Lucy Woodrow Photography

New Beginnings

2011-09-15T08:06:00.003+01:00

Well, it's the end of the road for this little blog. It will still stay here in cyberspace for all eternity but if you head on over to MY NEW PRETTY, SHINY BLOG you will see all the latest goings on on there....

www.LucyWoodrowblog.co.uk

Lucy x

New Beginnings

2011-09-15T08:06:00.002+01:00

Well, it's the end of the road for this little blog. It will still stay here in cyberspace for all eternity but if you head on over to THE NEW PRETTY, SHINY ONE you will see all the latest goings on on there....

Lucy x

Hipstamatic Day

2011-08-08T21:55:00.002+01:00

Phew... stop the world, just for a minute.. things have been BUSY! - which is fabulously wonderful, of course but I needed a little time to blow off the cobwebs today. Ella and I decided a long bike ride was the thing to do. It was a beautiful, blustery, sunny, cloudy sort of day today so a camera was a must, just not my usual monster of a camera as it was too bulky for a picnic bike ride... here's some images taken on my phone using hipstamatic... we had a giggle, a whinge at the gale force wind, saw what we think were about a million ladybirds and those cobwebs have well and truly been blown away :)

Major House Refurb.

2011-08-05T15:46:00.005+01:00

No. Not the new house, not yet. This is a house belonging to a certain Ms B. Doll. Ella and I have been talking about this refurb for some time. Ella got a lovely dolls house for Christmas three years ago but it's starting to look tired and well, it's just not cool for a 7 year old to have a house like this... apparently. So... inspired by my new copy of Mollie Makes full of beautiful ideas and photography we decided last weekend was just right for the renovation. Now, Barbie is a pretty stylish girl but what's with all the fuchsia and glitter!? not cool. So we set to work, here's the before...

We went to HobbyCraft and bought some supplies but most of the things are made from bits and pieces we had lying around. Ella made some artwork and then she got a bit bored so I carried on. The thing is I can't do things by halves, I just can't and inside I'm just a big kid wanting to make a mess and have fun. Here is our summer holiday project and Barbie's beautiful new pad...

Emily & Greg's Big Day

2011-07-29T10:44:00.008+01:00

Well before I tell you about the marvellous day that was Emily and Greg's Wedding Day I will just explain about some little changes. I used to keep a seperate wedding blog which you can still see here... but from now on all weddings will be shared on here.

Back to Emily and Greg... I was super excited about photographing this day as I knew it promised to be something really special. Emily and Greg live in the beautiful little village of Napton on the Hill and they are very active members of the community there, Greg organised this years Napton Festival which sadly I missed due to our holiday but I hear it was a resounding success. The entire wedding, ceremony and reception all took place in their beloved village. Emily and Greg had put so much attention to detail in every little bit of the day, from the incredible horse and carriage to the unusual cheese-cake (no, not lemon marscapone but a tower of different cheeses - yum). Whenever I ask a bride who she has chosen to do her flowers, if the reply is 'Suzanne Evetts' I always give a little shriek of joy because I know without question that the flowers will be stunning and they absolutely were.

After the ceremony the celebrations continued at Napton Village Hall with moving speeches from the Groom, the Bride and her father and a warm and rather hilarious speech from David, Greg's best man. The atmosphere was relaxed and the sun was shining and Emily and Greg danced their first dance as a married couple in the evening sunshine with live music by 'Ben & Peggy'. Shortly after 'Rack and Ruin' stepped up the beat and everyone danced a Ceilidh as the sun was setting.

Well, there's nothing more for it but to show you the images, here they are....

New Addition to the Woodrow Family!

2011-07-24T18:56:00.004+01:00

Here he is... meet Ralph. We picked him up today and he is bloomin' gorgeous and so calm and quiet (hopefully not too much yelping tonight but we'll see). Ralph is a Labradoodle and whilst he doesn't look it now he will have curly/ shaggy hair when he's older. Ohh he's lovely and feel like part of the family already... here he is...

After the Rain

2011-07-08T11:54:00.006+01:00

Such a sweet and affectionate brother and sister who genuinely get on well together (they could give my two a few pointers). We got about ten minutes in to this portrait session and the heavens opened. It was really quite dramatic actually. We hid in the old wooden cattle shed for five minutes and then A (J's big sister) said a little prayer/ wish and the INSTANT she asked for sunshine I watched her face as she opened her eyes and there it was... magic. The rain had stopped and we carried on with the shoot. I am going to have to learn that little trick, very handy x

Susan & Andy

2011-07-06T22:50:00.003+01:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph the wedding of Susan and Andy later this year. Susan and Andy have only known each other for about a year, but in Susan's words 'it feels like we have known each other forever'. Now, I have to say that this couple are not only lovely but really natural in front of the camera... they are just meant to be together, that's the long and short of it... isn't destiny wonderful?

Emily & Greg

2011-07-04T23:15:00.008+01:00

Oh I LOVED, loved, loved this pre-wedding shoot in Napton. The weather was looking distinctly 'iffy' beforehand but as soon as Emily and Greg arrived, the sun came out and it really was glorious. Such a nice couple and I am so excited about capturing their big day in a couple of weeks, it sounds like it is going to be incredible... watch this space...

Halcyon Days

2011-06-30T09:57:00.010+01:00

This is a large blog post but I just couldn't resist. I mean, come on... how cute are these two sisters?! There were a couple of changes of clothes on this shoot but there were such different looks from an hour and a half together so I couldn't simply post one or two. Aside from how cute these two are, they made me laugh SO much, they were utterly hilarious and we had a fabulous time indeed.

Welcome To The World

2011-06-29T10:49:00.006+01:00

There are not many things more precious in life to a parent than those first few days of our little ones lives. Of course, we treasure every day watching the grow up by BOY do they grow up fast! Those first weeks are tiring and sometimes a little chaotic but you have to stop wonder at the fact that this perfect little new person has joined your family and is going to change the whole dynamic of it for the better and for ever.

When I went to visit this lovely family it was far from chaos actually, very calm and serene. In fact this little chap was so chilled out the whole time I was there... and he is so lucky to have one of the best big brothers ever who just grins at him all the time with enormous pride.

Did I ever tell you that I take photographs for the loveliest people?

2011-06-21T12:11:00.007+01:00

I meant to blog about this ages ago but seeing as I am on a blogging roll I thought today would be a good day. I am so lucky to capture images for some of the loveliest people around. One day a couple of months ago I arrived home to find a package on my doorstep and my heart leapt when I saw the little 'Belle & Boo' logo. If you know me you'll know I am a huge fan of theirs. Lisa H, a lovely mum of the two gorgeous kids below had sent me a present to say thank you for the portraits... How flipping nice is that? It is still unframed BUT it is going to have pride of place in my new house. Thanks Lisa, you're a star. She also wrote some lovely words for me which will soon be featured in my 'testimonials' page which is currently under construction.

Bubble London

2011-06-20T21:28:00.010+01:00

In order to continually improve my craft and fuel my passion for photography I like to seek out inspiration in various forms. Today I jumped on the train and headed for the big smoke to visit Bubble London, the kids trade show.

The Business Design Centre in Islington was packed to the rafters with talent. Designers specialising in children's clothes, fabrics and gifts, beautiful colours, textures and photography everywhere... a visual delight. Yum.

I was also lucky enough to meet a photography hero of mine, Julia Bostock. It was a brief meeting after I had earwigged on her conversation about photography whilst waiting in a queue to buy my copy of Milk and Vogue Bambini and I had to say hi. She was lovely but it's very possible she thought I was a weird stalkery-type person!! Yikes, I don't get starstruck very often but I have loved her work for ages now so it was a lovely little plus to my day. Here are a few images.

Oh and the chairs and sofas, by Kelly Swallow... I SO want one, bloomin' gorgeous.

Cottage Garden

2011-06-19T19:45:00.005+01:00

Well, things are a changin'! Work will start on the old cottage very soon (we hope) and it just looked so pretty today in a tatty, rustic sort of way so I went over and took some photos of the flowers. Sadly where a lot of the roses are will be used as a driveway and whilst I am going to try and take cuttings to re-plant them and add a front cottage garden of our own, my gardening skills aren't presently up to much so some of them might be lost although I'll get my mum on the case, perhaps she can rescue some of them.

I don't take ordinary photographs and I don't do ordinary business cards.

2011-06-19T12:42:00.005+01:00

Well, here are some images of my new business cards. I wanted to have some that truly reflect me, what the business is about, colour, texture and creativity. I wanted something that I would HAVE to have and pin on my noticeboard if I came across one somewhere, so here they are...

My Shiny New Website

2011-06-09T08:27:00.007+01:00

Well, I am so proud to announce the official unveiling of my new website. Lucy Woodrow Photography has had a complete image makeover, new logo, new packaging, new look. The website has taken a lot of time to make and fine - tune but finally, it's here. The galleries are bigger and better, the overall look is lighter and softer and well, I'm chuffed to bits with it.

That's just a little snapshot of the site, go along to www.lucywoodrow.co.uk and have a look for yourself. I will be posting some information soon about how each portrait and wedding client will be receiving their very own website of images to share with friends and family... watch this space.

Kristen & Matt

2011-06-05T19:29:00.006+01:00

Here are some images from a recent pre-wedding shoot at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. Kristen and Matt, originally from the UK but now living in the US are flying over later in the year to celebrate their big day in true British style. Belvoir Castle, recently voted by The Independent as one of the UK's top wedding venues, is truly breath-taking in both size and beauty with views to die for and a wealth of character and charm. This really is going to be a magnificent day for everyone involved.

I am thrilled to be photographing their big day for many reasons, the fantastic venue, gorgeous scenery the fact that Kristen is a designer and her impeccable taste will no doubt shine through in every last detail of the day. Above all of that though, the most wonderful thing is that they are a genuinely lovely couple who are head over heels in love with each other... here they are...

I don't care what the weatherman says....

2011-05-27T20:12:00.002+01:00

Well, would you guess from these photographs that this session was conducted almost entirely in the rain, on quite a gloomy day!? No? well, there you go. It just proves that we don't have to let the indecisive British weather determine our every move when it comes to a photography session! This family... well, where to begin... they are so happy and natural in front of the camera. I photographed them a couple of years ago and then they were three... now they are four! Yay! Isn't the littlest member of the family just adorable? His big brother is just perfection too...

Meet...Whimsy

2011-05-17T21:58:00.002+01:00

For any of you who have read my rantings about wanting a boat on Facebook, well, I finally found her and here she is. 'Whimsy' may not live on a body of water anymore but she has a new home in a field in Warwickshire amongst the buttercups. Already a much loved toy for the children (much more fun than a climbing frame!) and a photography prop but more than that she just looks serenely beautiful sat there in all her faded glory.

Christy & Jack

2011-04-26T20:45:00.006+01:00

Christy and Jack were a wonderful couple to photograph, really at ease with each other and totally natural in front of the camera. Here are some photos from their session from last week. I learned something about about the way I process thoughts and images from this session. Something about this couple, reminded me of ... something, I couldn't quite place it at the time. Anyhow, I uploaded the images and started processing.

Now, I don't have a formula or strict method for doing this for anyone. Rightly or wrongly, the images lend themselves to a particular post processing treatment. Some call out for soft hues or bold colour, high contrast black and whites and whilst I like my images to have a 'style' that is in keeping with my particular brand of photography, sometimes I have to try something new. The latter photos in this selection are well (don't wince...) sepia. OK there not REALLY sepia, just a little. SOMETHING was driving me to make these images like that and it has only just dawned on me what this was. I know I am off on a strange tangent here, bear with me...

1990's athena postcards.

Does ANYONE remember these? Please tell me I'm not the only one who does. Google has not helped one iota in my search. I used to have a small collection of postcards in the 90's of the Volkswagen themed cards, focused on people not the actual cars themselves. They were very much in this kind of style and I simply adored them. I managed to dig out one of these old cards from my red box of memories, because, yes, it was bugging me that much and sure enough and one was of the VW passatt girl form the commerical:

And sure enough... that hair... she's a mini Christy!

Funny how this information stays with us and shapes how we see and create things. There, I'm done, just a little 'share'. Here are the photos... Oh, and if you do happen across one of these postcard images, do forward a link xx

Gorgeous Spring Day

2011-04-26T14:46:00.012+01:00

When I met up with this lovely family, at a fabulous location, the weather was utterly perfect. I really love this time of year so much. We played, explored, walked and had fun... fabulous!

Outdoor Girls

2011-03-09T22:20:00.003Z

These girls are fab and such fun, as is their mum, of course! I'm sure they just came straight out of Junior Magazine. So sweet!

Best Friends

2011-03-09T16:29:00.010Z

Here are some more recent photos from a wonderful shoot a couple of weeks ago. I am working hard on my backlog of images as I have lots to share... watch this space.

Spring is in the air

2011-02-25T13:54:00.003Z

Ok, so it's not quite there but we are getting there, colour is slowly creeping back in to the world. Here are some images from a shoot this week with a really lovely, warm and natural family up in the Lake District. I enjoyed this immensely.

Winter Magic

2011-01-29T17:03:00.003Z

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

2011-01-28T11:35:00.007Z

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

2011-01-27T22:28:00.005Z

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.

Blue Eyes

2010-12-13T22:58:00.007Z

Bluer than blue...

Two sweet, charming little children who were a complete pleasure to photograph. :)

Now, I do secretly like quotes and would happily over use them at every turn but I refrain from doing so but I just had to add one here. One of the most striking things I find about photographs, particularly of children is their eyes, the windows to the soul. Anyway I found this quotation and I just love it.

'“Child, as I look in your eyes
You know my life seems like a minute
There I find living proof
Of all the wonder life hold in it
In the past I thought I had to learn
Any good that comes from this life we’re living
Here and now, let us realize
That this life’s gift and it’s already been given.”

Winter Sunlight

2010-12-06T13:23:00.004Z

What a beautiful day it turned out to be yesterday! I really enjoyed this session. Gorgeous little children, a lovely family and the winter sunlight was just stunning.

Cold fingers and toes!

2010-12-01T21:49:00.003Z

I did a photo session with this lovely family on Sunday. They were super-cute and really patient with the frrrrrreeeeeezing cold weather. A gorgeous little brother and sister who were completely natural in front of the camera.

2 for 1 Blog posts

2010-11-29T22:01:00.002Z

Just because everything looks amazing when the weather is like this, even though toes can feel frozen. Brrrrr...

and these ones, well, just messin' around.

New Beginnings...

2010-10-30T15:53:00.003+01:00

There is no point in me trying to sum up how I feel about this place. No doubt it would come across as over the top or at the very least sugary. I love it. We love it.

There is a lot to be done here, such a lot, so much that it's daunting but the journey should be fun and so rewarding. There are millions of treasures here, billions of nettles and endless possibilities...

P.S - the outside space is going to be the UK's most beautiful and magical outdoor photographic studio... how's that for thinking big?

Just because...

2010-09-10T17:57:00.003+01:00

"Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country."

No, I am not running away to another country with a 'new love'! I just really like the quote and I had forgotten about this picture taken in early summer.

Inspiration

2010-08-04T22:33:00.010+01:00

I had an hour to spare whilst in London today, so decided that as it was sort of on my way, I would visit the Photographers Gallery as there is a Sally Mann exhibition running there at the moment. I had already read quite a bit about Sally Mann and know that she has been at times a fairly controversial figure in the world of photography.

I was expecting good things as the images I have seen I have liked immensely what I was not expecting was for it to change the way I see my own photography. The exhibition was incredible, to actually see the images there, framed and large (not in a book) was breath-taking and whilst, yes, some are controversial all are intriguing and thought provoking but most of all, honest.

I have come away from there today eager to re-address how I see my images and how I eliminate ones that I feel aren't 'just right'.

I went back though some images taken only recently of my niece and my two childresn playing in a cornfield and near a river. When I was initially processing these images I was looking for some sort of mis-guided perfection and it is only now I realise this from seeing the absolute honest and frank portrayal by Sally Mann of her own children.

I had discounted some of the following for stupid reasons, Tom's sunglasses hiding his eyes, Eliza looking a bit grumpy in one image (but now the contrast of a little, cheeky smile adds something more), a railing partly obscuring Eliza's face. Ella looking grumpy too, Henry crying, strange plants at the bottom of the river that look like cabbage (!) and of course that nerdy little grey-man photographer voice that sits on my shoulder and shouts "no! you have over-exposed it there! The eyes aren't in focus! THE RULE OF THIRDS! YOU FORGOT THE RULE OF THIRDS!

OK, so I have prattled on enough... here are the photos... I feel really inspired.

Holiday

2010-07-26T20:26:00.002+01:00

Just a few snippets from Greece. One of my favourite places on earth.

Eliza

2010-06-28T09:09:00.003+01:00

Most of the time I do prefer to produce bright, colourful images but there is just something about the texture of the wood and all that long grass that it simply had to be in black and white.

This is my little niece having fun with her mummy and daddy and her cousins, of course.

Mr. Sleepyhead

2010-06-24T12:59:00.008+01:00

Sometimes it is fabulous to stage a big photo shoot, to roam the countryside looking for the perfect spot but sometimes the very smallest moments can be the best. Henry woke up this morning at 8.30. That really is a long lie-in, believe me! He came downstairs in his PJ's (no top as he 'wants to be like daddy). His hair was like a dandelion clock and he just looked so super-cute. A lovely impromptu photo session.

I WON!!!!!!!

2010-06-22T10:48:00.005+01:00

I am so delighted to announce that I have won the 2010 Annabel Williams Bespoke Course Competition!!

I can't explain just how much this means to me and what a HUGE deal it is.

I was first made aware of the Annabel Williams Contemporary Photography Training a couple of years ago when I went to see a seminar by Catherine Connor. Catherine's passion, drive and expertise completely won me over and I have been a huge fan of everything they do since that time.

A few months ago I received an email from the training centre regarding a competition to win a place on the incredible Bespoke Programme. I spent a long time considering the entry and choosing images. Anyway, the deadline was a couple of weeks ago and a few days later I received a call (whilst out shopping) to say that I was one of the final six people. This completely blew me away and for a few minutes I was in emotional melt-down and just so stunned to get that far.

Yesterday I attended the interview at this stunning location in the Lake District. I was really, really nervous on entering the building but the minute I started chatting to the lovely Jane Breakell and Catherine Connor all those fears melted away and I quite honestly enjoyed every second of the interview... which is a first for me!

Anyway, to cut an already long story short, I just had a call from Mel at the studio and I have only gone and won the blooming thing!

No doubt I will re-blog this at some point as I really am in a state of shock. The implications this will have for my future career are utterly mind-blowing and I can't really take it all in at the moment, truly I can't. So I am going to go and have a cup of tea and stare out of the window in a really happy, over-awed, proud, teary-eyed daydream.

The blue sky photo is to remind myself that daydreams are so important and they really can come true.
L x

:)

Cute as a button!

2010-06-15T09:57:00.003+01:00

Sometimes I do photo sessions on-location with huge meadows or rolling hills. Sometimes I am asked to do garden sessions (which I love equally) and whilst the end result is often very different it is also really lovely to see children happy and playing in one of their very favourite places in the world. This lovely garden has a little bit of magic in it, I'm sure (OK, that's the soft side of me coming out) but the grass is greener than green, there are little hidden corners here there and everywhere...oh and just to top it off they have their own fluffy white rabbit hopping around the place freely.

Three adorable little sisters.

Poppy Field

2010-06-15T08:38:00.002+01:00

"There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” - Elizabeth Lawrence.

Katie

2010-06-01T22:26:00.001+01:00

Oh to be 19 and this pretty.......

Izzy & Amelia

2010-05-31T19:24:00.003+01:00

This was an impromptu mini photo session but well worth carrying the chair in to this beautiful meadow for. Such sweet little sisters in a heavenly setting on a beautiful evening...

My Christmas Present

2010-05-23T20:38:00.008+01:00

When Ed gave me my Christmas present last year wrapped in a beautiful box I opened it expecting pyjamas, perfume or something along those lines but inside it was a little stuffed toy, a tiger. Underneath this was a voucher gift for a photography day at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Kent. I'll be truthful when I say that although extremely grateful for this sweet gift, particularly as it was photography related, I was a little dubious about the whole thing.

In all honesty I envisioned being thrown in amongst a huge group of photo-geeks who would be talking endlessly about metering modes and wearing all sorts of big cat related fashion wear. Don't get me wrong, I love cats, all cats, big, little, domestic, wild but most of all (well, after Rolo, Molly & Ziggy at least) tigers. That said, I have never once owned a tiger tea towel, a tiger coat or a tiger pullover as I was sure that the entire rest of the group would do. Anyway I was very grateful for the considerate gift but I just wasn't sure what I was going to do as I am not a wildlife photographer and I don't have a clue about that field of photography.

The day came and we drove in to the beautiful countryside of Kent. On arriving at the centre it really seemed nothing remarkable from the road, in fact I didn't even notice a sign. This place is strictly off limits for the general public unless an appointment/ event day is booked. From the car park I could see one or two enclosure type structures and a main, wooden building, again, pleasant but nothing to write home about.

When I walked in to the building that's when things changed. Yes, there was a little area in the main building with shelves of little toy leopards and lions, some lovely fine art prints and photos but nothing tacky to be seen anywhere. I met the rest of the group, who were all lovely and eager (no tiger-related fashion wear in sight!!) and off we went.

I won't go on too much about this but as you can see this is already the longest blog post I have done and I am sure I will be posting at least a dozen photos form the day. It was fabulous. The whole thing from start to finish was professional, informative and entertaining. The chap who showed us around, Andy was so knowledgeable and the sincere passion he has for his job just shone through.

The place itself has an almost spiritual feel to it. That may sound strange but it's the only way I can describe it. The animals are cared for in loving but natural (i.e hands off when possible) way. They are truly respected, they aren't cajoled in to performing for the cameras and they seem completely at ease in this environment. This place really had an impact on me, not least for the animals themselves, so powerful, beautiful and enchanting but for the way the place seems to tick over with happy, enthused and caring staff. Just incredible.

As you can see form the following photos I am no animal/ wildlife photographer but as I am a portrait phtoographer I decided to stick to what I know best and I took their portraits! along with a few abstract shots too.

The WHF work to ensure that big cat species from all over the world are protected from extinction, they are a part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme and they help to educate people who share the habitats of these cats.

You can support the Wildlife Heritage Foundation by visiting www.whf.org.uk where you can donate, volunteer of sponsor a big cat.

Here are some photos!

We got to have a wander around the enclosures at our own pace later in the day. When I took this I was the only one near the lions and I swear he was staring right at me, it was moving and fairly terrifying at the same time.

My Family Magazine

2010-05-05T13:38:00.003+01:00

I am a believer in having written goals in life, simple, straightforward goals. Don't think that by simple, I mean easy, not at all but I mean a strong simplified goal that represents other successes along side of it. By creating these goals, I believe that we welcome other similar opportunities along the way. One particular goal of mine is to have one of my photographs on the cover of 'Junior Magazine'.

Whilst this hasn't happened just yet I have been lucky enough to work with the lovely Karen at My Family Magazine. My Family is a free magazine circulated in and around the Midlands and, like Junior magazine is filled with interesting articles which are relevent to todays modern family.

It has been so exciting to see my image on the cover today, for the first time and to see how the magazine looks and feels. It really is informative and interesting so have a peek at the website and see where you can pick up a copy - there are lots of fantastic competitions too.

Here it is...

And the winner is...

2010-05-04T08:51:00.000+01:00

Agnes Lengyl from Leamington Spa

2010-04-30T15:28:00.002+01:00

LEAH & JASON TIE THE KNOT

Last thursday, in a quiet little corner of Northamptonshire, Leah & Jason tied the knot with their friends and wonderful family watching on. Hiding behind my camera I did get a tear in my eye, believe me.

2010-04-27T20:58:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of shots from a family and a pre-wedding shoot all rolled in to one. Such a gorgeous family, I think the images show just how relaxed and happy they all are. Thanks all for a lovely hour, fingers crossed that the sunshine lasts until thursday!!

WIN WIN WIN - THE BIG COMPETITION IS HERE!

2010-04-09T23:33:00.004+01:00

Just incase you missed it in this Month's Leamington Express Advertiser

I am offering the chance to win an AMAZING prize including family photographic session, prints and other goodies worth over £500!!!

The reason? Well, SPRING IS HERE OF COURSE! My absolute, hands-down favourite time of the year. Colour is beginning to creep in to our gorgeous landscape, the cold is but a distant memory (touch wood!) the evenings are getting lighter and if that isn't a good enough reason, well I don't know what is.

Here are the details:

The prize will include a peak or off peak on-location photographic session (for details of what 'on-location' and 'natural light photography' involve, please see my main site).

The prize is for up to five people and to the location of choice must be within 25 miles of Southam, Warwickshire. Please feel free to enter if you live further afield but you extra mileage will incur a charge (allbeit a minimal one).

The prints package included is the 'Deluxe' package. This includes an 8x10 inch hardback, image wrapped photobook of your images from the session, 2 x 8x10 inch Wall portraits (mounted on card, not framed), two wall prints up to 12 x 16 inch (mounted on card, not framed), 12 5x7 mounted prints, 8 x wallet prints.

The session must take place within six months from the date of notification that you have won.

The winning entrant will be drawn at random on Friday 30th April and the winner will be notified before May 4th.

One entry per email address only.

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS SEND AN EMAIL including your contact details to Lucy@lucywoodrow.co.uk and put the word 'competition' in the header. Easy peasy.

Good luck!

1982

2010-04-09T13:00:00.004+01:00

I have been meaning to post this photo for a while. Aside from my own photos this blog is intended to be a showcase of all things fun and inspiring. This is a photograph my dad took whilst on holiday in Penang in 1982 - it's me and my mum I just love this photo, one of my all time favourites.

2010-01-07T21:42:00.003Z

Oh poor little blog. So much going on, it has been sorely neglected. BIG plans for 2010 including THE competition, I promise, it will come and it will be great.

For now, here is a collection of SOME of my favourite shots from 2009, some of friends and family, some of clients and one or two silly ones.

Enjoy.

Pink, Sugar, Sand

2009-11-02T13:45:00.003Z

Just because...

P.S - this blog is going to get so much more loving care in the new year...promise.

3 Years Old Tomorrow!

2009-09-23T20:40:00.002+01:00

...and such a cutie. The second photo just says 'Hey, look at me, I'm a big boy now!". Happy birthday for tomorrow x

Jamie & Hannah

2009-09-22T20:42:00.001+01:00

Probably the quickest photo session ever but don't they look fab? Very natural and smiley!

2009-09-09T22:00:00.003+01:00

Well, I have been so, so busy that the poor old blog has had to take a back seat for a while. I thought for a change I would post something a bit different. I made these for my daughters classmates when the school holidays began in July.

I think they are pretty cute and Ella loved them to bits!

Oh Boy!

2009-08-21T14:46:00.003+01:00

Another really wonderful shoot yesterday, both in terms of the weather (all blustery and sunny with fluffly clouds everywhere) and a really sweet family. Thank you 'T' for all the tips on great places to take photos and the great ideas too... a photographer in the making I think!

New Arrival

2009-07-11T12:16:00.001+01:00

Here are a couple of photos of my neighbours new baby. He is just simply adorable and made me feel terribly broody!

Evening Light

2009-07-04T11:47:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of photos from my latest session. The evening light was just perfection, as was the location. Such a lovely couple and an adorable little girl, who made my job so much easier and just seemed completely unfazed by someone following her around with a camera!

Red Balloon

2009-06-27T17:24:00.001+01:00

She is such a star... a great little model.

Goldilocks

2009-06-16T22:02:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of photos from a session I did last week... All I can say is, HOW CUTE???

Summer Wedding

2009-05-31T10:10:00.004+01:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while - I have been so busy!

I was lucky enough to assist at a wedding with the lovely Jo Hastings last week. These bridemaids looked so lovely in soft pink. The weather was glorious too. I might post some more photos shortly.

Buttercups

2009-05-18T11:11:00.004+01:00

Last sunday I did a photo session for this lovely family and the location was just perfect! (Well done Cat!)

I arrived there a bit early and it really was a little piece of heaven. The meadow was full of buttercups, the sun was shining and it was so peaceful.

Little Planet

2009-05-18T10:28:00.008+01:00

OK, so this is a bit weird but I was faffing around in Photoshop and came up with this. I could just do with a few hours on this little planet right about now...

Newborn

2009-05-14T22:42:00.000+01:00

OK, so here is another quick post because I just have to show you this little guy.

He was honestly so adorable and so awake! No sleepy, floppy baby shots for him. But that's fair enough. He managed to 'work' that baby cuteness and as you can see did a very good job.

Egypt

2009-05-14T22:08:00.000+01:00

Here are a few photos from our recent holiday to Egypt. My kids are so great at posing for me... poor things. Most nights before we went out for dinner, when they were all dressed up, showered and skin still glowing warm from the days sun, I would walk down to the beach with them. Apart from 'Bobby' the camel and a few later swimmers it was a pretty quiet time of day and just perfect for a photo shoot.

2009-05-13T22:08:00.000+01:00

Hello there and welcome to my new blog.

My name is Lucy and I am a photographer based in Warwickshire. I specialise in location portraiture for children, although I do photo shoots for teens and families too.

I have loved photography for as long as I can remember. I think the first person who inspired me was my dad. He had an Olympus SLR camera (he still has it somewhere, I think) and he took some pretty good photos with it - some of which I might just post on here some time.

So, that's it fom me for now... no doubt there will be much, much more to follow. I'll keep you posted. ;)