Hello and welcome! I am a portrait photographer based in North London. I absolutely love what I do which I hope shows in the photographs that I've taken. I shoot predominantly with natural light at your home or on location which gives my images a very personal and natural style. If you're looking to book me for business headshots, please take a look at my dedicated corporate and personal branding page. I hope you enjoy reading my blog and looking at my photos, if you would like to make a booking please call me on 07527 711 967 or drop me a line HERE.
40 OVER 40 Dr Shahzadi Harper
#12
Dr Shahzadi Harper
Menopause and Women's Health Doctor
Dr Shahzadi Harperby Jenny Smith
This project is all about celebrating women from all walks of life doing wonderful things in mid-life and beyond. After experiencing quite a rough time when my perimenopausal symptoms started, I am naturally drawn to the women out there who are banging the drum for greater menopause awareness, and Dr Shahzadi Harper is one such women. In fact, she's probably been on the campaign trail longer than anyone and has helped countless women navigate their way through what can be a really frightening time.
Shahzadi is from working class Pakistani heritage and is passionate about making sure women from all cultures are getting the right information. Studies on the menopause have predominantly been done on white women but it's important to note that women from certain cultures can present with different symptoms. She explained to me that women from the Indian subcontinent, for example, tend to present with vaginal dryness, body pain and fatigue. Japanese and Chinese women tend to present with shoulder stiffness and chills rather than hot flushes. The menopause is much more of a sensitive subject in these cultures too which means less women coming forward to seek help. Shahzadi says it's absolutely vital that doctors understand this too.
When I arrived to take her photographs, Shahzadi was still in her (rather beautiful) robe. She looked so stunning in fact, that I asked if she'd consider leaving it on for the session. I'm so pleased she said yes as I feel these photos show a wonderful relaxed side to her character. What a beautiful woman on the inside and out.
Thank you Shahzadi for being one of my 40 and fo answering these questions.
In your experience, what are some of the biggest differences/challenges ethnically and culturally when it comes to the menopause?
The biggest challenge is firstly the awareness or lack of awareness around it and then the stigma. The hush hushness especially in some cultures where the value of a woman is based on her fertility.
The word menopause needs to just be normalised so when women of whatever social class and ethnic heritage hear it they know what it is and know they can seek help. I worry so many women are suffering unnecessarily because they don’t understand what’s happening to their bodies and are fearful of asking or seeking help.
Dr Shahzadi Harperby Jenny Smith
You must hear all kinds of horror stories form women suffering the affects of menopause and not feeling supported or understood - any that you can share that might help other women reading this?
The number of stories I have of women who have just been putting up with symptoms and then finally come and see me and start treatment is huge. They are always so pleasantly surprised at how much better they feel once they're on the right treatment. They so often regret wasting the last few years; I hear women saying I must’ve been miserable for the last five years, I think I must’ve been angry for the last five years, I feel like I’ve missed out and lost years with my children, my children used to say I’m not fun anymore.
I’ve had a situation whereby one woman was fired, because she could not remember the information that she was meant to present, and as she was in her probationary period she was let go. I’ve had another woman say I wish I’d come to you five years ago, because then I wouldn’t have left my job and currently I’m working for the woman that I trained.
Dr Shahzadi Harperby Jenny Smith
In your capacity as a women’s health doctor you are helping so many women get through the often debilitating symptoms of the menopause. But what has your own menopause been like and how has it been being a single mum through this time?
My own personal perimenopause journey, has been up and down - filled with loss of my father and a break up - I have experienced fatigue, which I mistook for depression alongside anxiety and brain fog. The brain fog frightens me as my mother develop dementia under the age of 60. I was really keen to start HRT sooner rather than later. Also, I couldn’t afford to lose my memory, literally as I am the breadwinner in my family because it’s only me and my daughter. So if I can’t work then, I lose financial freedom so managing my payment for sooner rather than later before falling off the cliff of menopause was really important to me. Also being single, I didn’t want to fade into the background. I felt I had a lot more living to do, which I do now.
What more still needs to be done to support women in the menopause?
Menopause Needs to be part of everyday language. Start from school so it’s normalised. At school we get taught about puberty, pregnancy but also we should be taught about menopause. It is a natural stage of life and also something every woman will go through, and everyone of us will know one woman or another, so we should have an understanding.
Once we have children growing up, normalising menopause then hopefully we will lose some of the negative narratives of itchy, bitchy, sweaty women who are past it!
Dr Shahzadi Harperby Jenny Smith
What advice would you give your teenage self?
Believe in yourself!
The Me Too campaign rocked every industry. What has your experience been of this as a woman in medicine? How if at all have things changed since you first started out?
It’s helped to highlight and call out the sexism and harassment women get day in day out including in the medical profession. I think it’s been a really positive movement and made men stop and think - we women are equals!
Dr Shahzadi Harperby Jenny Smith Photography
So many women worry about looking older - far more than men do. What are your thoughts on the ageing process?
I think it’s natural for women to feel fearful- society is still very much looks based. I’m not anti ageing, but it can be hard - seeing the physical changes. Women are still very much judged on how they look - we live in a very visual society and ageing women are seen very differently to ageing men. Personally what I’m afraid of is loss of health and mobility and mental capacity.
Anything else you would like to share
Don’t let age or stereotypes hold you back!
Thank you so much Shahzadi for being part of my 40 OVER 40 project.
I think it's fair to say that our hormones have affected us all at some time in our lives be it puberty, PMT, pregnancy or the menopause. If that's you then check out my podcast, Dear Hormones, hopefully it'll make you smile. You can listen to it here.
40 OVER 40 Ngozi Fulani
#11
Ngozi Fulani
Founder and CEO of Sistah Space
Ngozi Fulaniby Jenny Smith
Introducing the wonderful change maker Ngozi Fulani.
Back in 2020 in the midst of lockdown I launched a project called Front Door Photo to raise money for victims of domestic violence. The topic has always been close to my heart ever since a friend took her own life following years of domestic abuse. As a result I have always kept a keen eye on the charities out there doing their bit to help women and children escape such horrors. This is where I first came across Ngozi Fulani and her charity Sistah Space who support victims of domestic abuse in the African and Caribbean community in the UK.
A shocking 86% of African and/or Caribbean heritage women living in the UK have either been a victim of domestic abuse or know a family member who has been assaulted. And yet there is no dedicated refuge for these women to go where their cultural differences will be recognised. Ngozi and Sistah Space are fundraising to correct this and you can donate to that campaign HERE.
I am so delighted that Ngozi agreed to be part of my 40 OVER 40 project. Please read what she has to say about her charity and what more needs to be done to support these women fleeing terrifying situations in their own homes.
Thank you Ngozi.
What is Sistah Space and why did you set it up?
Sistah Space is a charity dedicated to supporting African and Caribbean heritage women and girls affected by domestic and sexual abuse. I attended the court case of a woman called Valerie Forde and her 23-month-old daughter Real Jahzara (Baby RJ), who were tragically murdered by the ex-partner of Valerie in 2014. Valerie had reported her perpetrator Roland Mckoy’s threats of burning her and their children in their house to the police weeks before the murder took place. But the police had been utterly dismissive of the information she had given them of her perpetrator and without any follow up on the report, the threat had been negligently recorded as a threat to property rather than a threat to life.
This tragic event highlights the need for organisations like Sistah Space to continue to tackle the issues, injustices and mistreatments of African and Caribbean heritage women and girls experiencing domestic and sexual abuse.
Tell me about your PHD and why you’re doing it
The PhD research is the study of Valerie's Law and looks at the barriers to black women reporting abuse. Valerie’s Law aims to provide mandatory training for the police and other government agencies to have basic knowledge on how to support a black woman affected by domestic and sexual abuse as we have not been given the same consideration and support as other races. As with every culture, the black community has a plethora of colloquialisms, languages and customs within itself that have to be acknowledged and understood in mainstream institutions to better protect black women fleeing violence. Without a basic understanding of these cultural differences it's impossible for police officers and service providers to make sure black women are equally protected in the UK.
Tell us about the shelter you’re raising money for. Why is it important for women of African heritage to have their own shelter?
The campaign for a refuge for black women has been going for over five years. There are no safe spaces for black women specifically (Not BAME) run by and for domestic abuse survivors. We often experience stereotypes which impacts us and our ability to access services and support negatively. We are often asked to show our bruises when we report abuse, but it is important to remember that there is always bruising, however, it is not always physical. At Sistah Space we make sure that cultural factors are really understood. Sadly there are many cultural barriers and biases in existence and we make sure to remove those so that every person who walks through our door is given equal support.
The police often use white-british standards to risk assess black women in violent situations. Bruises on black skin are not as visible as on white skin and the police need to be educated in this very simple thing.
How can people get involved with Sister Space?
You can get involved with Sistah Space in a number of ways. Volunteering, donating (financially or donations of brand new items for our shop) by attending Valerie's Law training, by promoting the work we do. The list is endless.
Describe yourself in three words.
Wakanda, Women Kings
Thank you so much Ngozi for being part of my 40 OVER 40 project. You are a living legend, making a difference every single day to so many.
I think it's fair to say that our hormones have affected us all at some time in our lives be it puberty, PMT, pregnancy or the menopause. If that's you then check out my podcast, Dear Hormones, hopefully it'll make you smile. You can listen to it here.
40 OVER 40 Sue Kent
#10
Sue Kent
TV Presenter, Gardener and Public Speaker
Sue Kentby Jenny Smith
Introducing the formidable, joyous and all round amazing human, Sue Kent. Sue is a recent addition to the Gardeners World line up having made her debut during the pandemic when viewers were asked to send in footage of their garden. She was an instant hit and has been a regular ever since.
Sue has an upper limb disability due to the Thalidomide scandal in the 1950s and 60s where hundreds of babies were born with limb defects after their mothers were prescribed the drug to help with morning sickness. However, her disability has not prevented Sue from absolutely thriving both in her career and personal life. She worked as a massage therapist for many years after devising a unique treatment using her feet, is a passionate gardener and is now enjoying a brand new career on the telly. She's happily married and has four beautiful grandchildren. I hope I look this good when I'm a grandma!
She was recently asked to design a garden for Hampton Court Palace where she won a silver-gilt medal for her beautiful and accessible design, using planting that could be touched and tended to with her feet and one that didn't require any heavy gardening tools. She is passionate about making gardening accessible to all and is a firm believer in the health benefits of the great outdoors. You'll find her most days swimming in the sea near her home in South Wales.
I'm so pleased that Sue agreed to being part of my 40 OVER 40 project. Her zest for life is contagious and her can-do attitude is a lesson to us all.
Sue Kent by Jenny Smith
How does it feel now that your career has taken off in an unexpected direction with Gardeners World? How did that job come about?
I’ve got my job at BBC Gardeners World when, during the lockdown, the program asked for viewers to send in a film of their own garden. I sent in a short video about my vegetable garden and it went from there.
I am hugely enjoying learning new skills, meeting new people and broadening my gardening knowledge.
You were kind enough to share a poem that you’ve written about your mother and your disability - can you tell me more about the background to that poem? What is your relationship like now with your disability compared to growing up?
The tragedy of Thalidomide affected well over 500 children in the UK. I was born with 8 inch arms and seven fingers. Our physical differences were a shock to society and people shied away from us. Going out in public, our parents often had to deal with negative personal comments about the children they loved.. The general attitude among those trying to guide and support at that time was to try and hide the disability and make us look as normal as possible to fit in. My mother loved shopping for clothes with me and always encouraged me to wear sleeves as my arms were unattractive. She wanted me to make the best impression and thereby increase my opportunities.
I still feel my arms are the least attractive part of me but when it gets hot, practicality wins out, and I now will wear a sleeveless dress.
Sue's Poem:
New Dress
My mum would always tell me
to hide my arms
their ugly charms
they would offend
the world would end
She is dead now
I bought a new dress
completely sleeveless
No one's confessed
they are under impressed
I don't care if they are
it's cooler by far
Sue Kent by Jenny Smith
What do you know now that you wish you could tell your younger self?
The good people in the world have open minds and true hearts.
Has being a grandma changed you or your outlook on life in any way?
Becoming a grandma has been quite difficult. I am able to give very little practical help when my grandchildren are at the baby stage. I feel inadequate, something I hate. It’s the same feeling when I could not nurse my parents at the end of their lives. It’s the one thing that makes me feel a victim; it’s the one thing that makes me feel sorry for myself. The men who made and marketed Thalidomide, when they knew it was dangerous, are dead and were not held to account. The recent Sackler opioid scandal illustrates again the true cost of medical corruption.
How have public perceptions changed in your lifetime towards people with disabilities?
It’s a slow process. The Disability Discrimination Act had to force people to change. Finally the media is starting to reflect the diverse society we live in. This does help to educate and promote understanding and change attitudes.
What more can be done to help in this area?
More needs to be done in education, planning and design to enable the fostering and promotion of talent and ability for people with disabilities. Being allowed to make a contribution to public life may further alter public perceptions. There is still a long way to go.
Sue Kentby Jenny Smith
How do you feel about the ageing process?
I do hate looking in the mirror and seeing my skin falling off my face and gathering at the bottom around my jawline. Apart from that visual, the lack of energy sometimes, and the insomnia, I like the changes that age brings. At around 50 I watched a film called Advanced Style, it made me realise I have a choice as to how I live, there is a lot of potential in life after 50 and I am open to the possibilities that it has to offer, it’s all very exciting.
What’s the best thing about being older?
Nowadays the news presents everything as a crisis, it's a very blame culture. This is not for me and I realise I can disengage and life still goes on.
My podcast allows women to share stories about things they may have said or done when their hormones have been in play, such as the menopause. How did you find this time in your life? Any stories you can share?
None. Menopause is another phase of life. I’m not interested in putting it off with drugs. I changed my diet and my exercise routine and worked my way through it. Not having to deal with periods was such a plus everything else was comparatively a walk in the park, as long as I can remember where I put my glasses...
Sue Kentby Jenny Smith
Tell us about the therapy you devised using your feet.
I wanted to work practically and 15 years ago I developed a technique massaging with feet, I became the first person in the country if not the world to get a sports massage diploma using feet and I really enjoyed my 15 year career being able to help people. One of the highlights was working as a volunteer at the medical centre in the Paralympics village in 2012.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Helping people to reach their potential is the way forward.
A great friend of mine with similar disabilities once told me, as I was moaning that I couldn’t surf with my son, “concentrate on what you can do not on what you can’t”. The best advice.
Sue Kentby Jenny Smith
Thank you Sue for being part of this project, you're an inspiration!
I think it's fair to say that our hormones have affected us all at some time in our lives be it puberty, PMT, pregnancy or the menopause. If that's you then check out my podcast, Dear Hormones, hopefully it'll make you smile. You can listen to it here.
40 OVER 40 Tracy Brabin
#9
Tracy Brabin
Mayor of West Yorkshire
Tracy BrabinBy Jenny Smith
This is Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire. And what a woman she is too.
I've had the pleasure of knowing Tracy for many years now and she was one of the first women I considered when I had the idea for this project - she was also the first one that I photographed. She's been the Mayor of West Yorkshire since 2021 but before she that was elected Labour MP for Batley and Spen following the harrowing murder of her predecessor, Jo Cox. One of the things I especially admire is that the safety of women and girls is high on Tracy's political agenda. She's spoken openly and honestly about an attempted rape by a complete stranger that she endured at university and this has been the driving force behind her commitment to improve the safety of all women and girls.
Before entering politics Tracy was a TV writer and actress, staring as Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street for many years. But like so many women featured in this project, Tracy had a complete career change later in life and has never looked back. She was 55 when she became an MP and 60 when she won the race for mayor (I know, it's impossible to believe that she's anywhere near that age) and is one of the most positive and inspiring humans on the planet.
I happened to be in Leeds one day for work and asked if I could pop in and take some shots of her whilst I was there. As you can imagine, being the Mayor of West Yorkshire keeps you pretty busy and Tracy could only spare a matter of minutes for the photos. I'm so delighted with what we managed to get in such a short amount of time, she's a complete natural in front of the camera.
Thanks Tracy for being part of this campaign and for proving to us all that anything is possible at any time in our lives.
Tell us why you decided to make the leap from acting to politics.
It wasn’t a decision I was expecting to take. I’d been campaigning with the brilliant Labour candidate Jo Cox and got to know her. After she was killed we were all in shock and at the funeral I said to one of her friends ‘what can I do?’ and she said ‘ do you want to be an MP?’ and it suddenly fell into place that this was something I should do. Batley and Spen is where I was born and raised and this outrageous act could not be allowed to divide us. Her killer took so much; we needed to stand tall to call it out
Tracy Brabin by Jenny SmithTracy Brabin by Jenny Smith
As a women who changed careers after the age of 40, can you give any advice to others wanting to do the same?
The things you regret in life are the things you don’t do. If the door is open walk through it.
In lockdown I raised over £21,000 for for domestic violence charity, Refuge, by photographing people at their front doors. You very kindly took part in that. I know that the safety of women and girls is a big issue for you having spoken openly about a harrowing attack you suffered in your 20s. What can you tell us about your plans in this area?
We've brought in significant levels of extra funding and have launched new campaigns and initiatives. I pledged to put ‘keeping women and girls safe’ at the heart of my police and crime plan and I have done so. It features as a cross cutting theme in everything we do. Since becoming Mayor I have directed significant resources towards this issue with millions in additional funding coming into West Yorkshire to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Significantly, I have worked with West Yorkshire Police to recognise misogyny within hate crime reporting. Although it is not yet legally classed as a crime, this approach enables us to monitor trends and inform our response.
We were also successful with a bid for £655,000 in funding from the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund to promote the safety and use of parks by women and girls. Likewise, we have worked with Higher Education / Further Education establishments to support women’s safety and generate behaviour change in men. I also launched a stalking awareness campaign with West Yorkshire Police and local safeguarding partners. This aims to raise awareness of what stalking is, that it is a crime, and how those affected can seek help and support. Many grant bids to my ‘Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund’ have also focused upon Safety for Women and Girls. This takes ill-gotten gains from criminals and diverts it to our local communities, on focused themes. In recent weeks, I’ve hosted an event to progress the West Yorkshire Safety of Women and Girls Strategy. This follows substantial consultation with members of the public and partners.
Tracy Brabin by Jenny SmithTracy with her family taking part in the Front Door Photo project which raised money for domestic violence charity, Refuge.
You made the headlines after the strap of your dress fell over your shoulder in the House of Commons. How did that make you feel?
I received a barrage of tweets calling me a slag, hungover, a tart, about to breastfeed, a slapper, a drunk and that it looked like I'd been taken from behind over a wheelie bin. The fact is I leaned on the dispatch box due to a broken ankle and the strap slipped off my shoulder. I was proud that I was able to turn around an horrific situation to do good. We auctioned that dress and raised £20,000 which benefitted the Girl Guides and the work they do giving young women confidence in their bodies.
Tracy Brabinby Jenny Smith
What has been your greatest achievement at work?
There is more to come but reducing bus fares to £2 was a recent highlight.
As a woman how have you found the political arena and has your age helped in this?
Yes. I'm wiser and less hung up about what people think about me.
The menopause is a huge issue for so many women who struggle with symptoms and most companies still don’t acknowledge this. Is there more that politicians should be doing to address this?
No doubt about it and I celebrate all the recent campaigning on this. We are still capable people as we go through the menopause and companies must acknowledge the challenges we face.
I do a podcast where women fess up to some of the things they might have said or done whilst feeling hormonal. Anything you’d like to share?
I was furious for about two years and didn’t care less what people thought!
Tracy BrabinBy Jenny Smith
I bumped into you one day during covid and you were sitting with your daughter making a list of things to be thankful for. It’s really stuck with me. Do you do this often and what other things do you find helps to put things into perspective?
Not that often but I’ve always said a moment for gratitude before bed is helpful for wellbeing. With so much pain across the world we have so much to be grateful for.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Your class and lived experience is your super power.
So many women are worried about the ageing process. How do you feel about it?
I’ve grown into my skin and I'm just grateful my body works as well as it does because I know it won't always be like this.
What empowers you?
A sense of fairness.
Thank you Tracy for being one of my 40!
I think it's fair to say that our hormones have affected us all at some time in our lives be it puberty, PMT, pregnancy or the menopause. If that's you then check out my podcast, Dear Hormones, hopefully it'll make you smile. You can listen to it here.