2020 started with an exciting full diary across all my photography genres of business, events, weddings and Families. It therefore seems a bit bonkers to be writing my first ever blog, in what turned out to be one the quietest working years for me since I began my photography business 7 years ago.

With the way the year has gone I guess it’s pretty fitting too.

Putting this round up of 2020 together has been really lovely. It’s reminded me that despite this tough year, that there have been many wonderful moments of absolute joy, that I have been lucky to be part of.

From the incredible, adaptable and positive souls whose weddings went ahead. Though much changed – it was heart bursting and an honour to be counted amongst your few to capture this special event for you.

I salute all my fellow suppliers, including registrars, MUA’s, venues and cake makers who worked incredibly hard make it happen, sometimes with just 48 hours’ notice. In these times it really showed that LOVE WON THROUGH.

To the wonderful families I was able to capture. I cannot thank you enough for welcoming me into your homes and on your favourite walks. It was a joy to spend time with you all celebrating your lives and little people.

And to the Businesses I have been able to work with this year, I am excited for your year ahead and hope my images help in these challenging times.

What else I happened?

  • Those of you who know me, know I smile A LOT. The whole mask wearing thing has been tricky for me as a smiler. However, as a previously trained actress I can smile with my eyes. So far, I’m pretty confident this hasn’t scared anyone off. Or at least not suffering any long lasting damaging effects!
  • I did some volunteer photography work with Rushmoor Volunteer Services. I photographed many amazing people who were interviewed for their volunteer work over lockdown, helping in their communities. It was very special and humbling to hear their stories. The website with my images will be going live in February.
  • I got to design and deliver some gorgeous wedding albums and wall products. Thank you so much for your orders.
  • My image from a styled shoot at Minley Manor was on the front cover of the May/June issue of Your Hampshire and Dorset Magazine
  • I continued with my photography training online, with the most fantastic photography and business clever chops.  Like Chris Chambers, Anna Hardy, the guys at Nine Dots, The Guild of Photographers, the wonderful Julie Christie at Togs In Business and Graphi Studios. All to make my business better and even stronger for 2021.
  • A big thanks to the lovely Vicki Knights and Eddie Judd at Shoot Edit Chat Repeat for their podcasts, and to the very marvellous Ange Ward Brown whose all female photography group has been great, giving advice and making me laugh in the darkest of times.
  • I celebrated, albeit a lot more quietly than planned, 20 years married to Tom
  • I completed 1 week shy of the Couch-to-5k. Not completed due to the dog ramming into my knee, causing months of nonsense in pain and physiotherapy. Ridiculously frustrating not to complete it as I really am not a runner. Perhaps I will start again when it’s not quite so chilly.
  • I grew my over plucked 80s eyebrows back.
  • I won some awards for my photography with The Guild of Photographers. Namely a Silver Award, which has been a long term goal of mine. See below.
  • I learnt that with more time on my hands, I am still not going to complete those upcycling and craft projects hidden in my loft and gave most of them away.
  • After many years of disparaging comments to my lovely friends and kind offers to go camping – I finally did and found much to my surprise. I loved it.
  • The year ended with a new addition to my services and that is personal branding photography with the very lovely Jenny Knight as my first customer. I have worked with Jenny in her role as a Celebrant (which she and her team are magnificent at) and she is about to launch a new business in 2021. Watch this space.

And finally

To the families shoots I didn’t get to do, due to restrictions – I really look forward to seeing you later in 2021.

To all my couples who weren’t able to get married this year. I send my love, enormous thanks for your kindness to me in spite of all the awfulness that was going on for you and your plans.

To these couples and my new bookings for 2021 and 2022. I know when we do meet again for your wedding it’s going to be one hell of a celebration.

Take care all and here’s to a Happy 2021.

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