Finding my passion after motherhood

Growing up in Central Oxford, I often felt a little adrift when it came to understanding what truly lit me up inside. I watched others pursue their hobbies with clear passion, even from a young age and I remember feeling quietly envious. Sure, I dipped into activities like gymnastics, singing, and piano, but nothing ever stuck. Nothing ever felt like me.

Having worked the cooperate life, no real sense of 'yes, this is where I belong'.

Then, motherhood happened.

Becoming a mum shifted everything for me, my perception on life massively to be exact. I want to be an example to my son, that you do not have to settle and you can find your way, your happiness is a priority.

Fast forward to my interest in photography - realising that I genuinely enjoy capturing natural moments and can be quite creative with how I see and frame the world. I remembered how much I used to love editing photos and videos, evoking emotion through visuals, and coming up with meaningful, authentic ideas. That realisation slowly grew into a dream.

Still, the question came. Do I have the right to do this? Would people like my work? Can I make it fit into my life as a mum?

Eventually, I decided to stop waiting for the perfect time or permission. I wanted to do something that made me feel alive - for myself, and for my son.

So, I did the research, got my first camera, and just started. It became clear that working from home suited me best, so I invested in a studio, had it built, and made it completely mine.

Since then, this journey into photography has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life. The photography community has been incredibly welcoming, and I've had the privilege of meeting so many lovely families through my work, we have shared tears and laughter, birth stories, the good the bad and the trauma.

Becoming a Mum changed me in so many ways, and this chapter of mine is my favourite one of all.

So if you're a mother (or anyone) wondering if it's too late to find your passion, let me reassure you; it's not. You might never feel fully ready. But if something sparks even the tiniest bit of excitement, follow it. You really deserve it.

With love,

Tori xx

You can find out more about Tori by visiting her website or Instagram.