My name is Caren; spelt with a ‘C’ instead of the more common ‘K’, at my grandmother’s suggestion. This detail is a simple difference, but holds great sentiment. My grandmother passed away when I was a small child and I have since considered her choice of my name a treasured gift. It’s something I often contemplate when I look at childhood family photographs of us together and it’s perhaps one of the strongest reasons why I love photography; for its ability to capture special moments, create and evoke memories and strengthen stories.
I’m a lifelong artist who has always embraced creativity. I studied art throughout school and college, graduating university with a BA(Hons) in Decorative Arts before specialising in surface pattern design. I started my business in 2012, creating my own textile and stationery designs. Flowers, exploring nature on countryside wanders and interior design, have always influenced my work and so naturally, photography is an important part of my work.
My journey with photography really began back in 2013 when I would capture little moments of my life and share them with the Instagram community. It reignited my passion in capturing those simple, often quiet, moments of happiness in life.
Fast forward many years into my creative – and personal journey, to today, and I’m incredibly grateful to be living in a happy little home with my growing family in the English countryside, a stone’s throw from the beautiful city of Cambridge. Since becoming a mother, the importance of capturing those fleeting moments, memories and life’s wonderful stories has taken on a much deeper meaning.
Now, as a lifestyle and brand photographer, home stylist and artist, I strive to seek the beauty and joy in everyday, heartfelt moments. Beginning my creative career as a freelance surface pattern designer, I feel I now have a particular affinity with artists, small business’ and independent brands. It brings me immense joy to be able to help capture and support the artistic visions of like-minded creatives through visual storytelling. Working with natural light and textures, I create stories within my imagery filled with beauty, joy and wonder. My personal style is organic and elegant with an aesthetic that emphasises on natural, subtle charm with a touch of mystery. These characteristics filter into my work to form gentle magical creations inspired by capturing the poetry in the ordinary.
Outside of photography I continue to immerse myself in surface pattern design, where I design and make a considered collection of fabrics for interiors and stationery. At home, I am passionate about living thoughtfully and creatively – spending my days with my family, discovering new places and making food together whilst cherishing the simple moments amongst the chaos of our everyday life. Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet and I hope our paths cross soon. ~ Caren x