Our tale takes us back to the early days, where my creative journey was painted with the vibrant palettes of Ghibli, Disney, making families in the original sims game (and other things totally not suitable for a 10 year old) and later on to the gritty streets of Akira, all while the philosophies of Blade Runner and The Big Lebowski whispered in the background. College was the first chapter where art and design ignited a lifelong passion, a passion that would carry me through the realms of graphics, illustration, and technological media at university. It was there, amidst the alchemy of darkroom processing, that I first fell in love with capturing moments in time.

Fast forward to 2011, when I joined schuh as a graphic designer, immersing myself in a world filled with energy, creativity, and the best of colleagues. Yet, it was the profound personal loss and the reflective journey of planning my own wedding in 2013 that unveiled my true calling: wedding photography. Capturing the essence of love and joy became my north star, guiding me across Scotland, the UK, and beyond to document the stories of countless couples.

However, the narrative took a challenging turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time of uncertainty and introspection, further complicated by the joyous yet life-altering arrival of my daughter in 2021. The transition into motherhood was not without its trials—postpartum anxiety and postpartum pre-eclampsia reshaped my worldview, making me acutely aware of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

During this period, the reaction of some couples to the news that I could no longer photograph their weddings due to my pregnancy and subsequent birth of my child, despite ample notice and a list of recommendations, left me disheartened (yes I’m sensitive – that’s okay). The lack of understanding and compassion was a stark contrast to the love and joy I sought to capture in my work. This experience, coupled with the introspection brought on by motherhood and the global pause of the pandemic, led me to a decisive crossroads. I fulfilled my bookings for 2022 and 2023 but chose to step back from wedding photography altogether by stopping new bookings from 2022, marking an end to this chapter of my professional life.

Yet, as the last wedding of summer 2023 unfolded, the joy, the genuine emotions, and the beauty of the day reignited a spark within me. It was a poignant reminder of why I had embarked on this journey in the first place. This led to the birth of Betty Jnr Co, a brand that pays homage to my late grandmother and namesake & seeks to embody authenticity, simplicity, and the unvarnished beauty of human connection. It’s about finding a balance between the value of my work and the realities of those I wish to serve, ensuring that my pricing reflects not just the market, but my heart.

Today, my inspirations are drawn from the rich tapestry of life itself—from family travels that rekindle my passion for street photography to capturing the fleeting moments of my daughter’s childhood. My love for cinema continues to influence my artistic perspective, guiding me towards the use of ambient lighting to craft images that are cinematic, authentic, and deeply resonant. Gaming, too, remains a beloved escape (from the days of being an og simmer), offering both nostalgia and new adventures through the worlds of the reimagined Final Fantasy 7, Overwatch 2 (getting wrecked), and beyond.

As I stand on the threshold of 2024, nearly fully booked after only launching bookings in October 2023 on a completely new site (created by me) that seemed invisible on google and eagerly anticipating the stories that await in 2025, my journey from the art-filled corridors of college to the creation of Betty Jnr Co is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and love. It’s a reminder that even in the face of loss, disappointment, and change, there remains a story to be told—a story of hope, renewal, and the enduring beauty of capturing life’s most precious moments.

After all is said and done, my aim is simple: to capture beautiful, meaningful moments for couples who truly value my craft. That’s really what it’s all about.