The Power of the Photograph to Evoke Feelings of Joy

Sibling love.

Over the years I have had the privilege of photographing your children – from when they were babies, right up to adulthood to create a story of their lives for all to reflect on. It always fills me with joy when I see these photographs from years gone by framed and taking pride of place in your homes.

I’m showcasing a few photographs of two brothers I started photographing seven years ago when they were two years eight months and eight months old.

Every April the photo-shoots take place in a local woodland that is filled with the most beautiful bluebells. And this year, 2022, was no different, other than they have a sister who was introduced to the photo-shoots in 2019.

Take a look at the gallery below, by clicking on the white arrows on the left and right of the main picture to scroll through to see the evolution of time and just how important it is to take the time to enjoy every single moment to reflect on. The only year we missed was 2020 when the pandemic took its grip.

The relationship I have built with their mum started in 1997 when she was one of my first customers when I opened the studio next door to her place of work. She chose to commission me to take her portrait to mark her birthday as a gift for her mum’s 50th. Fourteen years later I was asked to photograph her wedding day and so the story goes…and this is what fills me with joy to connect and create images to tell the story of your life.

What’s your story?

Thanks

Stella

Timeless Photo-shoots Amongst the Bluebells

With Springtime upon us we can look forward to longer daylight hours and the sweet smell of the bluebells in the woodlands – my favourite time of year!

Last year I wasn’t able to invite any of you for a photo-shoot in the woodlands because of the lockdown restrictions – the first time in over 15 years and I really missed it!

This April, with the easing of lockdown I‘m looking forward to venturing out with you and your family to capture some treasured moments with loved ones – especially if reuniting with grandparents and celebrating missed occasions due to the pandemic.

Connecting with Mother Nature on a regular basis is proven to boost your mood, I know it does for me. We are so lucky to have such amazing outdoor spaces to enjoy on our doorstep.

To find out more about an exclusive bluebell photo-shoot this Springtime do get in touch via the link below or call me on 01883 722282 – they are usually at their best at the end of April beginning of May – it varies each year – I’m keeping a close watch!

Below are a few images from years gone by to enjoy. Do you recognise anyone you know or would you like to return for an update?

Find out more about a shoot amongst the bluebells here.

Simply email me here and I’ll get back to you.

I look forward to seeing you again, it’s been a long time!

Stella

Your Family Meadow Photo-shoot Experience 2019

Now that the bluebells are past their best, and yes they were stunning this year, we move on to planning our Meadow Photo-shoots, which take place in a nearby private meadow nestled beneath an undulating backdrop of the North Downs.

I have been photographing in this meadow for the past three years, I stumbled across it during an Open Garden weekend in July 2016, it was an overwhelming abundance of buttercups and daisies and smelt heavenly!

I couldn’t resist asking permission from the lovely owners to go back to do a family photo-shoot and since then they have very kindly welcomed me back each year to share the beauty of Mother Nature with others.

Every year since then it has flowered differently, in 2017 it was mainly a variety of beautiful grasses with a few daisies during late June early July, however last year, 2018, it flowered in late May with a wonderful display of buttercups, daisies and grasses too, much earlier than expected! I just managed to gather a few photo- shoots in early June before it went to seed and had to be mowed in preparation for the following year.

It is with this in mind that we are offering the opportunity for you to gather your loved ones for a photo-shoot of your own, the examples above give you an idea of what to expect and this link tells you more.

If this is something you would love to experience then please do get in touch, photographs will be taking place up to 4th June.

As it’s a private meadow there are limited times and days available with confirmed bookings already in place.

Our contact details are 01883 722282 - or do call into the studio to confirm yours.

Thank you, looking forward to a little piece of heaven on our doorstep, let’s see what Mother Nature delivers this year..

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Last Call For Your Exclusive Family Bluebell Photo-shoot 2019

We have been so lucky these past few days to have enjoyed such glorious weather during the Easter weekend and to have this coincide with bluebell season I could not be happier!

With another week or two to enjoy the ancient woodlands at Staffhurst Woods at their best, I have been busy with exclusive family photo-shoots, in carefully selected places at specific times of day to make the best use of the wonderful light seeping through the canopy of trees, and when the fragrance is particularly noticeable.

Do get in touch on 01883 722282 if this is something you would love to experience for your family or as a gift for loved ones, but hurry these wonderful wildflowers don’t last for long!

Our website tells you more here.

Thanks

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Seasonal Photo-shoots for 2019

Over the years we have had the pick of enchanting locations for family photo-shoots, from an exclusive Kent vineyard to the Surrey woodlands and a charming private meadow.

Fortunately we are surrounded by picturesque locations that are at their best at different times of year, for example the bluebells are abundant and in full bloom late April early May depending on the rainfall.

In the summertime we are privileged to have access to a stunning private meadow with the backdrop of the North Downs, that flowers for a very short time before it goes to seed and has to be mown, this happens in either June or July, so we have to keep a firm eye out so we don’t miss it!

The vineyard we have very kindly been given permission to use looks stunning from July until harvest time in October, with the dappled light and the rows of vines it’s an awe inspiring backdrop!

The woodlands on our doorstep, on the Surrey and Kent border are available throughout the year for photo-shoots, but look particularly colourful in autumn and winter time with a huge array of interesting spots to choose from.

I also photograph in somewhere a little more personal and intimate, your garden, it doesn’t have to be a grand garden, or a work of art just somewhere you are comfortable to be photographed in, it could be a courtyard or even a flower bed, we can decide on the day of your photo-shoot.

So if any of the above appeals to you for the experience of a photo-shoot for you, your family and your pets, do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you so we can contact you as the seasons unfold so you don’t miss the opportunity that is so often fleeting.

Below is a selection of recent photo-shoots in the various locations to ponder over, or you are welcome to suggest somewhere else that is personal to you and wherever your imagination takes you.

All you need to do is call the studio on 01883 722282 to register your interest, secure a booking or buy a personalised gift voucher or if you prefer you can email us on the ‘Commission Yours’ button below, thank you.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

COMMISSION YOURS

Seasonal Photo-shoots