Derbyshire Boudoir Photography | Preview

This weekend's boudoir shoots were exactly what I needed after a crazy week. Early in the week I finally found the perfect little office for me so the rest of the week was all about planning the move in. There'll be more about that very soon, I can't wait to be able to open my doors to you lovely lot!

After a lot of running around three more boudoir shoots were just what the doctor ordered. It was a great opportunity to build up my portfolio, so I'm now very nearly ready to launch it properly. It gave me time away from home to think about how I can present this idea. I think that a lot of the time boudoir is seen in a certain way that doesn't really inspire me. I'm getting there with how I want to make it work and that's so exciting.

Derbyshire Couple Shoot | Elly + Daniel

I'm so lucky to have been able to photograph beautiful, talented, lovely and all round oh-why-are-you-so-perfect-it-really-isn't-fair-type Elly a few times now but this was my favourite by far. She and her lovely boyfriend Daniel came to see me for a photoshoot around Derbyshire woodland and countryside a few weeks ago and it was just wonderful to get some lovely natural shots of the two of them being their adorable selves. It was a pretty overcast foggy day, which made for some soft grey light which we totally embraced. It will be lovely when the weather picks up as we head into spring and the light changes and all the greenery starts to flourish but I do have a soft spot for winter, even if things do get a bit nippy. Whenever I do couple shoots I want to keep things as relaxed as possible so I still get those super heartfelt shots, the real smiles and actual proper hugs… so it's more than just getting some nice photos together, it's capturing that point in time together in a meaningful way.

This is my last weekend in my break from weddings I've enjoyed over the winter. It's been a really valuable time, soaking up the last year of work and thinking about what's ahead. I love weddings but it's important to sit back and actually appreciate what you've created and take a beat and recharge. I am so, so ready for next weekend's wedding. So, I'm off now to enjoy the kind of Saturday that I won't be having for a while… chilling out with the family, a mooch around the shops and time with mates. I'll leave you with some photos of these ruddy lovely people.

Shottle Hall, Derbyshire Wedding | Alex + Sarah

I hope you're all having an awesome day! Aside from website stuff I've been all over a big pile of crumpets and marathoning Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. I totally needed something now Parks and Recreation has left a huge hole in my life. Between this and Danger 5, I think I might just make it through! Any other show recommendations you can hit me with are totally appreciated. So.. on with the blogging...

Shottle Hall, nestled in the Derbyshire countryside between Wirksworth and Belper, is such a sweet little venue. I've shot a couple of weddings there now and I love exploring the grounds. Sarah and Alex's wedding was right up my street. I arrived to the sounds of Tigermilk by Belle and Sebastian on their record player… just the perfect way to start a day full of sci-fi goodness, vintage dresses and fun and games. From the comic book ties to the Star Trek figures, the Star Wars cupcakes to TARDIS card box it was a total feast for my geeky eyes. So many amazing moments in the day… dancing in the dining room, personalised vows, light sabre battles, hugs and space hopper races.

A couple shoot in Paris | Rhianne + Cam

Rhianne and Cam were married a couple of years ago and I've been lucky enough to photograph them three times. First of all we had an engagement shoot together in Manchester, then I shot their vintage Hollywood-inspired wedding in Newcastle and then they invited me to visit them in Paris for a couple shoot before they moved away. Rhianne had built up a really successful photography business in-between so it was lovely to catch up with her and have a natter about how awesomely she'd been doing and generally hanging out with them again was wonderful. It's always ace to keep in touch with my couples and what happens after their wedding, and I love having the chance to photograph the next step they take together. And… I suppose it's especially wonderful if those steps happen to be around such an iconic and beautiful city. We found so many charming spots for photos around Paris, finding cute doorways and quiet side streets, as well as embracing the crowds at the Sacré-Coeur. If you're interested in booking a couple shoot with me, then head to my little shop and buy a gift card…. though if you fancy taking me on an adventure further afield like these guys did then you'll need to cover travel costs too. But hey, Paris is only a train ride away.