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

The Power of Women on International Women's Day 2022

March 8th is International Women’s Day, in recognition of all the powerful women out there this blog is dedicated to you.

I’d like to showcase a few iconic women I have photographed recently in chronological order. I am always fascinated by the people I photograph and curious to learn more about them so I can capture them off guard and true to themselves.

Here are six of the best, read on to find out more…

Helena Bakunowicz from The Investment Boutique

Helena Bakunowicz photographed for Aspire Magazine – published on 8th March 2022 in recognition of the achievements of women in society, economics, culture and politics.

I first met Helena Bakunowicz ten years ago when she was in her early twenties. I was commissioned to take photographs to reflect the town where she worked to feature on the company website.

Her story is inspirational – I always look forward to revisiting her to hear how things have evolved and was delighted when she asked me to photograph her at the end of last year for a feature in Aspire Magazine published by Raymond James.

Below is part of the copy from the feature published on Internation Women’s Day 2022:

Helena participated in a graduate trainee program with a large private-client investment manager in London, acquiring on-the-job training as well as the necessary certifications to be a wealth manager in the United Kingdom. She worked hard to earn the trust of clients who often were much older.

Within just six years, she rose to assistant director. Then, recognizing an industry trend toward standardization – a course she did not consider right for the complex needs of her high-net-worth clients – she made a bold move.

She became an entrepreneur. At 28.

Helena launched The Investment Boutique in Oxted, Surrey and, with a like-minded partner, chose to work with Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James operating in the United Kingdom. Bakunowicz embraced the firm’s commitment to helping advisors run their businesses as they see fit.

Sarah Hardman during a coaching session to empower others to achieve their full potential.

Sarah Hardman has been a friend for many years and is very intuitive to the needs of others, even before they may care to know it themselves. Over time she used her intuition to evolve and created a coaching business to help others discover and trust themselves to feel in tune with their own desires and capabilities.

This how Sarah describes just what she does:

What lights me up is working with people to enable them to make the most of their unique “bag of tricks”, to tap into their natural resourcefulness and resilience and to stretch beyond previously perceived limits. I believe that leadership starts from within – we are all leaders in our own lives (whether we hold a “leadership” role or not) and so that’s where the work begins. As human beings we have a remarkable ability to get in our own way – my coaching approach involves holding the mirror up to the thought patterns and behaviours that may no longer be serving us, with kindness and without judgement, so that people can bring the best of themselves to their work and lives.

Tatiana Caulderón during a test drive at the British Grand Prix 2019

Tatiana Caulderón during an interview for a TV Series called ‘Chasing the Dream’ a behind-the-scenes series about the Formula Two drivers’ ambition to succeed.

Tatiana Cauderón is a Colombian racing driver who began racing at the age of nine and was the first woman to win national karting championships in either Colombia or the United States. I had the pleasure of photographing her at the 2019 British Grand Prix during the filming of the first series of an F1 TV program called ‘Chasing the Dream’ about the focus and determination the young drivers have to achieve success as racing drivers. Tatiana was the first woman to race in the Formula Two Championship.

Most recently taking part in Super Formula Championship and for Richard Mille Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Tatiana is a role model for all young women wanting to take up the sport of motor racing at a high level. She was a pleasure to photograph, wishing her every success in the future.

Neggin Heidari-Robinson at her Oxted surgery called Pipers Dental Practice.

This is Neggin Heidari-Robinson. I have been photographing Neggin for a few years now with her husband and adorable young boys. The first time I met her for a photo-shoot with her family in the woodlands, she was carrying a huge bunch of keys, and I asked what they were for. Neggin explained she owns two dental practices. She is an inspiration and works tirelessly looking after her patients and young family with the support of her husband. She never ceases to amaze me with the number of things she can do in one day!

She qualified from Kings College London in 2010 and subsequently worked as a senior house officer in Paediatric and Maxillofacial Surgery in King’s College and Kent and Canterbury Hospitals.

Neggin has completed the Royal College of Surgeons’ course in implant dentistry and, for six years, taught students at Kings and Guys in oral surgery. She has also published work on the interpretation of X-rays in the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Neggin has experience in all aspects of general surgery, with a special interest in implants and endodontics (root canals). She has run her own practice, Pipers in Oxted, since 2012.

Claire Williams during a test pit stop tyre change at the British Grand Prix 2018

Claire Williams during a press conference at the British Grand Prix 2018

Claire Williams is a British motorsport executive who is the former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula One racing team. With her father, the late Sir Frank Williams at the helm.

In Formula One’s 70 year history Clair is only the second women to hold the deputy team principal title.

But female representation in the sport could soon see a sharp improvement. This year sees the all-female W Series partner with F1 to promote women’s involvement in motorsport.

I had the pleasure of photographing Claire during a commission working with the William’s racing team at the British Grand Prix in 2018.

Claire is a pioneer for more women in Formula One through the W Series:

“I really believe that if you are going to see more women in Formula One then you need more women exposed in F1 doing what they’re doing”, said Claire. “If other girls don’t see women doing those jobs they’re going to think that either it is not a welcoming environment, or they can’t do it, or I don’t want to work with a whole load of blokes and be the only girl in the room.”

I’m sure more young women are taking the opportunity to venture into the world of motorsport so we can witness the change.

And finally, but by no means least, my Mum!

Without whom I would not be here. She passed away in January 2021 at the age of 89. It’s only now in retrospect that I can truly appreciate how strong, resilient, self-less and creative she truly, truly was.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I’m looking forward to meeting and photographing many more of you in the days, months, and years to come.

In support of all women, happy International Women’s Day!

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

Everything You Need Is Here In Oxted

SMS Creative Photography

Everything you need is here on your doorstep in Oxted!

You may have received one of our flyers through your letterbox pre-COVID (same as images above & below). If so and if not I’m getting in touch to remind you of our services since before lockdown and beyond!

The pandemic has shaken us all and forced us to reassess so many areas of our lives, it is with this in mind we all need professional images of some sort, read on to find out more…

From headshots for websites, brochures, LinkedIn or a job application, it’s the first impression that makes all the difference.

To a family photo-shoot in the garden to mark a celebration or just because you want to – it’s a fun experience for all ages. It really does make my heart sing when I meet and photograph families that I have known for years and new ones too. It’s wonderful to be a part of your history, with over 20 years of established relationships with many of you.

I’m also often asked if I teach how to use a camera and the answer is, yes I do. I used to teach group classes but found it works better to teach one to one so the class is tailored to your individual knowledge, camera and requirements. So I ask “Is your camera gathering dust or just kept on auto”? If so now is the time to dust it down and book a masterclass, you’ll be very glad you have taken control of your camera rather than the other way round!

Don’t forget we also photograph business and residential premises interiors & exteriors when the need arises for personal and marketing needs.

One other thing that has been constant since the start of SMS Creative Photography back in February 1997 is the need for picture framing for photographs and artworks. We offer a comprehensive service by collaborating with master craftsmen who have served us for over 20 years.

Last and by no means least our sister website stellascordellis.com is automotive based – photographing events and personal collections as well as producing bespoke coffee table style books for commercial and personal enjoyment, take a look at the site to find out more.

Please feel free to get in touch by email or ‘phone 01883 722282 if you have a project or photo-shoot in mind, and no, it isn’t too early to think about dare I say Christmas!

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.

It has been lovely to share this with you today.

Stella

‘Stella’ Lifestyle Photography

Glorious Garden Photo-shoots

Fun-filled garden photo-shoots for all to enjoy.

Now that lockdown rules have been eased we can begin to think about photo-shoots in your garden for up to five people to enjoy.

I have been yearning to get my camera kit out to photograph you all for some time now and this is the ideal opportunity! We have been blessed with wonderful weather during the pandemic and the time to spend in our gardens. I always use a long lens so social distancing rules are not a problem.

Bring some fun and laughter to your family and mark this moment in time, you’ll be very glad you did! Whether you are a returning family or someone new I’d love to see you.

With the option to buy digital images or wall art, this link to the Homes & Gardens part of the website tells you more.

Thanks

Stella

Beautiful photo-shoots in your garden.

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.

My Open Air Photography Studio in Oxted

What a lovely way to end the month of May with beautiful sunshine and the easing of lockdown! 

It is with this in mind that I would like to introduce my secluded open-air garden studio for professional headshots and portraits for up to four people. With ample parking on my driveway, easy access via a side entrance and social distancing rules adhered to during the pandemic.

What better way to make use of the time we have to update our websites and family portraits - even if we aren't looking in tip-top condition!

You can reach me on 01883 722282 to make your appointment.

Headshot prices can be found here.

I look forward to welcoming you!

Thanks

Stella

Secluded garden portrait studio in Oxted.

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.