Join us as Cherise shares insights into her journey, her sources of inspiration, and her favourite Birdie Fortescue products to photograph. Plus, she’s bringing a bit of fun with a few of her favourite jokes! Read on to discover more about the person behind the lens, turning our beautiful products into stunning imagery.

Can you tell us a little bit about your role as our in house photographer and Junior content creator?

I have the exciting role of being a content creator; photographing all our new products, uploading to the website, photographing and videoing our new collections, events and showrooms for our social platforms (Instagram, YouTube and Facebook). Best of all? Coming up with fun content ideas with the team and putting these into action, ensuring our content is always on theme with the latest trends. 

What did you do before you joined Birdie Fortescue?

I studied Photography at ‘The College Of West Anglia’ from 2016 - 2018 and then furthered my studies at Lincoln University, where I graduated with a BA Hons In Photography in 2021. 

What inspired you to become a photographer?

It all started in high school when we got to choose a fun activity class for Friday afternoons, and I decided to join a photography class. I joined knowing nothing about photography or how to use a camera, but after a few sessions, I was hooked - clicking away and snapping photos of anything and everything that caught my eye. Looking back, they were totally random and definitely not frame-worthy, but it’s so much fun to see where it all began. It makes me laugh to think about how far I’ve come since then!

Do you have a favourite photograph or series that you've taken outside of work?

For one of my university projects, I was tasked with photographing a day in the life of someone in their work occupation. Without hesitation, I knew I wanted to focus on my dad’s job as a Welder Fabricator. I was captivated by the sparks created during the process and the intense precision required in his work.

Tell us your go-to joke for an instant laugh?

Why was the camera so pumped for New Year? He was finally going to reach his resolution. 

Your favourite thing about working at Birdie Fortescue?

No two days are ever the same in this role! One day, I might be photographing products, the next focusing on updating the website, and another creating fun videos for social media. Some days, I’m even traveling to incredible venues for photoshoots - it’s always exciting and keeps things fresh! Another favourite part about working at BF is the fabulous team I work with, we are all such an amazing unit together!

How would you spend an ideal ideal day off? 

Living in Norfolk, I feel so lucky to be close to the stunning North Norfolk coast. My favorite beach is Wells-next-the-Sea - I love relaxing on the sand and then strolling up to the harbor for some sweet treats and coffee from Wells Deli, or indulging in the classic fish and chips from French's. The high street is always a joy to explore, with its charming seaside shops. One of my favorite recent discoveries is Glitter & Mud - it’s full of vibrant and fun products, from homeware to clothing, and always a treat to visit!

Tell us about your favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday has to be Portugal because of the amazing scenery. I went with my friends and we spent 5 days in Lisbon and 5 days in the Algarve. The places I would definitely recommend to visit in Portugal would be; Sintra Pena Palace, Torr de Belem, Monument to the Discoveries and The Moorish Castle.

Your favourite Birdie Fortescue products to shoot? 

My favourite products to shoot would have to be our Suzani Throws, I love that we have a wide variety of styles and colours, which makes photographing them so exciting and with our limited edition range, no two are the same! I am so fascinated how they are hand embroidered, the detailing is so creative and intricate. 

Who are your biggest influences and inspirations in the photography world or on social media?

I have so many photographers who inspired me to get into photography, so here are just a couple. Erik Johansson was one of my first influences; his work revolves around surrealism. I am always fascinated by his process of layering multiple images to create intricate surreal illusions. The effect his work has on me is similar to that of going to the cinema and being transported into a different world on screen.

Another influence is Kirsty Mitchell, a fine art photographer who also studied fashion, which she incorporates into her photography. My favourite project of hers is Wonderland. She created this project while grieving her mother, drawing inspiration from the books her mother would read to her as a child. She handcrafted each scene with months of planning, resulting in these beautiful fantasy photographs.

Do you have a favourite type of photography?

Outside of work, my favourite subject to shoot is landscapes. I love taking my camera on holiday and capturing the beauty of any scenic spots I come across. The photos below were taken during my family holiday in Ibiza, using a Nikon D3300. They’re still my favourite landscape shots to date because they capture such a peaceful and relaxing vibe - it always takes me back to those moments when I look at them.

Share with us your favourite photograph (s) taken by you for Birdie Fortescue!

My favourite images are from the shoot at Butter Wakefield’s London home. Her interior is so vibrant, filled with incredible art, lush plants, and an amazing mix of patterns - everywhere you look, there’s something new and exciting to take in! The lighting that day was perfect, and the whole shoot just came together beautifully. The styling was spot on, and the vibe throughout the day was so much fun - it’s one I’ll always remember!

You can find more of Cherise's images from this shoot in our Q&A with Butter, here!

Your favourite Birdie Fortescue piece of all time and why?

My favourite piece is the The Check Mate Wool Rug from our second Birdie Fortescue X Sarah Corbett-Winder collaboration. I love the fun check design and how it can bring a room to life! You could pair it up with lots of other fun patterns or have it as the main statement piece in your room.

Any recent Birdie Fortescue additions in your own interior?

Right now, I’m absolutely loving the Remolino Velvet Cushions for my sofa - they’re so soft and bring such a cosy yet stylish feel to the room. I’ve paired them with the El Vedado Cushion, and they look amazing together! Honestly, I’m a bit obsessed with all the cushions from our recent Havana Collection - they’re so versatile and full of personality. Loads cushions are in our Winter Sale, which is online now.

I’m also really excited about the gorgeous new designs we’ve got coming for SS25. I’ve seen a few sneak peeks and have started photographing the designs, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone (and grab a couple of pieces for myself!).

I’m also currently on the lookout for a new lampshade to pair with my Small Twisted Table Lamp. I’ve got my eye on the Blue Remolino Lampshade - I just love the fun, swirly print. It’s such a playful touch and would be perfect in my kitchen!

And finally, your super power, if you could choose?

I would love to be able to time travel, to experience the decades before I was born and also to have a sneak peak into what the future looks like! 

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Thank you to Cherise for participating in this Q&A. If you want to see more of Cherise's photography outside of our website, you can check out her Instagram here!

Explore our Winter Sale and find the perfect piece for your interior!