My mother became blind as a result of diabetes. Until this happened she had been my chief and most honest photographic critic. Having been a member of Durham Photographic Society for over 35 years, photos are important to me, so I not became a carer but lost a valued critic.
The first competition I won was with an image my mother told me to include. When she died I took a photo of the coat she wore and her shoes both of which I had taken her to buy. I have continued to use the camera as a visual diary and my mother’s thoughts on my pictures, her way of seeing things still influence my choice of image for competitions and exhibitions. Is the image strong and graphic? Is it too fussy or not correctly balanced?
Finally, some while after her death I won a competition with a photo of the Galilee Chapel in Durham Cathedral. One of her favourite places and I been released from the stresses of being a carer – the atmosphere felt light and uplifting.