Having a full time job, pursuing a career in photography and a degree course…

Since achieving my HND in Graphic Design, I’ve always worked in soft furnishings, first at Downtown and then John Lewis, before my current position. I’ve enjoyed it, but always wished I had stayed on at college to gain a BA Hons.

It was during my time at John Lewis that I attended a couple of evening classes in photography and was asked to photograph my first wedding. I will admit, I had no idea what I was doing, but the Bride was a friend, it was a lovely christmas wedding and most of all I loved the buzz of photographing a wedding. This was also my turning point – I wanted to photograph weddings…

I was eager to learn more and after a couple of short courses I enrolled on the bespoke course at the then, Annabel Williams Contemporary Photographic Training school in the Lake District (now Aspire). Previous to this I was playing at running my own photography business, not really knowing what I was doing or what direction I was going. The course changed all of that, I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing – even if I have not put it all into practice, I do have the notes!

Thats where running a business and a full time job comes in…

I love them both, the fabrics and furnishings of the interiors to the uniqueness of every wedding. Which is why I also limit the amount of weddings I photograph per year. I want to give each one its own special attention.

Following a break up last August, I decided it was also time to follow my dream of achieving a degree course and so enrolled with the National Design Academy in Nottingham on their Foundation Degree course in Interior Design.

I’m now a month in to doing all three and feel my time is going to be even more precious than before, but its what I’ve always wanted to do, only I did not think it was possible without going back to college full time. Plus you could say my free time is mine, I have no children or husband, just two cats, so now is the right time to commit and I’m enjoying it!

Since starting the course I’m looking at everything differently, at the Designer Wedding Show recently, I started looking at the dresses in terms of interiors, at the lace, the sparkle, fabric flowers and butterflies and how these can be used in an interior scheme.

Its opening my eyes to the wider world of interior design and photography.