Winter Magic

I can honestly say I am really looking forward to spring right now but this winter has had it's magical moments it has to be said. I thought I would post this photo as it is one of my favourites of last year and turned out to be a Christmas present for my dad. It was taken on that day in early December (You'll know the one I mean if you live in around here) when there was a thick hoar frost covering every available surface. It was really a site to see, stunning. Henry shouted 'Mummy! why is there sugar on all the trees?' I couldn't have put it better myself. There was a light mist hanging in the air, flecks of frost glitter floating and glinting in the sun and the sky was bright blue. Henry and his grandad were collecting wood and larking around in the orchard, having fun. I was snapping away with my macro lens at the jewel-like trees and turned around just in time to capture this moment. Henry's expression says it all. This is what I love about photography, being able to capture moments like this are what it is all about as far as I am concerned.

Inspiring Companies

As I am paying some attention to my little blog I thought I would write something a bit different. I have been thinking lately about branding and strong businesses who have nailed it in terms of creating the overall package that compliments the final product. One of my absolute favourite companies is Belle and Boo. I came across the beautiful work of Mandy Sutcliffe in an edition of Junior Magazine some time ago and have loved everything Belle and Boo ever since. I think it is a mixture of nostalgia, whimsy and originality that draws me to these images, infact it is everything that I want to be seen in my photography. I am slowly collecting little pieces here and there, Ella just adores them as do I, such a shame that the perfect little dresses they now make weren't around when she was a tot. I think she would have been a walking advert for Belle and Boo had they been!

I emailed Ed before Christmas with a link to this print and the email was entitled 'Christmas present hint'. Bless him, he got the message and ordered it. It is sweet just as beautiful as I knew it would be but equally it was the packaging that sent me into a frenzy... just gorgeous little touches that make a big difference.

So here's some photos of my lovely gift and it's practically perfect packaging. (Lucy Woodrow Photography is now undergoing an entire packaging restructure!)




And next on my list of favourite companies is Spoonflower. Alongside my obsession for paper and stationery I also ADORE fabrics. I haven't quite got the hang of sewing, not properly anyway but I love to have fabrics around for craft making and I want to start on some new projects for the house. I came across this company quite by accident, they print your own designs on to various different types and weights of fabric! One yard of this beautiful quality cotton cost approximately £14 including shipping from the US (hopefully there will be a UK one soon)... not bad at all. I have no idea what on earth I am going to make with this although Ella thinks it would make a lovely summer dress, for her of course but I love that this rough sketch:


...with a little playing around in photoshop could under two weeks be printed, packaged beautifully and delivered to little old me at the other side of the Atlantic... how marvellous is the internet!?

A Belated Happy New Year

Well, it's nearly a month late but I thought I would wish everyone a Happy New Year! Here's hoping that 2011 brings you everything you ever dreamed of.

:)

Here are a few (certainly not ALL) of my favourite portraits from 2010.