Wow, another year has zipped by. Another birthday and both my boys are kicking off new school adventures.
At the beginning of this year, progress in photography was gradual. However, I received a pleasant early surprise when I was nominated for an award for two images I submitted to the Fine Art Photography Awards (as shown).
Wow, my Bluebell Photo shoots were the most bustling ever, and I had the pleasure of capturing some fantastic families and children! Among them was a cherished regular client and a returning client whose photos I took several years back. Back then, it was a 1st birthday shoot amidst the buttercups, and this year, we celebrated another 1st birthday in the enchanting bluebells, complete with balloons for an extra touch of magic!
With these images I experimented with a slightly different editing style, though I am currently uncertain about it. I have observed that my perception of edited photos can vary from day to day. Generally, maintaining a consistent editing style is advisable to ensure clients know what to expect. However, I find that each image communicates differently, and a particular style may be suitable for one photo shoot or image but not for another. Additionally, I am continually experimenting, as my work is constantly evolving, and I find repetition monotonous.
The summer was as lively as a sloth on a lazy Sunday! The weather was gloomier than a cat stuck in a rainstorm, and the election had everyone as jittery as cats in a room full of rocking chairs. Plus, it seemed like wallets were tighter than a pair of skinny jeans after Thanksgiving dinner—mine included! I think everyone has been feeling the pinch this year.
This year marked a change, as it was the first in four years without an equine promo shoot. I had coordinated with the team at the stunning Leonardslee Gardens in West Sussex for an autumn shoot, but financial constraints redirected my plans. I am now aiming for 2025.
I am looking forward to an exciting equine portfolio day scheduled for April. The event will feature a beautifully attired model, birds of prey, and a grand stately home as the backdrop.
One of the most thrilling highlights of this year, besides my photo award, was an incredible equine job I landed in the autumn at a Stud. I was over the moon to find out that I'd be photographing a select group of mares and foals from the 350 they have, all owned by none other than an Arab Prince!
The backdrop was a breathtaking building, rumored to be one of Henry the Eighth's hunting lodges. I arrived quite unassumingly, wearing my budget-friendly agricultural store wellies, and when I stumbled upon this hidden gem, my jaw dropped in awe! It dropped again when I received a 'tip' just for staying an extra 10 minutes, and it wasn't only because it was my first one ever!
A few days later, they asked me to come back and snap some pics of one of their mares decked out in a rug with the logo of a super exclusive, members-only fashion brand.
Becoming their preferred photographer would be a remarkable opportunity. However, I am uncertain if my work met their expectations, even though the images I provided helped finance Christmas and significantly improved my year.
I captured numerous photographs of children in my Christmas sleigh while attending two primary school Christmas fairs, in addition to conducting my annual Christmas photo sessions at the village hall.
The new fireplace backdrop I invested in at the end of last year was very well received.
This year concluded on a more positive note than it began. Today, I dispatched the final batch of the year's photographs to their respective clients. Additionally, I captured a few more images for some clients today. However, they will receive these images in the new year, as I am now officially on leave!
I will leave you with a selection of festive images featuring exquisite horses adorned with a garland, meticulously crafted for me by 'Grace and Eve Floral' https://www.instagram.com/graceandevefloral/
Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!!
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