If you asked me what life would be like at the turn of the decade, my response would have been filled with positive plans, travels, and adventures. One of these plans was to launch my photography business, thankfully, that is one item on my list I am very proud to have achieved.

Like most of us, going places and spending time with friends and loved ones are always on the agenda, so when news started circulating about a new virus in China and its possible threat to humanity, no one could have imagined how much of an impact this would have on us all.

One of the biggest challenges for me during the Coronavirus pandemic was not being able to meet and hang out with others, something I’ll never take for granted again. 

As the lockdown restrictions began to ease, I wanted to offer something positive and memorable, because the reality of COVID-19 is beyond our control, but as humans what makes us strong is making the best out of a bad situation.

Edinburgh Doorstep Photoshoots

I started doorstep photography as a way to offer socially distant photoshoots outside of people’s homes. This method proved very popular as it was a brilliant opportunity to document everyone’s lockdown story so that this historic event can be looked back in years to come. Because let’s face it, this whole situation is (hopefully) a once in a lifetime experience!

One of my first clients for the doorstep photoshoot was Rebecca, Helen and their beautiful twins Lochlann and Aoife. 

Arriving at the porch of their home, I immediately felt so welcomed and was greeted was the biggest smiles and excited faces of the twins. I wanted to find out more about life with twin toddlers, so I asked Rebecca to tell me their story.

What was your reaction when you found out you were having twins?

My wife and I were both delighted, and we may have both had a wee cry. We’d had a few years of fertility difficulties (unrelated to being two women) so twins felt like a wonderful gift. Little did we know how crazy life would nine months later! 

How would you describe family life with twin toddlers? 

Utterly crazy! It’s full-on and there are challenges you don’t get with a singleton. Things are messy and chaotic, and you are constantly chasing your tail. But for me, personally, toddlers are so much more enjoyable than twin newborns who are very cute but unbelievable hard work. Toddlers may have stresses and tantrums and break stuff, but we have loads of fun and laughs, and I love seeing them change and learn through play daily. 

What’s the most rewarding thing to you both as mothers to your twins? 

It is really lovely seeing Aoife and Lochlann’s relationship develop. They have never known life without each other and that is such a magical thing. It’s been a real bonus during lockdown too, always having your best pal on hand. There’s also a really supportive community spirit amongst parents of multiples, you feel that you are part of a very special and exclusive club! 

Rebecca has a creative flair and is the jewellery designer behind Songbead, her company which specialises in hand-made jewellery made from Art Beads.

How do you balance motherhood, running your own business and working? 

Good question! It’s very challenging. Initially, motherhood/parenthood is all-consuming and you are desperate to carve out a little space for yourself and get back to work in some semblance. Helen (who works full-time out of the house) really misses seeing the twins during the week and the extra time spent at home during lockdown has been a big bonus. 

As a self-employed jeweller who works from home both in and out of lockdown, I do find it difficult to make enough time to work. Right now, the twins have about two days of childcare with family and a childminder but will be going to nursery in January. I’m hoping this will give a bit more structure to our days and allow me to get a bit more organised again. I know you don’t get these early years back and I’m grateful I can still spend so much time with my children. It’s one of the huge benefits of being your own boss and setting your own hours and goals – they can be flexible when they need to be.