18 Feb 2018

Newborn and Family Photo Shoots

by admin | posted in: Lifestyle, little ones, Maternity, New born | 0

Another busy half term comes to an end and it’s back to the school routine tomorrow… so Sunday night is all about reflecting on the wonderful time spent with my family and looking forward to planning more adventures for the future. A few weeks ago I posted a selection of my favourite photos from weddings over the past 12 months so tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity to post a few images from some family and newborn shoots.

I absolutely adore newborn and family photoshoots….capturing memories for people is such an honour. The shoots are always relaxed and fun, either at home or a special location. Last year I photographed several family reunions in gorgeous holiday cottages across Devon…which gave me a few ideas for holidays of my own! With Spring just around the corner now is a perfect time to book your family photo shoot in the sunshine…

If you would me to capture your own family or a special occasion, please do get in touch here xxx

9 Jun 2016

Irena’s family photo shoot at Bantham Beach

by admin | posted in: film, Lifestyle, little ones, portraits, Uncategorized | 0

I used to visit Bantham beach as a child and I have vague memories of rolling sand dunes and surfers. I was reminded of how beautiful the beach is when I visited for Irena’s family shoot late last summer. The picturesque landscape and clear turquoise water made it a perfect location for a shoot and even though it was a busy summer’s afternoon we still managed to find some quiet areas to give the images an intimate feel.

Irena wanted her shoot to have a relaxed feel to it and for me to capture herself and her children naturally, enjoying time as a family by the sea.

Thank you Irena for inviting me to spend time with you and your beautiful children. I have since been back to this beach several times this summer with my twins- they love it! A great place for a family photo shoot! x

Fancy your own family photo shoot at a location of your choice? Get in touch here

Thanks x

20 Jul 2015

Jess and Harry

by admin | posted in: Lifestyle, little ones, New born | 0

Jess contacted me a few months ago asking if I could take some photos of her and her gorgeous son Harry as a Father’s Day surprise for her husband. Obviously I was more than happy to oblige and even more happy when Jess told me “he loved them”

Here are a few of my favourites xx

23 Jun 2015

Baby Leo (not a skateboard in sight!)

by admin | posted in: film, Lifestyle, little ones, Maternity, New born | 0

A few months ago I was invited to photograph baby Leo at his home. It was a gorgeous sunny day as I drove along the coastal road to Anna and Bob’s home; a light filled house with seaside coloured décor and views overlooking the River Teign estuary.

Perfect.

And it really was.

I frequently look on Pinterest and other sites for ideas for my photography as I sometimes feel that I’m not being creative enough. There is so much competition in this industry and I started to doubt myself.

This photographer is doing this, that photographer is doing that…..

Am I being creative enough? Should I buy some props to take on shoots?

The other day I found a photo online of a new born baby on a skateboard.

Yes you read that right. A SKATEBOARD! And another was on a motorbike (apparently the dad was supporting the bike)

It just baffles me how people feel the need to introduce all sorts of bizarre props when right there in front of you is the most BEAUTIFUL baby, their legs curled up, their tiny little fingers and toes. Their perfectly soft hair. And complete overwhelming LOVE that is right before your eyes. And I decided that is enough for me.

And it was more than enough that day. It was amazing; the light flooded into the house, perfect for shooting with film. We didn’t need any baskets, watering cans, skateboards or motorbikes(!) to make this shoot an absolute pleasure to be part of. Thank you so much Anna, Bob, big sister Sophie and baby Leo for reaffirming my belief that all you need is LOVE xxxx

10 Jan 2015

In the studio with Beau Tie

by admin | posted in: fashion, groom, Lifestyle, wedding, wedding planning | 0

Are you currently planning your wedding and want something a bit different for your groom? Or perhaps you are a guest at an upcoming wedding and looking for something dapper for your man to wear? Look no further…

A few months ago I was lucky enough to visit the studio of British designer Emma Phipps of Beau Tie, who specialises in making men’s accessories (bow ties, pocket squares and skinny ties) hair bows and women’s bow ties. Emma’s products are lovingly handmade from carefully sourced fabric including vintage and recycled material. The “English Gentleman” image is what inspired Emma to start her company. Many of Emma’s customers are grooms looking for something a bit different for their wedding day.

Nowadays grooms are taking more of an interest in what they want to wear on their special day, and as a wedding photographer I am seeing more and more grooms teaming their outfit with quirky accessories. Over the past year I have photographed cute bow ties, pocket squares with maps printed on them, brightly coloured bird cufflinks and vintage Ted Baker shoes. Men love to accessorise just as much as us girls! Hand made is HUGELY popular right now and the last few years have seen websites like Etsy grow in popularity as brides and grooms want something bespoke for their special day.

If you are a bride or groom looking for something a bit different then check out the cute bow ties, skinny ties and pocket squares. Emma also makes hair bows for women, perhaps ‘his n hers’ matching bow ties would make a quirky addition for your evening outfit?

I fell in love with Emma’s studio as soon as I walked in. I had a sudden urge to dig my sewing machine out as soon as I got home and start sewing! Hundreds of pieces of coloured fabric are organised in harmonising colour order on shelves, mannequins have skinny ties draped around them, a vintage sewing machine sits near the window and a map of the world, complete with pins in the countries Emma has sold to, adorns the wall.

After seeing the fantastic quality of the bowties first hand I put a request in for two little matching bow ties for my twin boys! As Emma worked on her machine and I snapped away on my Canon 1V, we got chatting about her business:

1. When and why did you start up your own business?

I started making the initial plans and setting up in October 2012 so I’ve just gone into my third year (which is crazy!). I studied fashion with business at Portsmouth University and, after graduating, worked in a few retail jobs. But I knew my passion was to run my very own business so I started looking into ideas and making plans. I’d always been into men’s fashion, particularly the well-dressed gentleman, so it was a logical step for me to create products that could enhance that look. I began working hard on my days off and evenings after work to really build it up. It didn’t take long for me to realise that if I wanted to put my whole heart and soul into it, I would need to put more time in, so in July 2013 I took the plunge to become full-time self-employed, and I’ve never looked back!

2. Who is your target customer?

My main customer base is brides (and sometimes grooms) looking for their ideal groomsmen accessories to help them look super dapper! I often get custom requests and work with the customer to help create something original for that special day.

3. What are the benefits of running your own business?

There are many benefits to being your own boss! You can be flexible with your days/weeks, work to your own deadlines and run with your decisions without having to check with others. You are in control of your own time which sounds (and sometimes is) very daunting, but it’s a very powerful feeling too! You become a bit of a one man band so you have to be super motivated, organised, work incredibly hard and time management is key, but I’ve learnt so much and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

4. What advice would you give to grooms when planning their wedding attire?

Good suit, good shoes and good hair, followed by attention to detail with your accessories- don’t be afraid of prints, and colour! I love the inspiring ideas my customers come up with, and it’s so rewarding when I get to see the final results being worn in their wedding photos!

All images are shot on Kodak Portra 400

Beau Tie’s online shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeauBowTies