Reasons to be cheerful....part 1

Its Sunday evening - its been a crazy couple of weeks  and I have many reasons to be cheerful at the moment - Brighton one week for the awesome Burlesque workshop and then a family holiday in Scotland where I conquered my fears of T bars and button lifts on the ski slopes! 


I have had time to do lots of thinking an planning recently, long journeys and having some time out is good for my soul I think, and I wanted to share my thoughts a little. I have photographed all sorts over the past couple of years, amazing weddings, christenings, families, models and even some beautiful (??) electrical components!!! I love photographing anything, its what I do, its part of who I am now but I am starting to identify the bits that give me the biggest buzz, the most fun...and surely thats what its all about??


I am not going to stop photographing all the lovely things I have mentioned.....did I tell you about the cardboard factory shoot.....maybe another day..... but I want to spend lots of time photographing all you gorgeous ladies who I know have a little read of my Blog now and again...yes you.... even the quiet ones who never leave a message! Now I know what you are all saying;


1, I am not photogenic


2, I hate having my photograph taken


3, I look rubbish in photographs


4, Its too expensive


5, I shouldn't spend the money on me


6, Is it not a bit vain to have a photo session just for me?


Am I right? Well, you are all gorgeous, and you have to trust me to photograph you in the most gorgeous way, you have to know that I have all the same hang ups as you and I know just how you feel about your creases, and wobbly bits, but great posing, lighting and a touch of fairy dust makes all the difference...... just look at this image of the gorgeous Vicky - who was very brave and let me do a before and after shot of her

I promise that the image on the right has only been edited very lightly and its the light, pose and make up that has done the rest!!! Doesn't she look amazing?


There is nothing wrong in indulging in some pampering and this is exactly what a portrait photography session is, especially if you decide to have a professional make up artist too, the difference is that this type of pampering gives you something to keep forever - photographs, for you to look at and remind you just how fabulous you are or to share with your partner or family.
As for this being expensive - there is a cost involved of course but there is never a hard sell, I will always talk to you about what you want before we even start shooting, you will know what the cost of everything is in advance....so you might have to save up a little bit but is that so bad? Or you could ask for gift vouchers for your Birthday or for Mothers Day which is coming around soon!!!


And the bit about you not being photogenic - you really have to trust me on this one - yes you are, it just may be that you have never had photographs taken of you that you like, that no one has taken the time to find your best bits, to help you with posing and to take the time to make you comfortable being in front of the camera - thats my job, you just need to turn up and have fun


So here is a little test for you, I asked people on my Facebook page to help me describe my style as I am working on my new website this year, they were brilliant and came up with lots of great words to help me describe what I do, I started to realise though that these same words describe you - my future clients, my lovely ladies who are just dying to take the plunge and be photographed. 
So the test is to find the words that describe YOU in this word cloud and let me know, if you can't find the words then tell me the 3 words that best describe you - and they can only be positive, nothing negative, tell me about you, what you love about yourself!!

Liverpool and Love!

Lindsay contacted me towards the end of last year to arrange a photoshoot for herself and boyfriend George. She is a keen photographer , but, as usual, she prefers to be behind the camera and so wanted some images of her and George together. It was lovely working with Lindsay to plan this shoot - she really wanted it to take place somewhere that has meaning for the 2 of them and as they met at The Albert Dock in Liverpool we decided to start there and over a coffee I found out a bit more about them - yes I am nosy but one of the best things about being a photographer is getting to know the people I photograph! 


I have decided that Lindsay has the best job ever - she works for Jaffa Cakes - the company that is - she doesn't get paid in Jaffa cakes! I also found out how much they love to go walking and Ingleton is one of their favourite places to visit - and it looks like I am going to be asked back to photograph them there this year which will be wonderful. Photoshoots should be a special occasion, they should be personal and that includes the location - I am more than happy to travel - me and Tallulah love an adventure..... Tallulah - my SMART car.... I really need to introduce you to her sometime!


So we started at the Albert Dock and wandered along the wonderful river front then headed to the docks area. Lindsay had seen pictures of Bob Dylan sitting on steps in the area when he visited in 1966 and so we went hunting for the same steps! And we found them!  Heres the link to the original images of  Dylan. 


So, dare I say that Valentines day is on its way and also its a Leap year! Lots of opportunities for romance and showing the world just how you feel about each other....... a photoshoot is the perfect way of doing this, celebrating a new relationship, an engagement, an anniversary.... whatever the occasion, I can be there to help to record the moment, wherever you may be......Tallulah is waiting!!!!

Many thanks to George for showing just how much he enjoyed the afternoon - thumbs up !!!!!