Spring is just around the corner....

Chocolate covered smiles.

I thought that I would take this next blog post as an oppurtunity to talk about childrens shoots. What people have in mind intially I think is their child sat, very quietly, hands carefully folded on lap. If you can get a child to do that that I commend you. I however, dont have that ability. What I do have though is patience.Bags of it. And to me I find children are much more beautiful and true when they are laughing and generally just being them. If it is chocolate faces and muddy hands, missing teeth, showing me how they colour or a tea party with their favourite toys. This is them, this is the world they live in that makes them who they are. I like to embrace this. So,that is why I offer on my package 1-3 hours. Sometimes a child is ready for their close up within the first 5 minutes...others just want a bit more time.

For this next shoot we just did it in the family home. I talked to Lucy before hand about an idea for Lydia. The idea was that she bake. Small children have a tendacy to have a 'camera' smile which is not the one you want. So distraction is the key. I know that a 4 year old is much more interested in making chocolate crispy buns that what I am doing with my camera. Which allows me to get the most natural side. Just an idea for any one who is interested.. a walk. A jigsaw. Face painting. A Tea party or even playing army. When they are relaxed and comfortable, they look relaxed and comfortable...

Delicious

Life is sweet. Make the time to taste it.......

Us.

You make my soul smile.

Happy Valentines Day xx

Michael and Gabriel

It was love. That's what their day was centred around. There were no fancy cars or expensive trimmings. But there was love.Lots.Plain, simple, beautiful love.

Michael and Gabriel you are such sweet people. I hope you enjoy your images. x

Frank

It started in 2001. I don’t remember quite what it was, but we became instant friends. We had the same ideas, laughed at the same jokes, and lived to the same morals. It’s 10 years down the line and we share the same ideas, laugh at the same jokes and live to the same morals. But now we are a tad grown up!
Sarah recently acquired Frank. Or, Franky Boo-Boo as he more regularly gets called. He’s small, cute and flaaarrffy. I do not ordinarily do pet pictures apart from the boys of course but Frank is honestly like her child, so I guess it was like a family portrait session! So, I’m in!
We definitely had fun and it was quite a challenge. The thing that this shoot reinforced in me was to have fun. It is not all about pin sharp – perfect exposure and artistic genius composition. If the moment is in the picture, if you can look at an image and laugh, or remember, or feel something, to me - that gives you more than just a technically perfect image can give
** note to readers.. I do aim to offer technically perfect with feeling images ;-)**

So enjoy these images.. they are fun!

Happy Wednesday!

Packed, ready and waiting.

Its late. Way past my bed time.But, I'm packed. My luggage is sat there, waiting for the morning. Tomorrow I go to Limoux,France. Sunshine and relaxation here I come. The start of this year has been a whirlwind, and is not showing any signs of slowing down.... But I like it.

So for any emails that you send, I am not ignoring you. I will be in touch on my return. But I'll leave you with a small snippet from today.

Nikoló

This is one part of my job that I love. This is when you know, that doing what you love, is totally worth it! When I walked into their new home, one of the first things that I saw on the living room wall was a picture from their wedding. And straight away I remembered their day, and the moment that I took the picture. It was happiness in a frame. Pure happiness, bubbling over with laughter and love.
Anna and Elio had invited me back this time to take pictures of their new bundle – Nicoló. He. Is. Gorgeous. We started off downstairs in the Living room and lucky for me the new home as big windows. Big light giving windows. We stayed there for a while, giving him time to warm up to the camera – but he didn’t need the practice, this boy is a natural.
We moved up stairs to his bedroom. With his books wrapped in ribbon that his grandfather had given him. The Manchester United Teddy from his Uncle, and the hand sewn cushion from Sicily from his aunts. You realise that this Nicoló is very much a new family favourite. He was brilliant – he gave me mean and moody – giggles and just plain adorable looks...

Anna and Elio thank you for letting me take these for you. I hope you enjoy them. X