In the first of a new series of interviews on this blog, I’m delighted to have caught up with Kerry-Ann Cheshire Whatley. Kerry is very inspirational and has been a huge supporter of Frankie’s Legacy since its inception. She works alongside her husband in their photography company Together Photography Ltd, and is very proud to be part of a charity called “Remember My Baby“.
Tell us a bit about Remember My Baby and what they do
Why did you decide to get involved in Remember My Baby?
Ever since I was a child not only has photography been an art but its been about making memories, for some reason bereavement photography has always stood out to me and since having my son and growing up it has taught me to take nothing for granted and to capture every little thing. I came across Remember My Baby at The Photography Show this year and before I even spoke to someone I felt this was something I needed to know about, something I needed to get involved with. I feel bereavement photography can help families grieve and that for a life that’s been taken need it be at birth or elderly by photographing a funeral or a service its a final ending to someone’s life, a piece of art that signifies they may be gone but a new chapter is approaching.
What is the most rewarding thing for you about getting involved with Remember My Baby?
I’m proud to say I work for Remember My Baby and although it can be a hard conversation to bring up no matter what views people may share it makes me feel proud. I have the opportunity to come home to my son and so many others don’t so by being part of this remarkable charity it gives me a sense of reward to know I’m helping other families and showing them that their child does matter and that no matter how difficult it can be sometimes their child did exist and they are beautiful.
What is the most memorable photo shoot you have undertaken for Remember My Baby?
Due to having not long passed my assessment to become part of this charity I am yet to photograph a session, but in the mean time I am learning ways to create the images and how to do the job to the best of my ability.
Describe your typical day.
What’s a typical day! Everyday can be different for me as not only do I be a mum I also care for our son who has additional needs, so we start the day by doing some Physiotherapy and any exercises we may have and attending any appointments, once we have all that done I focus on my emails and catch up on some house chores. Once Noah has gone to bed then I do any business admin that needs completing.
What do you feel are your biggest achievements?
Biggest achievements – that’s difficult as I have so many! I never dreamt I would be accepted to work with Remember My Baby I remember emailing a few times asking if they had the correct person! I’ve always doubted my ability to do anything and never believed in myself so to pass this and be regarded as a photographer for Remember My Baby has given me something to believe in.
My other achievement has got to be my son, we never knew the scale of additional needs that Noah would have and everyday he surprises us in what he can do yet on the other hand I feel proud because I know as a family we have achieved so much and every little change I see in Noah I know I helped to achieve that.
What’s in your handbag?
LOL – my handbag has changed to a toddler bag but I soon make room for my phone, keys, wipes, make-up and my biggest thing I cannot survive without is MY GLASSES!
What are your ambitions in life?
My biggest ambition in life is to be a wedding photographer. My other ambition is to make sure everyone knows about this charity and that we do exist and that parents never feel their child doesn’t matter or that their child has gone.
Where do you see yourself in five year’s time?
Normally I focus on five days time not years! I’m going to be training as a wedding photographer and I am going to be mentoring and helping other photographers who join Remember My Baby and support them as I have a fantastic team of men and women supporting me!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
My advice is listen to what advice people have but DO what you want to do! if you believe in it hard enough and you put the effort in then you will succeed and to always believe, I didn’t and I feel I have missed out on so much. Never let anyone or any gossipers put you down!
Finally, happiness is…
Happiness isn’t money or the luxuries you have its about looking back at the memories and knowing you created a story. Life is our book everyday is a blank page and only you can decide what and how the story goes.
For more information about Remember My Baby visit them via http://www.remembermybaby.org.uk/.
