My Invisible Illness

I love my job.  I love the responsibility and the feeling of empowerment that comes from self-employment - but most importantly, I love that I can manage my bookings to give myself optimal recovery and relaxation time.  Before I began dedicating myself wholly to my Brookleigh enterprises, I was working as the aquatic supervisor at a local pet store (ensuring that the freshwater fish were looked after).  This was an extremely physical job, and for 22 hours per week I would push myself to the limit to work within the scheduled hours of the store - even when I felt like I wanted to curl into a ball and cry.  The reason that I had to push myself so hard is because of my chronic illness, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. 

I was diagnosed with CRPS (or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) four years ago, and it has been a very taxing time for myself, and my friends and family.  I have had to rely on others to help with cleaning, home improvements, grocery shopping - every day tasks that I had to relearn how to successfully accomplish without pain and fatigue.  I was started on a range of very strong nerve altering medications and opioids, each one with its own unique side effects that are sometimes as debilitating as the symptom that the drug is designed to treat.  This all sounds very serious and overwhelming, and for a very long time it was, but over the last four (4) years I have learnt to appreciate the things that I am still able to do. 

I grieve occasionally for my old self, which is a healthy part of the healing process, as long as I don't dwell on this grief and let it affect my ability to also move forward in my life.  I was forced to leave my career as a veterinary nurse, which was arguably the most devastating part of my story, as my work with animals meant everything to me.  However, I found a way to include working with animals into my new career - and without all the sadness and emotional turmoil of the veterinary work life.  There are parts of my previous vet nursing life that I miss (such as taking blood and placing IV catheters), but there is so much joy to be found in my current work that I cannot see myself ever going back - even if I become able. 

Living with CRPS is a constant challenge, and I cannot always predict what my symptoms will be or how my body will react to any given change in circumstance.  However, what I CAN foresee is my continued enjoyment of photography and the mental & physical health benefits that this provides for me. 

Behind the Lens..

Welcome to BROOKLEIGH PHOTOGRAPHY.  

The Brookleigh brand started 10 years ago, as a small fashion accessory label that specialised in beach-inspired handbags and totes.  I would make each unique bag with love and care, even hand dyeing, and tie-dyeing, cotton fabric for the tote bags.   I sold my wares at the local beach markets, on the Gold Coast, and eventually enrolled in fashion school to learn more about garment design and creation.  I now have a successful Etsy store, that has been up and running for four (4) years.

Photography, for me, started as a necessity rather than a hobby.  I would doll myself up and take photos of my goods for my online shopping audience.  One fateful day, I advertised on my Facebook page for expressions of interest to be my 'model for a day' - and was overwhelmed by the response.   After my first photo shoot, I was hooked.  I had caught the shutter bug.  I taught myself to do hair and makeup by watching Youtube tutorials, and my skills grew with each photo shoot.  Now, I offer Pinup/Retro full service, 6-hour photo packages.  I help to give my clients self confidence, to see themselves as a Retro Queen and I endeavour to capture their inner and outer beauty with each photograph.   I can use Photoshop, but  it is extremely important to me to retain the integrity and  soul of each photograph - so I avoid using it wherever possible.

I spent most of my adult life working in the animal care/veterinary industry - as a Veterinary nurse for mostly animal welfare adoption centres.  My love for animals, and my training in how to care for and handle them, meant that Pet Portrait Photography was the obvious choice for my first step into professional work.  I truly have the best job in the world, combining so many of my passions into one.

Now you know a little about me!  In the next blog, I will talk about what it is like to live and work with a chronic illness - and how this affects my relationship with my work.  So stay tuned!