Oldham Mum documents the past 2,000 days with a daily photo of her life

Bev Ridyard is from Oldham

Today, Oldham family photographer, Bev Ridyard, owner of Inspired By Joseph, has celebrated daily life through photography for the past 2,000 days and has no plans to stop.

Over five years ago Bev decided to photograph a major milestone, her 12 week scan photo for her first born, Joseph and has never looked back. 

 ‘My life was starting a brand new chapter and I decided that the best way to document it was through a photograph a day.  I never thought it would last so long and now I can’t stop!  It has literally changed my life.’

Bev purchased her first DSLR camera from her first pay check when she was Head of Airline Marketing at Manchester Airport then when Joseph was born, she took the brave decision to set up her own photography business, aptly named Inspired By Joseph.      

"Truthfully, there are days when capturing a moment is not a priority but I’m motivated to keep progressing. 

 "Essentially, this project is for the future.  In ten, twenty, thirty years’ time, these photos will be an important part of our family history.  

"Moreover, I know that Joseph and Victoria may not remember this time of life which makes the photos priceless.  Plus it’s simple to miss the often mundane, everyday stories which quickly vanish as kids grow up and new priorities take over."

Ordinarily, Bev switches between her phone or camera, depending on circumstance and describes the majority of her photos as documenting the average, everyday life. 

 "Scan social media and there are countless photos at either end of the spectrum, either perfection personified or one of those bad days which just isn’t reality for the majority of us!  

"We all have wonderful and rubbish days but what’s wrong with being in the middle and celebrating that?"

Unsurprisingly, Bev is a massive fan of the selfie stick and carries one dutifully in her bag.

"Selfie sticks often get a bad rap but it is a vital tool for ensuring everyone is involved!  People often stop and stare whilst I’m directing but I don’t care!  We can’t rely on others to take the photo for us, it is our responsibility."

When Bev is photographing clients, part of her mission is to inspire them to capture better photos too.  "I love inspiring others when it comes to photography.  

"I also run photo challenges and workshops for kids as well as sharing Mum Stories to inspire other Mum’s and celebrate our differences.  Photographs are our legacy, we must celebrate that!"

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