Amber Hughes Photography

It all started five years ago when I got a phone call from my sister….

“Amber… Mum’s in emergency. She’s been there all afternoon…”

Life as I knew it changed in that moment. As I walked to the hospital I was admittedly scared, but had little idea of what I was actually facing. That evening I almost lost my Mother to a previously unforeseen disease…. and I realized how quickly everything you have can be taken away.

I left the hospital that night not knowing if I would see my Mum in the morning and to my horror I realized I hadn’t taken any photos of her (or the rest of my family) in what felt like eons. What would I do if I had lost my chance? How would I remember and treasure the face that had so often smiled into my own?

So it started… my personal project to photograph my family and those I love as often as possible. Life is so fast paced, sometimes it’s hard to remember how quickly things can change. I love my family very much and in my own way the photos I’ve taken since then are a tribute to that love and bond we share.

… or it would be, if there wasn’t one glaring exception. My Nana… She just won’t be photographed!

At 88 she’s often not feeling up to having me over for lunch, which she always insists on preparing for me no matter what. When I bring my camera along she almost always puts up a protest and says “Oh no… you don’t want a photo of an old woman like me!”. Let me tell you… even if I take a couple photos she decides it’s over about 3 shots in. “That’s enough Amber!” she’ll say, tossing her hands up in the air in protest.

When she called to invite me for lunch the other month I told her I would be delighted to come, provided she let me bring my camera for some photos. To my surprise she didn’t fight me and I’m so glad she didn’t! I don’t know how much time I really have with my Nana left and I love her more than words could possibly say.

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I bought her the pashmina she’s wearing. She’s smelt like tea roses my entire life… it’s her signature scent… so when I saw the pattern on it covered with large roses I knew it was meant to be hers.

Her hands… I have so many memories of them. Brushing my hair, holding my hand, shaking a finger at me when I’m bad… her hands have always been there for me.

I love you Nana. You’re beautiful even if you won’t believe me when I tell you.

She’s had this mirror for time immeasurable. I used to love sitting in the matching chair while she did my hair… I felt like a princess looking at myself in it.

Yes, that’s me on the right. Yes, you can laugh…

Me and my Nana

I love her more than I could ever express. She’s my only living grandparent left and I treasure every moment I get with her.

Her beautiful laugh, her wonderful singing voice, the way she smiles at me, the fact that no matter how old I get she insists on giving me an allowance if I come to visit…  all of these things are a part of who I am.

I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t hear her beautiful voice on the phone… she’s just too special to me. I love you Nana… forever and always.

{ amber }