OONAGH BUSH
OONAGH BUSH
pregnancy and motherhood photographer.
my work is a cathartic experience, helping manage my loss, exploring and honouring what it means to be a mother,

photographing mothers helps me reconnect with my own.

I cant wait to work with you.

 
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I am a south London born, Kent and rural south of France raised, currently London based analogue film photographer.

 

about oonagh busH

 
 
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Me and my mother Vivienne Morgan Chandler, 1995.

Me and my mother Vivienne Morgan Chandler, 1995.

 

I  specialise in pregnancy, motherhood and portrait photography. I live with my three children and my partner on the border of Kent/East Sussex.

Both my parents were analogue film photographers, so it was something I was inevitably going to inherit. From a very young age, my mother would dress me up and photograph me, putting me in all sorts of get ups and costumes. I used to find it so tedious, having to sit so still in front of the camera like that, as she was shooting on old cameras, therefore needed as much light and stillness as possible.  Little did I know that this is where I would end up all these years later, behind the lens and not in front of it.

Film photography has a real depth that I feel digital just can’t compete with. It feels more keepsake and magical. Especially when today, things are so fast paced, with social media and our smartphones - everyone is now a photographer. I love the whole process of film, taking the photos, the mystery, waiting for the photos to be developed, the suspense before I can see them. This process is something I have been brought up with and what feels most natural to me. The final result is always so flattering and the images I feel have more substance and meaning.

Furthermore, having lost my mother to cancer, I have found my work to be a cathartic experience. To explore and honour what it means to be a mother helps me manage my loss. Documenting pregnant women and motherhood has been a way for me to reconnect with my own mother.

 
Testimonials
Featured
Chess
Chess

“The pictures came out beyond my expectations, I absolutely love that they were taken on film and I think the polaroid is my favourite picture of me ever! The images are so special to me because I look back and feel so proud of what my body did and they are SO uniquely ours and we captured a life-changing, transitional time in my life and I will cherish them forever! I want to thank Oonagh for creating such a bespoke experience.”

Claire
Claire

“Working with Oonagh was a dream. She immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease with her warmth and kindness. The whole atmosphere of the photoshoot was so relaxed and natural, I didn’t think I would enjoy it but I really did. Oonagh gave me some brilliant ideas and helped me when I wasn’t sure what to wear or how to hold myself. She hides the whole process with so much grace and professionalism. She’s a joy. ”

Emily
Emily

“Throughout the photo shoot and our initial interaction, Oonagh made me feel at ease and really comfortable. Oonagh balanced guiding me throughout the shoot, while allowing me to lead and feel confident within myself. I came away feeling empowered and proud of my body. The images arrived quickly and were better than I could have hoped for. I absolutely love them. I’m looking forward to booking my next shoot in, thank you Oonagh.”

Lauren
Lauren

“Oonagh is an absolute angel! She has an ease about her that makes new moms feel so comfortable especially in such an intimate setting. Her talent for capturing such beautiful organic images is beyond words. The images she captured exceeded my expectations and I am so grateful to have crossed paths with her.”

Holly
Holly

“I knew I wanted to capture such a special time being pregnant with my son but I was nervous about finding the right person. The biggest thing for me was finding someone who wasn’t going to do the traditional shoot with the result being photos I would never want anyone to see. I’m still beyond grateful I met Oonagh and completely surprised by the moments she captured on film of me at our home and 37 weeks pregnant. She is such a beautiful soul who makes you feel so comfortable and allows you to be yourself completely. I felt beautiful, present and relaxed in her presence which shines through in the photographs. I’ll always treasure the moments she captured.”