Here’s a session that’s super close to my heart. Not only do I completely adore Pen & Cam, but I got to capture their Anniversary Together Session at Pentire Head in Newquay, Cornwall, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth (and soon to be right at my doorstep!). The wind might have been bracing, but these two rays of happiness brought their own microclimate to this portrait shoot, challenging even the sun to come out to play. This is the kind of photography I could do all day every day with a huge smile on my face.
Archives for February 2015
Cornwall, we’re on our way!
Once in a while you come across a place where you feel like your soul is at home. You might be thousands of miles from where you ever thought you’d end up, but you just feel at peace. For me that feeling has always been strongest in Cornwall. The wild ocean and the rugged, majestic landscape soothes me in a way that no other place on earth does. Over the years I’ve returned many times, often in winter, the wilder the better!
It’s been a day dream of ours to one day live in Cornwall. To be fair, it’s always been a more of a retirement plan due to the distance and the poor job opportunities for my husband. But sometimes, when you dream hard enough, and when you’re brave enough to ask out loud, magical things can happen.
Due to a combination of circumstances we figured out how we might be able to do this, right now, rather than in the distant future. It’s crazy how fast the momentum picks up speed after a decision is made. Our home is on the market and we’re getting ready to go. I’m sure it will take a little while to get everything in order, and the restlessness is building… I just want to be there already.
Despite the anxious wait, my heart sings with joy every time I think about it. Yes, we are coming, my beloved Cornwall! While it might take a little while for us to get there, I want to start reaching out to those of you out in the South West. If you, or your friends are getting married in Cornwall, do reach out. If you are a local vendor who wants to get together to make things happen do get in touch. If you want to hang out and have coffee or plan shoots or work with me in other ways in Cornwall let me know. I cannot wait to get down there and start my life!
P.s. Those of you not in Cornwall, don’t worry. We are planning to have a base close to London as well, so I will continue with my London (and destination) shoots and weddings, too.
How to get started with a photography business
I receive questions about photography & about being photographed almost daily. I share some of my favourite questions on the blog, so that everyone can benefit from the answers.
Q: I have photo skills but don’t know where to start in a business direction & don’t have money to buy better equipment or develop a nice brand image. HELP?
That’s wonderful that you want to start your own business! Congratulations on taking the first step and declaring your intention.
I’m not going to lie, starting a business is hard work filled with a hell of a lot of sacrifices, especially in the first couple of years. I suggest you hold on to your day job while you figure out what kind of photography you want to do. Draw up a business plan, research, research and research some more. Start offering your services at an entry level price and save any money coming in for gear and setting up your business. Connect with people who can help you with your initial visual identity, but don’t invest too much money on branding until you’ve been in business for a while and know exactly what your brand is about. The number one factor in succeeding is perseverance. The difference between survival, EVEN when you’re successful, is being prepared to work hard and stick. it. out.
So yes, it’s not a glamorous answer, but it’s the truth. If you’re prepared to work hard, always keep developing your skills to make sure what you’re selling is up to scratch, keep learning about the business side (as that’s what you’ll be spending most of your time on), and be organised, slowly but surely you will move towards full-time entrepreneurship. Do be honest with yourself about whether you love the idea of running your own business, as much as you love photography. If the answer is no, you might be happier being a photographer working for someone else.
If you do decide to go for it, learn to get comfortable with promoting yourself. Blog your work, interact with other photographers, network with people in the industry, just be consistently out there and the work will come. Don’t waste money on paid advertising when you’re starting out, you have all the free tools (such as different social media platforms) you need online, you just need to find the time to learn to utilise them properly.
Also. Don’t forget to HAVE FUN with it all!
Are you a photographer or an aspiring creative business owner? Her Lovely Heart is my way of helping heart-led creatives to run their businesses with purpose, freedom, and joy. By subscribing to the Inspire Your Inbox letters, you’ll gain access to a library of free resources and worksheets, plus regular letters of inspiration from me straight to your inbox. Click here to join and receive instant access to The Library.
Sandra & Stefan | Together
Last week, at a Her Lovely Heart mentoring session, I demonstrated how to direct a couple with Sandra & Stefan. The weather was absolutely horrendous, but also a good reminder that you don’t need to let the circumstances dictate the outcome. I love how much joy Sandra and Stefan shared with me and my student, and I don’t think they could look much cuter, whether in sunshine or pouring rain!
Bridal Musings DIY Flower heart tutorial
Head over to Bridal Musings today to see this fun flower heart tutorial I photographed. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!