"Don't ever give up hope of doing what you love"

Straight from school, I joined Barclays and thought that was all I could ever do.  After 35 years, I decided it was time to change my direction and do something I love rather than something I know. It was a steep learning curve, especially as I was so used to being in a comfortable and protected job to suddenly be out there in the big wide world starting my own business. I have never looked back, I have a permanent smile on my face and love the job I do.

STARTING OUT

It was when my girls were little that I picked up a camera for the first time and started to take pictures. My eldest would always be posing for me but Beth not so much - move forward 20 years later, nothing has changed. Not long after I started taking photographs, I purchased a backdrop. I remember hanging it from two little screws on door frames. More kit, lighting, stands and equipment followed.

PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING

Next, I started photography and newborn training. Online training to start with and later on a 1-2-1 basis with the UK's best newborn photography trainers, Claire Elliott & Tracy Willis when I decided to specialise in Newborn and Baby Photography. Looking back over the last seven years from when I first started I can't believe how far I have come.  I've studied and practised to perfect my craft. You never stop learning whatever job you choose, but I am so much happier with the images I create today and my natural style of photography.

AWARDS

At the Guild of Photographers annual awards in 2014, I remember sitting there as one of my pictures was in the top 10 baby photographs of the year, so many people I have admired for so long were also there, and one of my images was being judged alongside them. I was very proud. But, it made me realise that after all this hard work, I can take pictures and just by being there the incentive to keep working harder. I have never once looked back since the day I left the Bank, and I can honestly say that I have never wanted to return.

Photography, for me, is the best job in the world. I love my job and my life.

- Heather Elliott