Family History & Photography

I look at old family pictures of relatives and wonder who they were, what they did, which bit of them if anything, I inherited.

Some of them I know about because I met them. Others I know about because I listened to stories that have been passed down through the years. But, I always return to their photograph, because seeing them helps me bring their past back to life.

One of the first things we do when someone passes away is to reach for photographs of them. In today’s society of endless smartphone selfies, how many photographs will survive for future generations to cherish in the way our ancestors have survived through their family portraits? 

As a family history buff, one of the biggest thrills for me is finding old family pictures. Finding pictures of the individuals and their families helps tell their family story. Because my own family’s historical pictures are so precious to me, I feel that it’s so important to regularly document how our family changes over the years. We do that by having portraits done.  

I always thought that one day I would be able to share all that I had uncovered about my heritage with my own children. Unfortunately, after so many years of IVF, three babies not destined for our arms, and a cancelled adoption application due to my health (we didn’t cancel, the adoption team did), parenthood was not to be for us. 😔

go hand-in-hand,

Although life hasn’t turned out as I had imagined, it hasn’t diminished my desire to explore my family history. I hope that one day, my niece and nephews will be interested, and I am able to share all I have learned with them.

Outside of family history and photography, I can often be found in the garden.  There’s something rejuvenating about being outside, in nature. Whether it’s tending to a vegetable patch or three, nurturing seedlings in the greenhouse, caring for the fruit trees, appreciating the look and smell of a freshly mown lawn. There is always something to be done, some force of nature to try and tame, nurture or marvel at. 

Our garden, for me, is one of my top five passions in life. I love growing fruit and vegetables, it’s true they do taste better when you’ve grown them yourself! Spring and Autumn are such busy times in the garden, either planting that year’s crops or harvesting them. Problem is, I never have enough freezer space!

Our family unit is now made up of my long-suffering husband, me, and our 4 dogs. 3 are rescued and one we got as a pup.  Gardens and dogs don’t mix, especially when one is a dig-aholic Jack Russel! So, (they are so pampered 🥰), they have their own little garden to play in!

Life is full of storms and rainbows

My life changed in 2014 when I was diagnosed with cancer.  I wasn’t prepared for the changes I was about to go through, my cancer was in my jawbone, as a result, my looks, which I’d never given a thought about, were all about to change.  The treatment I was to undergo would change my looks forever.  All went well, but I struggled with the way I looked after all the physical healing was completed, I didn’t like the ‘new me’. It didn’t help with my self esteem as we were on the cusp of completing our longed-for family by adopting, but because of my cancer diagnosis, the adoption team dropped us like a hot potato, so ending our life-long desire to be parents. 😔

Three years later, I had the bad news that I had another cancer in the same place, but more aggressive.  I had to go through the whole process again, but I would have more aggressive treatment this time round.  

I still struggle with the way I look even now, and the way I sound because of the changes to my face, and mouth.  I’m coming to terms with all that I have gone through, and all I have lost. But despite how I feel about myself, or my looks, I still get in front of the camera. I’m still a part of my family and friends photos. I know that the changes I’ve been through are part of my story, and that shouldn’t be blanked out.

Aside from wedding photo’s and school portraits, how often do we get a portrait of ourselves or our families done? In years to come, today’s images will help to tell future family members about me, my life, what I went through and overcame, the pictures will tell a story long after the details are forgotten.

Hi, I’m Debbie and I look after the Studio bookings and administration here at Photo-times Photography. If you’ve booked a session with Elise, our Photographer, or had a look at our social media then you’ve probably already spoken to me.

I started working with Elise in November 2019 and instantly fell in love with the business. I love Elise’s passion for creating treasured memories for families, something that is very dear to me.

My husband and I met at 18 and we have 3 beautiful daughters together, they all definitely keep us on our toes. I was born in Northampton and lived here all my life, in 2018 we moved to nearby Rushden so we could have a life closer to the countryside. We’re lucky to live on a beautiful estate opposite a park where you can often find us all.

My background is in Administration, I started my career in the NHS but quickly learned that I prefer working with smaller businesses. I love spending time speaking to our customers, I’m a natural chatterbox.

Outside of work I enjoy crafting. I really enjoy trying new crafts and seeing the results. I also love getting away in the UK, we try to visit new places with our daughters and experience new things together. Most recently we enjoyed a break to Dorset where my eldest daughter discovered Snowboarding, my husband discovered he still hates glitter and I discovered a love for the south coast.

I’ve always enjoyed photography, especially documenting our growing family. Recently I’ve had the pleasure of using a semi-professional camera and I really enjoy seeing the results. It’s always been a huge part of my life and family pictures cover the walls of our home.