MIRIAM ACKROYD -
PHOTOGRAPHER & LOVER OF WORDS.
The core of my work is centered around creating imagery that contributes to the legacy of who you are and what you’ve done during your one gloriously messy life. Dappled light and dancing shadows are my love language. I’m an alchemist who uses light and authenticity to tell the story of you – whether it be the day you commit to living this life together or a day when you’re deep in the throes of the beautiful mess called parenthood. Time has shown me that what I stand for in both business and life are firmly intertwined – serving people and telling truth. Much of my work is centered around documenting the motherhood journey. I’ve sat with women in oceans, on bathroom floors, and in dark corners of their homes with light pouring in windows exposing dirt and bare bones. I’ve listened to the moans of grief and loss. I’ve danced and cried with both women who want to be heard and those that don’t feel worthy of being heard. Their stories are stored safely in the vault of my heart but also displayed openly in the imagery they allow me to create and share. The same principles apply when photographing weddings – serving my clients and telling the story of their wedding day for them to share with generations to come.
About me… I strive to live a life uncommon; I am a wife; a mother; I savour life intensely; I love passionately; I am slightly obsessed with The Beatles; I collect vinyl records; yellow wildflowers make my soul sing; and I believe imperfection is utterly beautiful.
What’s in a name?
Well to me, a lot. Deciding on a name for your business is so personal, and kind of important. It was so hard for me, because for me it’s not just a business. My personal life, my beliefs, my art, my clients, my visions - they all kind of intertwine together. My business name use to be different. It was something else I use to be. It was the beginning of my becoming as a photographer. But 10 years later it just didn’t fit right anymore. I had changed dramatically, so had my work. It will be forever changing of course, but not too far from the foundation it’s on now. I sat on it for over 6 months, the name change thing. I weighed up the pros and cons of changing my name when I was already known as something. Then one day it came and didn’t leave. I was asked to photograph a family that was saying goodbye to their baby girl; who for many reasons I won’t share was leaving with her adoptive parents that afternoon. I photographed her mum and dad in hospital saying goodbye to their sweet girl. As a mother I can only imagine the gut wrenching pain this would cause. But I watched her mum and dad humbly and gracefully bathe her, dress her and love her. Of course you could see the sadness, but that wasn’t the tangible feeling in the room. What were tangible was love and hope and promise. It was after that the name and life is beautiful was born. Because life is beautiful. It’s also rough and hard and painful, but more importantly it’s oh so beautiful. I have since photographed the funeral of this sweet little girl. I think about her family all the time. This family will forever hold a place in my heart.
