I’m terrified of birds. We had a budgie called Timmy that terrorised me. I was always scared that he would peck the mole on the back of my neck (no idea why) and would hide from him, especially when he was let out the cage. My niece loved setting him free and probably loved seeing me run from him.

So to find myself not only photographing doves but to do it at least once a year along with some dedicated studio time has me scratching my head and patting myself on the back for facing my fears. I even held an owl called ghost because these loving peaceful doves have helped me in so many ways.

If I dig deeper it’s likely to be the connection they have to our loved ones and what they represent. Grief is a lonely time and I estimate that I was probably given about three months grace in life to grieve my mum - in reality we were still sorting out her affairs never mind accepting the loss.

Along came Karen from Acts of Dove with a business I fell in love with and as a brand photographer I knew I couldn’t let her get away. We’ve become firm friends hence why I find myself every Christmas capturing her and the doves at a dedicated memorial for those of us who want to remember those closest to us, at a time where they’re missed the most without burdening others with our feelings. I’m in a room with others going through the same thing, at the same time and feeling the same way - its an hour where we can truly feel understood and are allowed to face our emotions (and I have frequently).

Crossbasket Castle - Dove Memorial Release Christmas 2024

Over the last three years this incredible memorial has grown. From 20/30 people in Bothwell Road Park, Hamilton to a sell out over subscribed event at the David Livingstone Memorial Centre in Blantyre on to its new home in Crossbasket Castle High Blantyre, those doves deliver and they always find their way home.

I attend with my camera and its a sensitive one because I want to capture the essence of the event while respecting the privacy of those grieving (and I include myself in this) so I focus on the speakers and the dove release but boy are they fast. They’re not hanging around to give me a smile to the camera, they’re off and they’re taking our precious memories, thoughts and feelings with them to those that we miss so much.

Karen McGuire from Acts of Dove with two of her amazing flock.

I am very fond of one in particular though, Freddie. Oh he loved the studio and he did pose for me, maybe he’s Timmy reincarnated - who knows, but Freddie I’m a huge fan and you’ve helped me in so many ways to overcome so many things and I will remain loyal to this annual memorial for as long as it exists.

On the wings of a dove

Who would you share your Rolo with?

Meet Jack, Betty and Daisy