Continuing on from last weeks blog post I wanted to share what keeps me sane during the winter months. As much as I naturally want to hibernate and the fight is real, I noticed more than ever I need to keep up with my fitness. As crazy as it sounds I really need my cold winter runs to keep me happy. It literally makes me tolerate the cold. This made me think of some fitness images I took of Stuart a few weeks back. What is your favourite form of exercise? I enjoy yoga, running and swimming, especially as the gym has a sauna and steam room.

​  

So the days are starting to feel shorter, the morning are fresher and often foggy. Winter is coming. Now, I must confess that as we have had a rather non-existent summer (except for that one week heatwave), I am not ready for those super short days. I struggle to find motivation when those endless grey days hits. However, I am trying to focus on the winter actives that bring me joy. Scented candles, endless cups of tea, warm chunky knits, hot chocolates, tulips and that winter sunshine are what I am looking forward too. What winter actives are you looking forward to?


 

Earlier this week I caught up with a client and over coffee we had a big catch up as well as a brain storming session. It made me realise just how important it is to take a moment and reassess your goals. It can be easy to get caught up in the continual pressure to create content but more often than not, the content that does well has been thoroughly planned. I often say, it takes a lot of effort to create that effortless look that people love. 

I first started out in video production where everything was storyboarded and planned down to the minute. I then spent many years working in events where often you had very little information. It was a steep learning curve but it made me a better shooter as I started to constantly analyse the moment,  trying to work out the best way to capture the occasion as well as keeping a step ahead of the event. 

Now I personally like to ask clients a few questions before the shoot. For me, I like to be provided with a mood board and list of deliverables. This helps me understand what you need me to capture on the day. I will always try to over deliver as I want to make sure you have everything you need and then some potential options. At the same time I will often head to a shoot with very little information and that is okay too. Sometimes you aren't given many details which lends to a more creative input. Often the best ideas are ones that come from the moment and as much as you plan things will go wrong. When this happens, and it will, I have learnt the most important tool is not to stress. No matter how bad the situation. I have some crazy stories but this post is long enough already. What is the worst thing that has happened to you on a shoot?
 
​

So I have had a few wedding enquiries recently and as we were meant to get married this month (which like many couples has been rescheduled) have been thinking a lot about that big day. This year I have captured three inimate weddings and after everything we have all gone through it felt even more precious to celebrate love. Honestly, not a dry eye in the house. Me included. On my last job I brought my film camera to capture some candid moments. A little extra surprise for the couple as I personally love using film. Always a little nervous until you get the rushes back as you never know what you were able to capture. Thought I would share a few images with you this week as we try to finalise our plans.