A special shoot with Mary and Alan
This shoot reminded me why photography matters. It’s not just about the photos. It’s about the people, their stories, and the moments you want your family to remember long after you’re gone.
I spent an afternoon with my mother-in-law, Mary, and her partner, Alan, in Rookhope. They’ve both lived there for years, and it felt right to go back to a place that shaped much of their life together. The spot we chose wasn’t a picture-perfect location. It was a side of a hill made up of rough ground not much use to anyone! that was until Alan had the idea to create what we walked through that day, and what a beautiful sight it was. Alan planted over 300 trees by hand after getting permission.
He sourced support, contacted funders, and gathered everything he needed. Then he went out and planted every single tree himself. Seeing them growing strong, full of autumn colour, said a lot about him. It showed what determination looks like when someone puts their energy into something that lasts.
Walking with them through that space was more than a shoot. It was a reminder of who they are. Both Mary and Alan have faced their own challenges over the years. They’ve battled through tough times and are still dealing with struggles that would wear most people down. But they keep going. They support each other. They still laugh, still share stories, and still hold onto the things that matter.
Their walk in Rookhope wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was a quiet reflection of everything they’ve pushed through and what can be achieved with determination and passion.
Listening to them talk about the trees, the home they had here, and the life they created was wonderful. These aren’t just stories, they’re parts of a life their family should remember, learn from, and pass on. The spirit of people like Mary and Alan shouldn’t fade away. It deserves to be kept alive.
That’s why photos like these matter. They go beyond a nice image for a frame. They capture who someone is. Their strength, their history, and their legacy.
This is the reason I want people to print their photos and put them on their walls. These moments shouldn’t end up forgotten on a phone. They deserve a place in the home so the next generation can see them, talk about them, and understand where they come from.
Sessions like this remind me that photography isn’t simply about clicking a shutter. It’s about holding onto the people we care about, the stories they carry, and the lessons that shaped them.
The walk ended at the trees planted as an avenue, Alan’s Avenue. The colours were strong, the light was soft, and it felt like the perfect spot to pause. It showed the effort, care and stubborn drive he’s always had.
What stayed with me was a sense of pride in who they are. They’ve lived full lives and still do, worked hard, pushed through setbacks, and still enjoy life to its fullest. That’s the stuff their families will see in these images and prints.
Alan’s Avenue was a great place to finish the shoot a quiet, meaningful place that summed up the day.
