A PHOTOGRAPHER who has turned her life around after suffering from depression has opened her studio as her business continues to grow.

Emma Jansen moved into premises in Cavendish Street, Barrow, on Monday and is taking bookings for weddings, pet shoots and portraits.

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The 28-year-old, of Holker Street, Barrow, says setting up her business, Black Rose Photography, has been the proudest thing she has achieved and hopes to build up a portfolio and customers.

Therapeutic photography

Miss Jansen is a former client of Imagine Independence, a charity that works with people with mental health difficulties and other challenges to find them the right job or training.


Photographer Emma Jansen at her new studio. LINDSEY DICKINGS She is the first client in Barrow to go on to set up a business and hopes it is the start of great things to come.

She said: "I started getting into photography six years ago and I started to go out more and more with my camera.

"It helped with my depression and my mental health. I just go out with my camera that's where I take out my frustration."

Miss Jansen says during the worst of her depression she suffered dark thoughts but learned to overcome them by taking to the outdoors with her camera, capturing wildlife and landscapes.

Big step

Six months ago she met Lorraine Buckley, employment adviser at Imagine Independence in Hartington Street, Barrow, and together they realised that Miss Jansen's hobby could herald an exciting career.

She said: "We were looking into jobs full or part time jobs but that wasn't working out for us both and she knew I was a keen photographer so she suggested I build up a portfolio and she said it was some of the best work she had seen.

"It's been hectic trying to get everything into place but I'm really pleased.

"I'm looking at getting stuck into my work and getting some focus back into my life."

Miss Jansen hosted a launch party at her new premises at 5 Cavendish Street, inviting the mayor of Barrow, Councillor Anita Husband, and consort, Councillor Colin Thomson.

Get in touch

To contact Miss Jansen, visit her Black Rose Photography business Facebook account, check out her website www.emmajaneimagery.co.uk, or ring 07415 763517.