Yes I AM a portrait photographer! I seem to have been doing quite a bit of other stuff lately but natural light children’s portraits are where my heart lies – no offence lovely corporate clients 
I had the pleasure of photographing Joe, who’s three and one-year-old Hannah a few days ago. It was bitterly cold and despite being wrapped up warm Hannah’s nose started to get a bit runny so after a brief play we headed back inside. Joe was happier outside so there’s more of him in the garden. I think Hannah is a home girl – can’t blame her. My favourite shots are the ones where they’re engrossed in what they’re doing. Hannah loves her dolls, Joe loves his trucks. Girls will be girls, boys will be boys, what can you do.
I’m very pleased that the evenings are starting to get a bit longer and there are little green shoots pushing up from the ground. Portrait photography bookings are getting booked up fast for February and March and I’m looking forward to getting outside more and having some fun.
I’m not very good at keeping a secret especially if it’s something exciting. And what could be more exciting than becoming Salvo’s photographer so I’m spilling the beans! Only a few weeks ago Gordon Ramsey’s F Word decreed Salvo’s the very best local independent Italian restaurant in the country, and deservedly so – I have been going there regularly since we moved to Leeds 10 years ago and always have a wicked time with amazing food. On Friday I went to Salvo’s Salumeria for an evening of soul and wonderful food and to kick off our new partnership. I’ll be helping them out with photography for their music nights and events every so often and running promotions with them. Friday’s event was huge fun with the ‘chunky but funky’ Cleve ‘Reverend’ Freckleton and musicians Neil and Jam providing a lively mix of soul hits while Gip’s team looked after the delicious four course menu. I took a few photos as I was there and I was very pleased they turned out so well after John plied me with rather too much limoncello.
Next post will be more what you’re used to – a lovely bit of portrait photography featuring natural light and children. But for now, a small musical and gastronomic diversion (although unfortunately the food had all been snaffled before I had chance to photograph it) …
Sunday was the last day (we thought then) of the holidays so we decided to head to the fabulous wonderland at Stockeld Park near Wetherby for our final festive flourish. We arrived just as the sun was setting and although it was bitterly cold, it was a great evening with snow to boot. I took my camera to get a few more wintry shots while I had the chance and had to resort to experimenting with the failing light as I didn’t want to use my flash and draw attention to myself. Little did I know that there was really no need to try so hard since the children have been off school today after just one day back and we are practically snowed in! I didn’t take my camera sledging today as it was still snowing so hard when we went all I thought I’d see was blizzard. But it looks like I may still have tomorrow…
Here are a couple of quick highlights from Stockeld Park, even including a landscape! Clearly the photography experimentation should stop before I go completely nuts. More light soon please!
Jasper was deemed too young to ski in the treacherous conditions so he and I had to walk round the enchanted forest while Karl and the girls made fools of themselves falling over every few seconds.
Off they go, not realising that the peril was themselves…
I was testing my boundaries big time with this one! I wanted some movement as Maisie was skating but it still had to clearly be her. A bit of panning round trying to follow her erratic course and I got her:
It’s exactly a year since Susie Lawrence Photography was launched with a party. What a party that was and what a year it’s been. I have been so busy and so happy and even though I knew I wanted to do this, I had no idea how successful it would really be. I have been so lucky to have met the most fantastic friendly group of photographers who have helped and encouraged me every step of the way. And my clients have without exception, been great to work with and very appreciative of what I do, making my job easy and fun. When I say easy though, I don’t mean ‘easy’ easy! I mean easy in that I really want to do it well and have learnt so much and done everything in my power to make sure I do a good job. I have worked sooooo hard! So I give myself a small pat on the back (and a mincepie) 
I also know there’s still a lot to learn and new things to try and I can’t wait!
What better way to celebrate than to remember who I’m doing it all for in my heart of hearts. Obviously I love my job now and do it for selfish reasons, but these three and Karl, are what my real life is all about. Today we finally got a Christmas tree and Sasha, Maisie and Jasper decorated it as soon as they came home from school. It was quite magical with the sprinkling of snow outside. I’ve processed the shots to be a bit ‘vintage’ as that was how it felt in our living room – one of those moments that goes straight into memory as especially Christmassy.
A big thank you to everyone who has been involved with Susie Lawrence Photography as it’s grown up and flourished this year – clients, friends, family, fellow photographers and suppliers. It’s been amazing and I’m so excited about 2010. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and I hope you have a great 2010 too. xxx
Taking a moment out to check if it’s still snowing outside. It’s not very in focus but I love this shot. (by the way, dear Santa, I would like a D700 for Christmas – it would improve my photography no end in low light like today – just a thought). You can see the snow on the hedge outside the window. So festive!
by susie
3 comments
add a comment link to this post email a friend