CO-FOUNDER & PHOTOGRAPHER

James graduated from the University of Derby with a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art Photography. Upon finishing university he began his 20+yr career as a portrait photographer at Olan Mills, in Derby. He went on to run a small chain of highstreet studios - Firefly Photography - across the Midlands before opening Studio1825 in 2019.

His professional career as a Photographer has seen him photograph thousands of families and hundreds of newborn babies as well as hundreds of modelling and boudoir style photoshoots. He’s also delivered workshops & talks, within his industry, about what he does in his studio.

Alongside being passionate about photography, James is a walking/talking encyclopaedia of general knowledge - from science to music… Red Dwarf to He-man and more. In his spare time, which isn’t much due to having a wife and three daughters, he can be found walking the dog… to the pub (and back again).

CO-FOUNDER & ARTS PRACTITIONER

Kirsty also graduated from the University of Derby - albeit 10 years after James - with a BA(Hons) degree in Creative Expressive Therapies. Before being invited to join Firefly Photography in 2011, Kirsty worked in theatre starting in professional shows and choosing to move into community outreach, delivering performances & education themed workshops in schools for 4 - 16year olds.

Kirsty’s move into the photographic industry has led both her and James to create the “be Bold Be You’ movement that is known and loved by many, today. Her work championing the arts, especially photography, as well as body positivity has seen her gain national acclaim including an invitation by the Houses of Parlimanets Health & Social Care Committee to contribute to research titled “the impact social media can have on physical & mental wellbeing”. She also designed the “accessible hoodie” which has proven hugely popular with those undergoing medical treatments since its launch in 2023.

Between running a charity and being a wife & mum to three girls, Kirsty doesn’t have much spare time but she can make - we’re told - the world’s best lime cheesecake!

Chair of trustees & treasurer

Trustee & health professional

Trustee & international photographer