10 shoots of 2023

Storyteller and Photographer of people.

When people ask me what type of photography I do, I say “I love to photograph people”, because that’s really what it comes down to. I love capturing connections, feelings and emotions, and whether that is at a wedding, a family shoot, or meeting the the person behind a small business, I love telling your stories through my photography. 

To Niche or not to Niche?

Against all marketing advice, I can’t see myself ever  ‘niching down’ (well, never say never. I never said I’d become an accountant, but that’s a story for another day). Right now, I love the variety of the subjects that I’ve been given the opportunity to photograph, and because every shoot has been so different, I’ve always had to be on my toes and alert to the details, so I can feel the emotions that make each shoot so unique. It helps me to capture not only how the day looked, but also how it felt.

10 moments of 2023.

At the start of 2024, I wanted to take a look back at 10 shoots I did last year, and what made them memorable. If you are interested in what a photographer of people captures, read on. 

1. Micro Weddings

SARAH AND FRANCO’S WINTER WEDDING AT CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL

I’ve photographed a couple of weddings here now, and what a venue! One of my favourite parts of weddings here is the beautiful West London streets for some couple portraits after the ceremony. To me, this photo is timeless, it could have been taken in any month in any year (for the record it was 20th December) and the Victorian houses are so charming, and so London.

2. Bridal Prep

Victoria and daniel's wedding

Bridal prep is one of my favourite parts of the wedding day, the calm before the storm. I love this quiet moment with Victoria, doing her bridesmaid’s make up. This photo encapsulates Victoria’s selflessness. Such a lovely human who, even on her wedding day, was making sure that everyone else was ok.

3. Family shoot

Autumn family photoshoot in Forty Hall, Enfield.

I’ve had the privilege to photograph this lovely family twice now. The first time was last September when I did a preschool shoot with Davina and her little boy. This year she invited me back to photograph her whole family. 

We have both loved looking back and seeing how much her son has grown in that time and reminiscing about our first shoot together. Children grow up so quickly and we can't freeze time, but we can freeze the memories with photos and relive them whenever we choose. Such a lovely idea to have a family tradition of an annual photoshoot. 

4. Newborn Shoot

At home newborn photo shoot

I have done a couple of newborn shoots this year but a special shout out to my baby nephew. Overwhelmed with emotion at becoming an auntie to my brother’s little boy! Of course I photographed the baby in his very early days, and it was such an honour to be able to capture this newborn stage and share these with my brother and our family.

5. Styled Shoot

Styled wedding shoot in notting Hill

This year I did my first styled shoot, which was an incredible experience.  Can we just take a moment for this incredible dress?! I love lace. It was organised by Myprettiestworkshops in the colourful streets of Notting Hill, London. I loved meeting other wedding photographers, and getting creative without the adrenalin of shooting  a real wedding day!

6. Community

being part of creative communities and supporting local businesses

Being self-employed can sometimes be a quiet and lonely gig, so this year I really enjoyed being part of “Lens11” and “SNAP” (communities for photographers and other creative businesses), as well as networking with my local community. It’s led to headshot swaps of other photographers, street photography in London, photography of local events supporting fellow small businesses.

7. Branding shoot

Full branding shoot including photography and videography for Ruth’s Sewing Studio

Ruth got in touch because she wanted some new photos for her website and social media, in particular she was keen to have some photos of herself, so she could share some “Meet the maker” posts with her customers.  

“The photo you took of my rainbow bag keeps being included in my next Christmas market’s advertising. I don't think they'd have included it if it was my photography. Thanks for helping lift my coverage. It makes a big difference.”

Ruth is now armed with a whole gallery of photographs and video clips (including a ready-to-upload reel) that she has been using for 3 months already across her social media and website, saving her so much precious time that she can use to sew her beautiful bespoke pieces instead!

8. Stills photography

short film "The bell never rings again" for one of nine ltd

Being on set was exactly as I expected, yet an equally surreal experience. From the director, to makeup artist, to lighting, to everyone in between, it was humbling to be around so many talented,  creative people. The film is being released later this year and I can't wait to see it all come together.

9. Short film

A Christmas Story - “The Spirit of Christmas”

This is the year that I learnt to shoot film alongside my photography. My photography style is relaxed and candid, and as part of that I love to capture movement and natural interactions, and those small details and moments. Capturing that in film form, adds an additional element to bring to the story. I originally started filming to capture family moments that we could watch back together, and this is “Our Christmas story”.

10. Travel

family holiday to bude, cornwall

One of the things that got me into photography was documenting travels and family. Alongside shooting for clients, it’s so important for me to continue creating photos, experimenting and trying new techniques. This photo was taken of my niece with my underwater camera on a holiday to Bude, Cornwall.