Celtic Raven

(Previously www.kitloganphotography.co.uk)

I discovered photography in my teens. Drawn to the power in images that tell a story, evoke emotions, or simply recall past moments. I love how photography is both an art and a science, balancing creativity with the technical skill needed to bring a vision to life.

My professional work focuses primarily on family portraits as well as event photography, from weddings and family gatherings to conferences and VIP visits.

Photography is also very much part of my private life, keeping a balance between being involved in everyday family moments and stepping-away to observe and capture moments.

The effects that childhood experiences have on us growing up and often throughout our adult lives cannot be understated.

I’m not sure if I found youthwork or it found me, but I’ve been actively involved in youthwork since my teens, both paid and voluntary work. I always found working with children and young people very rewarding and nowadays I actively support any interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths). My focus has also shifted, realising the value of playwork and creating spaces where children can be themselves—where they are allowed and encouraged to explore, learn, and grow.

Plants have fascinated me since childhood, and this has evolved into a wider appreciation of the design of garden spaces, particularly those that incorporate places for play and encourage exploration. However, while garden design, at least in the past, has tended to focus on creating spaces of tranquillity with something for a plantsman to enjoy, there was less focus on creating a space that allowed play or encouraged children (or adults) to explore or interact with the plants and the garden space.

It’s not a new idea, but theory, psychology and watching how adults and children interact with gardens and the natural world around them, left me wanting to put theory into practice. That opportunity came when we moved and a suburban garden to play with.

So I am exploring what can be done on a small budget and an 8 x 33 metre space. Seeing what works and does not work, the successes, failures and discovering it’s as much about understanding the space you have, as what can be created.