediately, I thought about photography. It had been instrumental in helping me to document the happier moments of motherhood. Perhaps it could help me to make sense of, or at least express, the darker ones too?
So in 2012, I started a class at the Leicester Adult Education College. I found the classes fascinating and learnt how to use different lenses and take creative shots. When I was taking pictures, I didn’t feel anxious or depressed. Being creative was a great outlet.
I even showed my classmates photos I’d taken during my darkest moments of PND, like the snap I took of my feet when I was curled up next to my son’s bed, unable to sleep and unsure I could cope. It wasn’t a smiley selfie, but it was an honest reflection of my life.
After three years, I received a teacher’s qualification in photography and launched a wedding photography business. In 2017, I shot 25 weddings, and was shortlisted for a Women In Business Award.
I’ve now co-founded an organisation for women in business. Photography has been the making of me. It’s given me a successful career and made me a happier, more confident woman.
‘When i was taking photos, i didn’t feel anxious’