Welcome to the new home of The Thwaites Perspective, a journal of creativity, craft, and the journey behind the lens. If you’ve followed me before, you’ll know this space has always been about more than just photography. It’s where ideas take shape, reflections are shared, and the stories behind the work are told with honesty and warmth.
Now, it feels right to bring this blog into the heart of my website, where it belongs, alongside the people, products, and brands I’ve been lucky enough to capture.
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From Formula 1 to Finding Focus
Before I found myself behind the camera, I worked in the world of Formula 1, a fast-paced, high-pressure environment filled with precision, passion, and incredible people. I loved the challenge, the energy, the sense of momentum that came with it. But as my son approached school age, I realised the lifestyle that once fit so well no longer did.
F1 isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. One that demands time, travel, and total immersion. And while I was grateful for everything it gave me, I knew I wanted to be more present at home, and to build something that offered more balance, more freedom, and more creative expression.
In February 2023, after months of indecision and quiet reflection, I handed in my notice and stepped into the unknown, swapping racetracks for the rhythms of slower living, and eventually, for life behind the lens.
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Building Slowly, from Passion to Purpose
Brand imagery - Lite Studio Northampton
I didn’t discover photography suddenly, I’d loved it for years. But after having my son, I found my way back to it. Slower days and shifting priorities gave me space to reconnect with what lit me up creatively.
I began photographing for friends and family who ran small businesses, capturing their products, telling their stories, and helping shape their socials and websites, often simply because I enjoyed it. It started organically, but I could feel the spark, the mix of creativity and purpose I’d been craving.
What made the shift possible was the experience I brought with me. I’d spent years working in and for small businesses, building a solid foundation across finance, procurement, programme management, IT, engineering, and logistics. That background gave me a unique perspective. I understood what business owners needed, how they worked, and where creative strategy could support them best.
So I built this business slowly but intentionally, blending storytelling with structure, creativity with clarity. And while it may not have looked flashy from the outside, it was solid. Real. Rooted in connection, care, and craft.
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Taking Up Space
Two of the most significant moments of this journey was standing in front of my own camera for a self-portrait session and full brand shoot with another photographer. It was vulnerable, honest, and unexpectedly empowering.
Showing up matters, not just behind the camera, but in front of it too - Because connection starts with being seen.
I realised I needed to show up for myself the same way I show up for my clients, to take up space, to be seen, and to stop waiting for permission. That’s at the heart of what I do now: creating spaces where people can feel comfortable, celebrated, and truly seen.
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Lighting the Way
For a long time, natural light was at the heart of my work, soft, real, and beautifully imperfect. It’s how I learned to shoot, and it still holds a special place in my style. But as my work evolved, I felt ready to explore more, to grow my toolkit and expand what I could offer my clients.
Studio lighting wasn’t something I’d used much before, not out of fear, but because it hadn’t been necessary. When the time came to experiment, it felt exciting, a new challenge, a new skill. I gave myself permission to test, tweak, and build confidence in a new kind of light.
Now, it’s another part of how I work: not replacing natural light, but complementing it. Another layer of creativity. Another way to shape a story.
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What Comes Next
This blog will continue to be a space for honest reflections, behind-the-scenes stories, and creative explorations, but also so much more.
I’ll be using this space to:
• Share recent work and the stories behind it- from product shoots and brand photography to portrait sessions and creative website builds.
• Demystify the technical side- whether it’s types of photography, website platforms, or design tools. I’ll break down the jargon so it feels accessible, not overwhelming.
• Offer insight into what I do and why it matters- from lighting choices to colour palettes, from shot lists to storytelling.
• Explore the value of working with a small, creative studio- what it means to have a one-to-one experience, the flexibility it brings, and the personal care that underpins every project.
• Reflect on my own journey- the lessons learned, the pivots made, and the evolving relationship between creativity, confidence, and running a business on your own terms.
Whether you’re a fellow creative, a small business owner, or someone simply curious about what goes into the kind of thoughtful, story-led photography and branding I offer, you’re very welcome here.
Thank you for being part of this story so far. Here’s to the next chapter.
Lucy
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