Why not say I love you with a Valentine’s engagement photoshoot?  Heres my reasoning and some ideas that might work for you. The perfect gift Whether recently engaged, or you are planning to pop the question on February 14th, a Valentine’s engagement photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate your love for each other.  Engagement photoshoots are very popular. They’re a great way to practice for the wedding with your photographer, spend quality time together ahead of the madness of the nuptials, as well as create stunning photos before you end one chapter of your relationship, and start another.   But, how do you ensure it’s fun and personal? Here are our top tips for Valentine’s engagement photoshoots. Location, Location, Location Think of places that mean something to you as a couple – was your first date a picnic by the river? Why not go back? Fell in love watching a band at your local? Start the photoshoot there. Essex and is full of beautiful locations, but if you want to go further afieild, thats fine too! Think about local areas that have an interesting backdrop. At this time of year, spring is peaking through, with winter still laying its head. Choose venues in the country with some stunning views.  Or […]

Business branding – Is 2019 set to be your business’s year to transform into a beautiful butterfly, emerging from its wintery cocoon? Are you just getting started and need something to stand out from your competitors? To make an impact, it’s vital you make sure you’ve nailed your imagery and re-brand your business in 2019, so trash those boring product shots and sterile head shots – it’s time for a branding revamp! You might already have professional photos taken for your business, be they product shots, personal branding photography or images of your team. You might think that because you have them in the bag, you don’t need anymore, but there are three good reasons why you should refresh your branding shots at least every year. Calamitea Jane Tea Parties brand shoot – Images copyright of The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography Evolution As a small business, there’s a good chance (especially in the first year or two) that your business will go through a lot of changes. Branding gets updated, products are added to the line or ditched altogether and teams can expand over time.  Having a website showing old, non-existent products or team members who no longer work for you […]

Something brides often talk to me about is their tattoos. Many of us have them now days – some of us are proud of our body art and some of us are embarrassed by the dodgy Chinese proverb we got that time in Malaga. But even brides who are proud of their tattoos can be keen to cover them up – many couples want their wedding to be timeless; they don’t want to look back at photos and say “what were we thinking?!” My point of view is this: If you’re proud of your tatts, get them out. (Please note, I’m thinking of arms, backs, that kind of thing – I’m not suggesting you wear chaps to the altar to make sure everyone can see your favourite bum tattoo!) There’s always a chance that in a few decades you won’t agree with some of your style choices, but so what? You might fall out of love with your back tattoo, but you also might go off your dress, your flowers, your partner! (Just kidding!) It’s all part of the day and if you love it on the day, I will capture it for you. Because that’s the whole point of photography – to capture the moment, as it […]

I had the pleasure of photographing Ceri and Craig’s wedding back in July, but it didn’t end there. They invited me to come and take some newlywed images too.  We take photographs to commemorate or announce an engagement, to remember our wedding day and to mark other major milestones in life, but have you ever considered scheduling a newlywed photo shoot? Believe it or not, the popularity of newlywed photo sessions has been on the rise the past few years. Wondering why so many newly wedded couples are opting for a post-wedding photo shoot? There are plenty of reasons why brides and their grooms should put serious thought into how they document their first few days, weeks or months as Mr. and Mrs. One of the reasons why couples are choosing newlywed photo sessions is because they capture him and her in their natural “habitat”. Instead of posing for formal pictures or group shots, a newlywed photo shoot is much more intimate, which means it encapsulates the excitement shared between the two as they embark on the journey of married life. This also allows couples to involve themes and props that showcase the love between them, a mutual passion or […]

The beauty of birth photography lies in the event itself. The passion, pain and anticipation etched on the expectant mother’s face. Those tender and supportive touches the father gives; and, the crowning glory and priceless victory of finally seeing the child for the first time. Saying that birth pictures are beautiful is an understatement.  I understand the sentiments of expecting parents of someone taking pictures during these very private moments of their child’s birth; the fears of intrusion into an intimate space. I’ve experienced childbirth and motherhood five times over. Every day I still marvel at those moments as each birth is different from another. And if I had the chance I would have captured and encapsulated those moments with a camera. Now that I am a full-fledged professional photographer, taking on the task of capturing these moments is as memorable for me as that of the parents. Birth photography is just as personal to me as to the parents. And because the event always comes unexpectedly, I am “on call” and will be right there as needed. Birth photography is not financial gain for a photographer but rather a calling in keeping memories alive. It is the love for […]