People often ask me why I named my business
AJ FEATHER Photography..
It’s a sad story
Growing up, Peter was a beautiful little boy full of laughter and smiles. Dealing with diabetes from a very young age was so difficult for him. He was massively into his gaming, and we both shared our love for Japan and Harry Potter. When he moved to Thailand to be with his dad, go to university and see the world, I was so proud of him. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see him.
In 2012, ugh, I had the most devastating phone call of my life. It was 5 am in the morning, and an unknown number was calling my mobile.. My dad, in Thailand, told me my little brother had passed away in the night. Peter had type 1 Diabetes and had been poorly, he had been in hospital days before. They’d discarded him and through the night, he had taken a turn for the worse and passed away. The news crushed me so much it has taken this long for me to be ok to talk about it fully.
,
After mum and I got back from Thailand I saw white feathers everywhere in doorways, in my car, at work even in my locker at the gym, it hit me like a ton of bricks .. growing up whilst running around after my little brother he asked me once ‘what’s that white thing on the floor?’. I replied, ‘That’s a white feather’, ‘Well – where has that come from?’ he asked me. I said that when someone passes away, they leave white feathers in your pathway to let you know they are still here. He had no clue what I meant; he was only 4, but it made me think he will always be here in my life and in my heart!
So when I finally become strong enough to follow my dreams and start my own business, I wanted him to be part of it!
AJ (My initials)
Feather (for my brother)
Wherever I go in Norfolk, either to Wells Beach, Old Hunstanton, Sandringham or just down to Litcham Common, I always see a white feather. It always makes me smile. My brother will always be by my side, showing me the way and giggling at me when I make silly mistakes.
Love you, Peter.
Photography has always been a part of me, but it wasn’t until I experienced a profound personal loss that I truly understood its value.
When my brother passed away, I felt like I had lost a part of myself. His passing was sudden and heartbreaking, leaving a deep void in my life. In the midst of my grief, I picked up a camera again—a passion I hadn’t explored since my teens. Photography became a way to heal, to find purpose, and to reconnect with the beauty and love in the world.
That moment reshaped everything for me. I knew I wanted to build a life that felt meaningful, to create a career where I could have the freedom to work on my own terms, travel, and pour my heart into something I truly loved. Wedding photography gave me that gift, and it continues to inspire me every single day.
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