I love working in black and white as well as colour and Finn was a beautiful colour for both.

Who couldn't love that face. 

We don't venture up to the main event as my son is noise sensitive and the town can get pretty busy. So we mill about along the parade route. 

Looking through these again, they feel a lot darker than last years photos. But like I said 2020 Bonfire night did not happen to I didn't get my normal practice .This is the only event I photograph in the evening and use only natural light. 

But yes I love animals and children. Perhaps the unpredictable nature of both makes me love them more. 

I had the joy of having these three in the studio a little while ago and Matilda's mum was super happy with the images of her 3 babies. 

Then like magic that mist of fatigue came over them and.......

This was the way the session went with one puppy after another escaping.

Sometimes I struggle to decide on black and white and colour in my sessions so this one got both.

And they're off!

But at the end they all curled up and I even got a cuddle.

This session was great, I received some new backdrops in great colours, yellow, red, blue and banana (don't, it's not yellow). So I thought I'd have a bit of a play.

I had the beautiful Delsie come in.

How beautiful is Delsie. She was super shy but such an amazing little model. 

Glitter even looks great in black and white.

I photographed his brother a few years prior and again he was the king of the Milk bath. 

His little face, honestly.

Rory was a lucky boy his very talented grandmother made him this beautiful cake

I popped a post online to find a friend who would be willing to come to the studio and have a bit of silly fun with me. Estelle took the plunge. The original idea had been a glitter tea party so she roped in her BFF to come along. On the day however things did not go to plan and her friend could not make it. 

That did not stop us from having glittery fun.

I loved this session. Estelle was so much fun and open to my crazy ideas.

Glitter really does get everywhere!!

I loved this, the floating cup. In the shot just before this we had not secured the lid and well I don't need to tell you what happened.

Tea anyone?

I love this shot as Bonnie and her mum had such similar colours and textures.

These sessions are super fun and means that little one can get messy but not at home. Lol!

I always try and make the shoots fun for the dogs as well as owners. Having a dog myself and trying to get him to follow instruction whilst photographing him is in itself a mission. 

Lucy however was a complete prow. I loved capturing her against the brown/greens of the woods. 

I love black and white photography it clears any distractions from an image. So I thought I would incorporate this into a session. The very handsome Brittany named Finn was my amazing subject for this session. His mummy was worried as he was quite a shy pup but he was a proper diva. He owned the session. 

This session is a mini session but not rushed, great for those nosy, impatient or nervous pups. 

If you'd like to take part in a 'Pure Monochrome' session please feel free to get in touch. 

I had the beautiful McKenzie in to do a Glitter shoot. These are very much love or hate sessions as you end up having glitter trails for several days after, or months when you're in the studio. Lol! 

I went for a dark background for this session to bring out all the glitter and the beautiful dress. During these sessions you can bring in your own outfits or borrow one of the ones I have in the studio.

But this was clear in my mind. 

This was the dream shot. The image that brought the image to life. I had an idea in my head after i'd walked down the beach just after lockdown. 

I could not resist the light. Sometimes an image looks flawless but the behind the scenes is completely different. This was probably the 100th take to get this image but all things considered this was one of my favourite from the shoot. 

So the session was rescheduled. Luckily it was a dry day. I love to shoot in new places. Obviously I like to shoot where i know but I enjoy the challenge of finding the perfect spot and it can be better to take your dogs where they are most comfortable.

I do shoot a dog's life. By that I mean I don't push the sit and stay but we do try and get those beautiful natural shots without the stress. 

I love trying new and unusual things in the studio. This session was great fun and clean. I think this makes a lovely alternative to a cake smash if you're not keen on dealing with the sugar rush. 

It's amazing what you can find just on your doorsteps when you look. I'd spent quite a few early mornings walking down this path and that's where we had our session.

Buddy looked amazing against the yellow of the daffodils and sat beautifully at the end of our walk. I love working on location, so if there is a favourite walk or area you are interested in give me a call.

I also need to mention the amazing Flowers by Sasha who always rises to my challenges. Especially when I messaged her to ask if it was possible to make me 2 floral crowns newborn size. She said to come in and we could discuss what I needed. Well, life took me off to deal with other matters. I did pop in to discuss my vision with Sasha and I sheepishly revealed that I wanted Dachshund size crowns. What she created I couldn't have asked for better.

Lottie and Poppy visited me at my new studio on the High street. They were both real characters, but they were proper superstars. 

I tried to tailor the session to show their love of travel and also just a girlie flourish. 

Crowns by Flowers by Sasha.

 Also see Sasha's Blog.

I finally plucked up the courage to pop my head in and introduce myself. I ended up inside this little oasis of beauty. It was as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.

Sasha was a little stressed as it was the day before the grand opening, but she was lovely and let me roam her little haven. Since our first meeting Sasha and I have become friends and she has accommodated some of my more unusual floral requests. 

'Only look back to see how far you have come.'

Happy Birthday to you!

(That song has many meanings now)

I met Max to help celebrate his First birthday. The session took place at my studio and we consulted about the cake for the day. All ingredients were passed on to  Max's mum as I'm aware that pets also have dietary issues. Max's cake was a chocolate (Doggie friendly) cake made by Barking Bakes. It smelt amazing. 

Max was a very tidy eater. And I loved his yellow bow tie.

Cake, for me? 

Chhhhhheeese!!

These are great milestone sessions as our children grow and develop so quickly. I love capturing these moments and freezing time if o for a moment. 

This was my first photos session since lockdown in March 2020 and I loved it.

She was such a happy little one. and such a joy to photograph.

I thought the fire breathing was very impressive. 

There was no stopping these little ones. They were so full of energy. 

A great way for your pups to make some new friends, big and small. 

This was so much fun. Who doesn't love puppy cuddles!

I feel very fortunate to have been allowed to be part of these lovely morning socials.With such well behaved dogs and lovely humans. Although if i'm honest I didn't spend that much time chatting. Too busy keeping an eye on the shannigans of the doggos. I really enjoyed this meet. I felt a lot more confident in myself and being around people so close post lockdown. 

I love these socials and hope that I will be able to be part of another one soon.

Fun, friends and family.

She said yes. 

So we met on a beautiful warm morning, very early morning, when the tide was low. I felt a bit rusty as this was my first shoot with people since lockdown. So i decided to just be in the moment, which is more how i enjoy shooting pets and people. The natural moments can be the most magical. 

I had a lovely morning and met some great characters and their humans. This included handsome Stan, who loved jumping in and out of the pond and then sneaking up behind me and shaking it off. 

Home field is a safe enclosed space where dogs are able to run free and explore without the fear of other dogs or people. The field has mind games, pond, ball pit and dog friendly activities to keep your pets entertained whilst with Emma. 

These are a few images captured on the day. 

These are a few of the shots from the day. It was great to be part of the beginning of a great event. 

2019 past and we slowly entered 2020. I always like to keep in touch with my brides and see how their plans are going. So the January was full of the final preparations, the start of the jitters and the excitement. 

And then March hit. Lockdown!!

C and L got in touch to let me know the decision had been made to postpone the wedding until May when we all hoped the situation would be easing and Weddings able to go ahead. As May approached it was clear best laid plans and all that. So after some contemplation and conversation they decide to set a new date for December. 

As we edged closer to the new date and with new restrictions and rules being set around Weddings, etc, the wedding plans evolved to fit into the criteria  set out for us. 

Creeping slowly towards the goal post, rules changing and goal post seeming to creep slowly ahead of us we finally hit a 10 days before.

Final phone call!!

All fingers crossed.

On the 12th of December I had the pleasure of being part of C and L's beautiful day with their close friends and family at hand. I arrived at the brides home to capture the bridal preparation. It was lovely to see some of the images from our photo session in 2019 beautifully framed and in pride of place in their lounge.

Due to the restrictions they were unable to hold their reception post the ceremony so we wondered down to Brighton beach for photos. The Reception set for 2021, restrictions allowing. 

In these uncertain times we have to remain hopeful. Life events have been missed, moved or postponed, memories have been missed and plans placed on hold. Let's make the most of what we have in the time we have. 

Never give up. Dreams do come true!!

Paige was amazing with the dogs she groomed, she is City and Guilds qualified, Level 3 dog groomer and also has over 5 years grooming experience.

Her innovative salon is fitted with the newest and best quality equipment, from quality, natural shampoos from 'FOR ALL DOGKIND', to fully adjustable electric tables, nonslip mats and a UV steriliser.

Paige was kind enough to let me visit her and take some photos of her whilst she worked. I had the honour of photographing the handsome Sid and Rupert whilst they were groomed. It was lovely to see the love and pride in each groom she did. 

It was clear to see how much she loved her job but moreso to see how the welfare of the dogs she was grooming came first and foremost. And it was lovely to see the love her clients (Doggies) had for her.

Sometimes ideas come to mind based on personal loves or visual prompts. And this session with Milo was something that I had been experimenting with and then the idea of black and white on black came to mind. Milo was so chilled and the perfect model.

This one is colour and the first image is literally black and white. 

Milo was a gentle giant and such a joy to photograph. 

Feeling hot hot hot!!

We decided to go for a Sunset stroll on a beach we hadn't been on before. They ended up in the water and I was on shoe duty. Which was fine as I had my camera and i'm not lured by the sea. I'm always cold and the sea never seems to warm up. Although it wasn't too chilly when I waded through the puddles. I have to admit I was a tad tempted. Shhh!!

The children then started looking for sea creatures. It was lovely as the tide was going out, watching the rocks appearing. Then it was time to trek back up the beach. They decided to play throw the welly(shoe), I did join in. Lol!!

We do live in one of the most beautiful places. 

This time has been great for me. Spending time with my family, watching my small people becoming not so small. Photography for me is taking a memory and putting it in a pot for later. When I look back I will remember the warm sea breeze and joy on their faces. Wet, sandy bodies climbing into the car. 

A new morning on a new chapter of 2020. It has been a year of nothing but also a year of understanding. A moment in time slowed to a pace that meant we could enjoy our families, realise how much people meant to us and reevaluate or lives and where we were heading. A moment to take a breathe!!

'Day 75

31st May

Our first trip out of the house since the 22nd of March. What a better way to ease into life than going to watch the sunrise. 4.52am sunrise!!

We are so lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world.'

Bertie was a super star as he really wasn't feeling himself.

I had handsome Ralph in the studio and he was so well behaved.

Finley's session was extra special, he started sitting and the session was to be a gift for his dads Birthday.

That little face and those eyes. Finley was amazing throughout his session and his dad loved the images.

My babies love to see what they can find in the rock pools. We have yet to actually find a live crab.

We have been a few times before but in 2019 we went with both children in the Summer holidays.

Giraffe!! In the African village it was feeding time. We never thought we would ever get to feed the Giraffe, but we did. Boy can they pull. T lost her branch quite quickly.

Who doesn't love driving through the monkey enclosure. The babies were so cute. We did wonder what the attraction was with the our car until we arrived back at the carpark and realised we had forgotten to remove the aerial.

My favourite part of the park has got to be the butterfly enclosure. I could have spent hours, although I must admit i would scream if one landed on me!!

And a final photograph of the house before we left.

We are up to Day 8 and things are going ok. We haven't tried to kill each other yet. The wonderful thing about my children is that they play well together and there are days when thy disappear off to play and you don't see or hear them for hours.

I know that my babies will always have each other. i watch them play together in the garden or he plonking himself on her knee as they watch telly and I know that they will be ok. So in this time when we only have each other it makes me happy to see their love grow from strength the strength. 

Day 8 and the weather is beautiful. Lucky we have a garden to keep ourselves busy in and what better to do than paint nails. No school tomorrow!!

I've captured a lot of these images in black and white. It's a personal choice and for me it captures the soul and the tenderness of the moment. No distraction. I love my children and the love they have for each other melts my heart. 

I love cathedrals and ruins. So we decided to spend the day in Canterbury and visit Canterbury Cathedral.

Unintentional Social isolation - On Monday/ Tuesday the 17th of March T was not well, so she stayed home with me and I went off to school as normal. I had, in my head, quite early on been moving information that was suddenly being made public. A bombardment of information, constantly being given and then changed. For me this caused a great amount of anxiety, anxiety which i battle with at the best of times but have learnt over the years to manage. The continual misinformation, change of information and lack of information impacted me as I have children that I class as vulnerable. Vulnerable because one has had a pulmonary heart valve fitted in the last couple of years and one that I know his chest is his vulnerability. In my work place people started putting out hand sanitizer, walking around with gloves down and the constant worry of being passed the virus and passing it on to colleagues.

Whilst at home on the Tuesday with ebbing anxiety over the welfare of my children. Having lost one child, my children are my world. It was post of one of the mothers from the school that helped me make my decision: 

"Not expecting any love for this post, but I know theres other parents fearing the backlash of being "over reactive". Psychology degree has taught me one thing, conformity is not always the safest option, governments are not always right, and fear is our bodies way to protect us from potential threats. I geniunely hope I look really silly in a couple of weeks, but I can't go against my instincts for the sake of saving face or saving a few weeks of ........'s education. Respect to ever

yone making their own choices, we're all parents trying to do the best by our children but no one should feel pressure to go against their gut. Our gut feelings safely bring our children into the world, I think our gut feelings are what keep them safe in it too. xxx"

Social Isolation - Decision made! Our family (not including hubby) social isolation started on the 18th of March. The saddest thing I had to do was let my family know that this was a decision that we had made. My parents who spend a lot of time with all their grandchildren agreed with heavy hearts. And that to date has been the hardest part of this whole situation. Family is the most important thing to me. So this decision to keep my family safe was it. 

Homeschooling was actually really enjoyable. I had two years in which he hated going to school, with tears and running away from the school gate, considering homeschooling. It was difficult to leave him some days with the fight that had occurred at school drop off. And tears before bed. So this felt nice. Doing school work in a way that he enjoyed, doesn't mean we didn't have struggles. But I managed and I got all my 'I'll do that tomorrow' s, which i am still enjoying. I hate clearing the lounge and kitchen, they are never ending. 

For me it was great to step away from life. To take a break from the constant pressure, continual never getting anything done. Make time!!! A phrase I hate because i struggle with this. If I make time for one thing then the other things have to be put on the back burner. Even now making time is quite hard, but in a different way. I'm getting things done in my time, because I know that i don't need to worry about not getting it done. I always see my self as not good enough, and always strive to improve and prove myself to my children, my family and myself.

So i'm slowing down. I sat in the garden during this and decided to document a few moments. The little birds that sat on the tree outside the kitchen window in the morning, the bumble bee buzzing around the blue bells and my babies having fun. 

March the 25th 2020 Day 7 of social distancing. 

I do however do like details. Headlights, wheels, brakes and bits and bobs. So this is my day out.

First evening we set the campfire going. Stumbled across several other families hunting down marshmallows to toast on their campfires. Well I had decided prior to the trip that if nothing else I wanted to toast marshmallows so had equipped our supplies with giant marshmallows. Off toddled 6 very excited toddlers( my good deed for the month!).

Hotdogs on the bbq or supper followed by way too many marshmallows.

The accommodation was amazing. Crisp, white and comfortable. The children were slightly freaked out by the bugs that we found but they took it all in the name of the the great outdoors.

Next morning woke up to the I know better male attitude to bbq starting. 😂😂. We did eventually have cash farm eggs, provided by the site from a local farmer, and bacon butties. Result!!

Now the part I was dreading. Showers........ Amazing. Clean. Soap, toiletries and towels all provided. Toilets were immaculate.

Off we went to West Withering beach for a bit of sunscreen and sand 😜. Hot sea, ice cream, sun, heaven.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

I would be lost without music. When I'm low or happy there is always a go to song. I love music, I can't sing but i'm attempting to learn the play the guitar.

I am however so luck to have talented people in my life that can fill my soul.

Sharing love of music.

At the moment my daughter and I are loving If the World was ending by J P Saxe ft Julia Michaels but music evolves so quickly and I tend to fall in love with what's relevant at the time.

This was a session i did with beautiful Nala.

She makes the most amazing jam's and chutney's and her Fudge.......

The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awake and celebrate with them
 

MILK SPLASH!!!!

No big mess (depending on how much splashing goes on). 

I will be offering these as mini session this year. 

All these little ones loved their milk baths.

Not sure how I heard of Steampunk or indeed how I become interested in photographing it. I thing the power of Facebook possibly planted some sort of seed that sparked the imagination and the need to know and see more. My first experience of the Steampunk world was at Chatham Dockyard at a steampunk event we attended. I fell in love. The eccentricity, the air of future of adventure of fairy tale. I wanted more. So I had a little play. 

The steampunk idea included face paint. I noticed at the event that some people used bodypaints and I just thought I'd like to do something outside the box. That's part of Steampunk right? 

Thank you to Glittery Rainbow Cat Face Painting for bringing my imagination into reality. 

I love capturing what a lot of women do not see in pregnancy and freezing a moment in time. It's hard sometimes once you've had your baby to remember what it was like before. And one lady i photographed recently said she had never felt so comfortable and confident in her body. 

I took these of Gemma a little while ago but still love looking back. 

I was fortunate enough in that time to meet Rachelle at Barking Boutique - Westfield and Rupert. 

We decided to run a Christmas mini session day at her beautiful boutique. So handsome Rupert became our model on the run up to the event. 

Rupert is a little French Bulldog. Still a puppy he was so well behaved in the studio. He didn't even try and steal the baubles off the Christmas tree. 

Children evolve and change so much. I thinks it is lovely to capture their loves and interests as they make choices in their lives. Freezing that one moment.

And then i edited the image in black and white and fell entirely in love.

I love my little nut cracker keeping guard.

Such a great shoot achieving everything that I had wanted and more. 

It's hard to incorporate siblings into shoots and Emily's little brother was only just 2 years old so the last image has a bit of everyone. 

Josephine, Connor, Bodhi and Zephyr are one of those wonderful families. We met a few years ago and just clicked as friends. So however many years on I had the honor of capturing Zephyr's first birthday. 

Zephyr was a very tidy cakesmasher. He methodically worked on one side of the cake. 

The theme of the cake was his mum said he liked balls and the musical notes because they are a family orientated family. 

So we had handsome Fred with us for our outing. 

I love to capture mothers when they least realise how beautiful they are. I had stunning Daisy in the studio with big sister to be.

I love involving siblings in my sessions. Creating memories. 

steampunk

noun

1. a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.

   "if you like steampunk, this is a great book for you"

   • a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.

     "the essence of steampunk is homage to vintage fashion with a modern, sassy twist"

It was a great family day out with a great atmosphere.

A great day of discovery as well as family fun. There was enough to keep the little ones busy as well as the adults. A real mix of old and new. Steam and fashion. Storytelling and discovery.

Feels like a lifetime ago now. Proves how far behind i am with my blogging!

For Christmas I did a simple fine art set up. I like to keep my sessions quite simple with little distraction from the subject. I love to play with hats and props. I used a little black hat and my nutcracker. That was my Christmas theme 'Nutcracker'. 

I had Jazz in last year just before Christmas and this dress from Little Betty's boutique came up for sale. Well as you can imagine I couldn't resist. 

And then we decide to pair the outfit with a large blue hat that set her hair and dress off amazingly.

I love to capture character! 

What a little character Jazz was. Great to capture this Fine art image.

I do a lot of outdoor location shoots through the year mainly in the Autumn when we go out for crunchy walks.

When the new pier opened I thought it would be a lovely open space to shoot in. But in a new environment I also wanted to do something a little bit different so, arranged a Teenage make over shoot. Hair and make up. I was lucky enough to meet Natasha from Natasha Valarie Makeup Artist who did Evie's make up, the false lashes went down a treat. 

I just love this last shot. 

What a fun pair to photograph. Completely different characters.

Upon arrival we stopped in a queue to have our bags checked and leave any luggage/bags we didn't want to carry around with us. 

What an adventure! We need to go back because it was just sooooooo big with such a wealth of information and visually stimulating exhibitions. I wonder if a 5 and 8 year old will enjoy a Museum. And I'm not big on history, I find I get a bit bored with reading boards of information. But this was a different experience completely. We loved the interactive parts and even stopped to read all the fun facts. The Dinosaurs had to be our favourite part of the day. 

We stopped to have a picnic as you also have the choice of buying food in one of the food outlets or making your way to an inside picnic area that keeps the children entertained too. 

What a place!!

If you're looking for something to do with the children I would really recommend a visit. 

But I hadn't done a maternity session in my studio until Jill came in with her handsome boys.

So on Saturday evening the celebrations began. I went to watch the Battle bonfire celebrations. These celebrations are organised by Battel Bonfire Boyes and a lot of other local bonfire groups take part.  

Lifestyle session: What does that mean?It means going somewhere personal to you.So be it coming to your house, your local park and just capturing your day. 

So my beautiful niece turned 2 this year and of course I had my camera. 

The innocence of her face when she opens her present, pure delight. These are the moments I love to capture.

I have had the great honour of photographing Josephine and Connor and their growing family since they were blessed with Bodhi. We met when Josephine agreed to model for a maternity portfolio building shoot. There are some people in the world that are meant to cross your path and this was that. And since I am honoured to call her a friend. It has been lovely to watch her family grow and merge. 

I love capturing moments. Freezing memories. 

I started the amazing journey with Laura and Mason when I had the honour of photographing their wedding.Then they asked me to immortalise their first wedding anniversary which was so special. So lovely to see a couple grow together. Then i got the most amazing phone call. A family of 2 was about to become a family of 3. Yay!! I got the honour of doing Laura and Mason's maternity shoot. Which was a private collection of memories. Then Oscar arrived. He made my Mr and Mrs into mum and dad. 

What an honour then to be asked to do Oscar's newborn session. He really didn't want his picture taken. Lol!! Two sessions later I had a collection of beautiful images for mum and dad. 

And then Oscar had his Christening and perhaps the most honoured i've been was to be asked to photograph his big day and join the family for a drink afterwards. I was so touched! 

Even managed some sibling shots which I love. So precious to have images of the siblings.

I really enjoyed having a play with new styling.

What a pleasure capturing this important milestone in your little ones life. It's lovely to see little ones go from strength to strength and grow their personalities. This this the age when their personalities are just starting to shine through and they are turning into little characters.

I love capturing these fleeting milestones. We don't realise how fleeting these moments are. Sometimes it feels as though you blink and you miss them. What a great why to freeze a moment in time.

This session was Finley's sitter session. What a handsome little man, so full of character. Those eyes and that smile.....

A lot has happened in the last year. It's been a year filled with emotional ups and downs and and year of personal growth. I think I spent a lot of time last year worrying about a lot of things that I could not change(well I assumed I couldn't change) but were affecting me on daily basis. It was a few months over before Christmas when I had decided I wanted to do a bit more for me when I decided I wanted to get fit. So I did it, I set my mind to better myself physically in the hope of creating a healthy body as well as a healthy mind. It was during one of my gym sessions that someone said something that although at the time I didn't think affected me on reflection it helped me make some bigger decisions.

I need to step back a bit before I can go forward.

So through 2017 a couple of incidents began to occur through the day which disturbed my work life, or work work balance really. For some reason, and I really would have loved to find out someone took a dislike to me. It became unbearable to the point of causing my health to come into the equation. So for the first time in my life I stood up for myself. I know is sounds strange as a grown woman to say but, I don't like confrontation, I want to get on with my life and be happy, so I let most things pass me by. But this I could not shake and I did it. I did something for me, for my sanity, my happiness.

And do you know what I am so glad I did. 18 months of hell was changed within a week! Why had I not done it before, why not speak up. For the first time ever I felt I could...............................

So over Christmas I made the decision. No New Years resolution!

It was time to be happy. So it was new year new me, well not new me. But finding the old me. The happy me, the me that did things for me. The decision was made that I am going to spend more time doing what makes me happy. Because a happy mummy makes a happy home. So every so often I need to step away from my label, mummy, cook, wife, cleaner and be me. Be Amanda. Spend time doing what I love, for me.

And to top the start of my year off and prove that actually I am allowed to be me, have time for myself. I love to be creative. I'm not a great or amazing artist but my daughter will say different. So when I said to her that I would like to go to art lessons much to my joy she gushed 'mummy you must', she said that I was so good at drawing and the she didn't mind me not being at home if I was drawing. And although I don't need her permission to follow my pursuits, it gave me the confidence in myself and in the decision I had made.

Do something that makes you happy!!

This shoot was an Autumn shoot in a local place of natural beauty. A place I can go when I need peace and I also need inspiration. It's my safe haven!

I spent the afternoon with two very special sisters. I love photographing the connection between people and siblings are always special because no matter what you will always have someone. It isn't often that I photograph siblings, and I'm not sure why really. The connection is so special and not like any other.

An Autumn day walk. The day was just right, warm and sunny. Autumn to perfection!!

'When I say I love you more, I don't mean I love you more than you love me. I mean I love you more than the bad days ahead of us, I love you more than any fight we will ever have. I love you more than the distance between us, I love you more than any obstacle that could try and come between us. I love you the most.' - author unknown

Claire had flowers from Sussex Cutting Garden and they were very fresh and natural. Flowers grown and cut locally. 

The ceremony was followed by scones and cream on the lawns and photos round the lakes. The wedding party then made it's way to Chilley Barn where the party began. 

So there is a place that I take the children, not so often now, but most weeks. And in the car park is a treasure of British history. The most British of British, The red telephone box!

Well on this certain visit I had my camera at hand and couldn't resist.

I love the worn out feel, the textures.

So my children and husband were very pleased to find that we had cake in the house over the weekend.

So we rearrange and got a second cake arranged from Lottie - Pops: Cakes by Jean. The cake was beautiful. Also Bodhi is vegetarian so the cake was special made with his dietary requirements in mind.

And to finish the session off we had a warm bubble bath.

One of my favourite times of life to photograph. Maternity/ bump pictures are vey personal and close to my heart. What a great way to remember.

Sorry, wrong blog! Well, I can't believe it. How time flies and life changes. We all start off looking for our 'Once upon a time...' and our 'happy ever after'. I thing everyone has a 'Once upon a time.......' it's just how the story ends that might not be the same but eventually we all have our 'happy ever after'. So 10 years ago I walked down the aisle to the most amazing 4 piece string Quartet in the most beautiful church, in the most beautiful dress, in the presence of the most important people in my life. Princess for a day and now he calls me his Queen.

Well we've been through a lot and done amazing things together. We both love to travel so we went away for our 7th wedding anniversary (photos still unedited, eeek!!) and I decided I wanted to do something nice for our 10th. So with trepidation ( I'm not the worlds best traveller when there are planes involved), we booked a weekend away in Milan. I love architecture and anything artistic. A photographers paradise.

The weather was Summery when we arrived and by evening it was heaven, just a cool warm cuddle. Sitting on the most beautiful terraces with the most amazing views with a cocktail in hand. We had authentic pasta and authentic pizza. Cocktails not so Italian but heavenly all the same.

My first location was a a woodland and upon visiting we decided it would not be feasible. So we went on. I had been told about a railway tunnel and so off we went on a big adventure. 

I had a model for the shoot and this is how it turned out.

During scouting we stumbled upon a wheat field and i just could not resist, so....

What a great time, when they go from babies to more characterful little beings.

I love looking around the vehicles at all the details, blue brake carriers, horns on headlights, bi tone cars and indicators shaped like birds. I love all the unusual things. Everyone else is there looking at the car and under the bonnet at the engine and I am looking at the headlights, I have a thing about taillights, I'm looking at springs and exhausts. And for some reason I feel really excited this year. Some of the pictures will mean absolutely nothing to most like my image of the bi tone bonnet, that's all it is. Or a blue brake carrier through black trims with the Mustang badge upside down, (that wound me up).

But it's about the little things that go together so flawlessly.

It's the reds against silvers, the blues against blacks and the oranges against chrome. The things that shouldn't go together so beautifully that just do. Maybe I should be more excited about the cars, but it's what makes them up that interests me more. It's all about the detail.

It's not all about the today, it's about tomorrow about yesterday and about the days when you're not around. It's about storing memories to laugh about to cry to to cherish. Capturing just one moment to freeze time and encapsulate it. 

So this blog is for my children to find and read in years to come. To understand why 'I always take my camera with me.'

The other day I was on mummy duties (School run) and i ran home first because i had a great idea. I collected up their swim suits and towels and made my way to collect them. We made our way to the beach, when, about 5 minutes from the beach i get the classic 'where are we going?' Considering we are going the completely wrong direction for home. 

Well my babies love the beach and when the tide is out they are in heaven. 

The session is styled and I allow an hour for the session, but I am aware that some children take a bit longer to settle. The studio is equipt with tea and coffee so you can put your feet up and relax. We also have a no shoe policy because I specialise in little ones I want them to have the freedom to crawl around in a clean environment.

If you like the sound of a sitter session these are available as below:

One hour styled session, a canvas of your favourite image, your choice of 5 images printed and a USB of 20-30 edited images-£175

Additional prints can be purchased for £7.50 each

I had the joy a little while ago of playing with my angel wings and a beautiful little model. I had the beautiful Ells in to shoot my angel idea. Something that was in my head and I was desperate to put into physical. These were taken about 2 years ago. My style has changed a little bit since then but I still love these images.

The innocence of an angel. Ells took direction really well and enjoyed the shoot. I feel that every shoot should be fun as I think you get a better result if children don't feel pressured.

The final image is the image that was running around my head for ages. I had a lace wedding dress, a child's toy sofa and these wings (that I had ordered not expecting much, but I fell in love with), and I could see a vision that I wanted to try and recreate.

I was so pleased when Sam and Natalie asked me to photograph their special day. It was an intimate wedding filled with family and close friends. Natalie and her bridesmaids got ready at the beautiful Chilsham Barn set in the lanes of Herstmonceux. She had her make up done by the very talented Natasha Valerie Make up and hair done by Lauren Frampton. She was dressed in a peach dress with layers of chiffon. Simple and elegant.

The wedding took place at Wellshurst Golf Club, a stunning location for wedding photos and a great wedding venue.

Looking back through my galleries I realised that I haven't blogged about one special place. Skarletts!! Last year they celebrated their 3rd birthday. If you haven't been you have to, it's a must. The atmosphere is amazing and the food, cakes, milkshakes, freakshakes and staff never cease to amaze me, and I probably spend way too much time there (shhh don't tell the other half).

So here are a few very belated Birthday cake images.

The cake, just like Skarletts, is a tardis of surprise.

Happy Belated Birthday!!

 Off course I had to get some shots of her. How could I resist that little face and that head of hair.

I feel it is so important to keep striving for something more, to keep learning and then take what you have been taught and make it your own. It was an amazing day with loads of models for practise and great direction.

It was great to be able to style the sets as well as take advise and direction on improving them. It will be great to be able to provide my new sitters packages from the end of June.

Images taken during training:

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 Even at 6 weeks there are so many little things that are changing. Little things you want to remember and capture. Little fingers, little toes, cheeky little grins.

We forget just how little they were, once upon a time.

So small they fit perfectly into dads hands!

And we forget all the funny things they used to do that made us laugh. Edward was such a pleasure to photograph. It was lovely to capture his little character and the little things that really are the big things.

How about a three part photo session? We start with a portrait session so you have some nice(clean) images and then we bring out the cake for the messy bit and it culminates with a splash session so they leave all nice and clean again.

All the cakes are made specifically for the particular shoot. McKenzie is allergic to eggs so this was a chocolate egg free cake. All decorated in  pastel pink, blue and cream and finished with little edible pearls and a pink heart bow.

Who doesn't love cake?! Clearly McKenzie wasn't overly keen. It was the most amazing sight, even mum couldn't believe the reaction after a couple of pokes at the cake and a bit of finger licking this was the reaction. No matter what we tried she just wasn't having any of it unless mum fed her.

 So we moved on to some splishy splashy fun.

I like to shoot without being intrusive as i feel you get the best out of people, mainly children, as it is difficult to instruct younger children. And I feel you get more character out of adults and children if you're having fun. 

So this shoot was done out on location in East Sussex. A stunning setting for family and couple shoots, especially with the changing seasons. 

After my epic adventure to get to Cumbria, we met Sophia and John. We visited the picturesque streets of Burton in Kendal. And the first signs of Autumn. 

It's always nice to be able to do an engagement shoot with a couple before their big day. It gives them a chance to get to know you and feel more comfortable infront of the camera. Sometimes its the person they are comfortable with rather than getting used to being in front of the camera. It also gives me as a photographer a chance to have a chat with the couple without the pressures of the the big day. You  can learn a lot about a couple during an engagement shoot and this can translate into your images of their big day. 

I love being part of such an important day and I feel very privileged to be capturing their emotions and moments that will be with them for a lifetime.
 

I suppose I should start at the very beginning of my journey. I love Cumbria and the support given at Aspire make me make this trip up Annually for the last couple of years. Training is the basis for growth I think.
 

Well I set off from Hastings on the 18.07 train to London Bridge. The train trip was just your normal mundane trip with the normal, expected 8 minute delay. Then upon arrival at London Bridge I found that the underground was round the corner so blindly wondered around and asked everyone how to get to the underground. Eventually I found my way to the underground and then started the search for the Northern line, North bound to Euston.
 

I found my train jumped on and then had the fright of my life when the tube stopped at a station I had missed on the tube map on the side of the tube, because I am always scared I'm on the wrong tube. But after what seemed ages of traveling on the underground I glanced at the watch of a gentleman sitting opposite me and my heart stopped. It read 9pm! Oh no, what! How was I going to get to Cumbria if I missed my connection as the train I was getting on was the last one stopping at my station. Just before reaching the stop I looked over at the man standing near enough that I could read his watch just to find out yes I was late but 30 mins early for my connection. Phew!!
 

Then what a wait at Euston, trains delayed and hot, so hot! Eventually got on the train to Preston. Starving but thanks to hubby and the kids I had a packet of Aero balls to keep me going. Upon arrival at Preston the train I needed was delayed. Oh no!!
 

Eventually I arrived in Cumbria and made my way to the lovely Kings Arms where everyone had shut up for the night and there's me standing outside under dripping flower baskets ringing the bell.
 

I happened to stumble upon the Joy festival which takes place in Lewes in East Sussex which appeared to caterer for adults as well as children. I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival, carousel and vintage rides as well as amazing food selections and the biggest hit for us was the snail racing. Yes snail racing, the children spent and hour man handling these poor snails.
 

The festival was a mix of food, vintage and fashion. Would recommend for next year.
 

This was as beautiful session out in the fresh air. Victoria looked amazing in the blue dress and the wind sometimes conspired against us be I think for the better.
 

I love maternity shoots whether in the studio or out on location. Such an amazing thing to document and what a lovely memory to look back on. Time passed so fast that maternity seems such a fleeting moment and then you have your beautiful bundle to kiss and cuddle. I always found I missed my bump a bit, in a strange way, because I have what I have been waiting for in my arms but it feels like part of you is missing.
 

We ventured out to a place of natural beauty to photograph in natural light. The light under the trees was so soft and set of Jazz's English rose complexion and stunning hair. Gold and cream dress set her off beautifully.

I love this shot of Jazz, head on knees near the buttercups. Her hair set beautifully against the back drop.
 

Those wings........................ Who doesn't love a set of wings and a fairy dress. I love this shot because it's so simple. Just a fairy going about her fairy way.
 

Her beautiful hair soaked up the summer sun.

Little contemplator...........................
 

Albert was such a smily little man. A very happy little chappy!
 

Albert and his big brother and sister.
 

And his beautiful sister.
 

I always think it's so important to capture the little things. I love details whether is baby fingers, little toes or pouty lips. These things change so quickly and it is lovely to have these moments frozen in time.
 

We forget so quickly how very tiny our babies were, regardless of their weight, etc. When we look back we never think our babies were ever that small.
 

One of my favourite couple photos. You can feel the love it's so tangible.

When I was pregnant with all of my children I had a maternity photo session for me to capture and remember. Every bump so different from the other and the growth of my family as siblings began to fill the frames as well as my bumps. I can not say I felt at my best at each time but I enjoyed being pregnant just trying to fathom that a life was growing inside me! Each picture holds special memories, reminding me of the characters of my bumps. My daughter used to push into my ribs and I remember on many occasions digging something out of an uncomfortable position. I remember she always had hiccups, which is the oddest sensation ever and nothing you can do about it. My son was very lazy, hardly moved, actually both the boys caused many a trip to the maternity ward just to be sure.
 

But every picture reminds me how wonderful and amazing my body is and what great things I can achieve.

I had the pleasure of photographing Hannah whilst she was coming to the end of her pregnancy and I could see this beautiful lady before me who was making a miracle.
 

I think it's lovely to be able to include siblings in maternity shoots also. It's lovely to make memories together.

It was a chilly windy autumnal day out in one of the most beautiful places in East Sussex. Beautiful brick walls and distressed doors, my idea of heaven. 
 

We had to get the wings out..............
 

I love to photograph women when they are preparing for the arrival of their precious bundles. So many women feel uncomfortable in their skin at this time but i think it's a precious time to capture an amazing memory. 

My poor children had to suffer me and my camera on one of our days out.
 

As part of the wedding day, I also spent time with the groom and groomsmen as they prepared for the big day!
 

The Dress, the shoes and the flowers!
 

The art of the lace up dress.
 

The nervous wait....................................
 

An now I pronounce you husband and wife....................................................
 

Mr and Mrs
 

 The First Dance -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvMVCHhwTPs
 

Sledge  We had the sledge and tree. Loved using the artificial snow, which ended up everywhere!
 

Special delivery!
 

Dinner for Father Christmas and the reindeer.
 

The location was in the Garden room of the Grand in Eastbourne. It was prestine in its décor with beautiful white roses adorning every chair and stunning candled centre pieces.
 

The food looked amazing and many an unusual game was played during proceedings!
 

The Fork, Knife and spoon game being one of many games!
 

A tap dancing and dancing set of sisters started the evenings entertainment.
 

Followed by a Pole dancing display from Active Cherry http://activecherry.com/
 

An amazing evening ending with dancing and live music.
 

And the raffle.
 

But not only does she make clothes, she also makes keepsake boxes and bunnies, etc

A women of many talents.

Finally the Grooms!
 

Wow! I can't believe it has been 4 years since I photographed this wedding. Time does fly.

ShoesWhat great shoes.

Meet the new Mr and Mrs.................!

The first dance.

Bridal prep in the morning. 

Alison's beautiful dress. Her mother had made alterations to make the dress her own.

This was the shot I was most worried about. Alison said if i got no other shot, she wanted the look on Ben's face as she walked down the aisle.

Welcome the new Mr and Mrs..................................

One of my favorite places to photograph. So many hidden gems.

A very beautiful and unusual wedding cake.

What a wonderful day and a great look back!

Cinnamon Meringue, they tasted as good as they looked.

The most amazing tomatoes from Borough Market.

Something fizzy. And the most amazing looking loaf of bread.

Setting the scene for the beginning of a story book!

Hansel and Gretel.

Little Red Riding Hood.

And Sleeping Beauty.

What a lovely day despite the weather we were able to let creativity flow and our imaginations run wild!

On Pointe!

 Imagine the pressure on your toes. Amazing! I love this pose, how easy she makes it look.

Simple elegance.

I loved doing this shoot. Amazing!

It's amazing the patience she has and the outcome of the patience. I always think it is important to continue to train in whatever field you are specialising in because you can always learn something and I don't think you can be the best without learning from those around you wether they are big names in the newborn photography industry or your peers.
 

The first 4 shots are posed by Tracy in training conditions:
 

Then I got the chance to pose this beautiful little girl:
 

What a beautiful little girl. It just shows that even at 3 weeks old babies can be beautifully posed. It takes a little more time and patience but I think in this case it paid off!
 

It seems strange to find inspiration in places so sad and quiet but I have always loved old churches and ruins so for me this is a place of beauty as well as place of loss and thought.
 

The image of an angel so beautiful and full of thought. She gaurds the gates as you go into the Cemetary, the first imposing image. Pain and awe!
 

Take my hand!  The images within a Cemetary. 'Take my hand!'
 

These images for me evoke a mixture of emotions, both good and bad. If you like these and would like to see the rest of the images please look in the 'Something Different' gallery in my portfolio.