Can you tell us a little bit about your journey to where you are today, an incredibly talented photographer who so beautifully captures the various stages of family hood?

I grew up in an artistic environment, my family’s love for the arts was a huge influence. I remember a lot of my childhood outings involved galleries, theatre and cultural experiences, my half siblings adored drama. So I really grew up with everyone around me expressing themselves in a visual way.

This love for the arts was a catalyst for my studies and I went on to study photography and film at The Falmouth College of Arts for my Bachelor of Arts Degree. A camera has been by my side since the young age of 5 and I struggle to remember a time of my life where it has been absent. A decade ago, I remember vision boarding in my back garden and that day 'Iris and Me' was created, and shortly after, my first baby boy was born.

Is this focus one that you’ve maintained throughout your career as a photographer? Or has motherhood influenced the world you now lens?

I longed to be a mother from a young age and it became even more meaningful as my journey into motherhood was incredibly challenging. I have a total admiration and love for my mother, so in turn, it’s not a surprise that I would find my photography focused around motherhood and families. I am incredibly sentimental and I see details that my inner child remembers. These glimpses of detail and love between family members is something I use as my perspective for Iris and Me.

In an age where snapping moments on your phone has replaced the intentional capturing of a moment, one which is physically held and treasured forever, how important is it to make the time to photograph moments in time with your family?

This is such a great question — I feel deeply about this. It’s a wonderful thing to have a camera on a phone within arms reach 24 hours a day but I find it has in ways devalued photography. Don’t get me wrong, I adore to get lost in my camera roll as much as the next mama and it brings me comfort that I have so many images on hand till the end of time.

However, as a mama I am rarely in the frame. In my sessions, the mothers are my subject, I adore viewing mama from her child's perspective, reflecting all her tiny details. Over time these captured moments become priceless. Research shows, having photographs on the walls in your home makes children feel connected to their family and helps form their identity.

If someone was wanting to take hold of the camera themselves to snapshot their children now, and for years to come, what are your five biggest tips for an amateur family photographer, from the technical to the artistics?

Shoot with intention and think about these aspects:

• ‘Space’ in the frame: the scene is just as important as the subject. I particularly like to do this with my clients when I am shooting the entire family. I love a big sky, it gives such a beautiful perspective of space.
• ‘Connection’ between people or a person with an object: it draws a feeling of emotion into the frame.
• ‘Observe’ children: When photographing children I rarely use prompts — this encourages an authentic image.
• ‘Light’: I always shoot slightly underexposed — so much wonder can be found when you encourage the shadows.
• ‘Motion’: It’s tricky, but so much fun to capture, even if you miss focus. Whether intended or not, you can often get your subjects’ expression and a feeling of joy. Some of my captures this year include motion blur.

While every moment in your child’s life feels paramount, what are truly the milestones we should be capturing, chapters outside the everyday that we can hold onto from their newborn years to young adulthood.

Adventures! When it comes to shooting my own family, this is what I capture the most.

I am always encouraging the families I photograph to purchase a point and shoot for their home. Have it on the dining table, pop it in your bag. I have been doing this since my boys were born and I adore the snaps so much. Whether it’s a hike, a trip to the museum or just a nice breakfast at home, I snap it. Albeit they aren’t milestones but they tell a story of childhood that often gets forgotten. I shoot these moments candidly, no "cheese", the kids often come up with some very silly things and this, to me, is priceless.

I always imagine myself in my later years looking back on how we made the little things so sweet. I turn these adventures into a book for my boys and they are presented with it on their birthdays. It’s their most treasured gift.

If you could pass along one piece of advice to your children that carried them through life, what would it be?

Passion on top of passion! Both my husband and I have passions and it makes us whole. Empowering my boys to think outside the box and find their purpose through a passion is something I really hope for. I believe, without a passion, it would be easy to feel lost.

What role can jewellery play in forging, or sustaining, memories? 

A few years ago, my mother visited and she brought with her a beaded bag with our family jewellery heirlooms. She left it with me so all of her precious belongings were in one place. They now live in our antique safe and the boys love sifting through her loot — the boys pretend they are kings and queens, it’s delightful to watch. New memories now live on.

Do you have a piece of jewellery that you have kept with you since childhood? Can you share what it is, and the meaning it holds for you?

Within the beaded bag are three treasures my mother gave to me when I was very small, these silver and gold bracelets that are so special to me. When I was photographing the Petits Collection it took me on a wonderful journey down memory lane. As a child I remember asking my Mum if an occasion was special enough to wear my bracelets. I really feel I remember those occasions because I was wearing the heirlooms. My boys will each receive a bracelet from my collection when I am ready to part with them.

What would you say is your favourite piece in our new Petits collection, one which you would adorn your own children in? (if you can pick just one!)

The Petits Figaro Chain Necklace. With three boys, I am always finding ways to make delicate and precious items that will work for males. The chain is masculine yet dainty. Timeless!