Barnaby in Kingsford Forest
These photos are the perfect example of why baby photoshoots aren’t just for newborns. Older babies really are lovely to photograph.
I photographed Alice and Wes’ wedding so it was very lovely to see them again with their new addition Barnaby. One of my many favourite things about being a photographer is getting to see people again at different stages of their life. Alice and Wes are really lovely parents and they have the happiest little boy.
We wandered through the trees, chatting all things little ones until we found a lovely quiet spot. Kingsford Forest Park is one of my favourite places to photograph on a hot sunny day. It stays cool underneath the trees, great for littlies (and grown ups too) and there are plenty of shady spots for taking photos. The sun behind lights up the beautiful leaves and makes the whole place a natural sensory playground.
Alice and Wes were perfect, relaxing into being photographed by concentrating on their lovely little family and leaving the photos to me.
These photos are the perfect example of why baby photoshoots aren’t just for newborns. Older babies really are lovely to photograph. You have moved away from the tiny baby stage to one with a world of exploring. Parents are really in the swing of things and baby is too. There are lots of firsts and plenty of giggles and smiles (especially from this little happy chap!). They are often very inquisitive, eager to learn all about the world around them and have developed some great expressions to go with it. They are easier to keep entertained and that eye contact they have worked so hard to develop really comes into its own when having photos.
Nina James - Guided Health and Fitness
Some photos for Nina’s new website and social media. After transforming her own life through exercise Nina is now setting out to help others.
Some photos for Nina’s new website and social media. After transforming her own life through exercise Nina is now setting out to help others with their journey to being healthier, fitter and stronger. I very much recommend checking out Nina’s story on her website, a real inspiration for those of us working towards leading a healthier lifestyle… and for anyone looking for some help in the Northamptonshire area from an at home personal trainer I would recommend looking at what she offers.
Willow
The spotlight is on Willow - our beautiful Whippet/Saluki cross. She was a rescue from Birmingham Dogs Home and has been a big part of our family for 4 years now
The spotlight is on Willow - our beautiful Whippet/Saluki cross.
She was a rescue from Birmingham Dogs Home and has been a big part of our family for 4 years now. We were originally sold by those fluffy ears and won over by her personality.
We don’t know her full story, but suspect she didnt have the greatest start in life, she was timid when we first got her home, but has really grown in confidence. It is so rewarding to rescue a dog.
Happiest when chasing, she can be a bit of a flight risk - squirrels beware!
Field of flowers
During a detour from a local walk, we came across this field littered with the prettiest blue flowers.
During a detour from a local walk, we came across this field littered with the prettiest blue flowers. We later found out these were linseed flowers, planted by the farmer to harvest the oil.
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Brooke get her feet down and explore.
Lockdown
It’s been a strange few months. Like most people, we’ve been focusing on remaining positive and staying safe.
It’s been a strange few months. Like most people, we’ve been focusing on remaining positive and staying safe. For all of the hardship lockdown has brought, there are also reasons to smile. Often tough situations bring clear perspective.
For us, time together as a family has been invaluable. We’ve had the chance to explore our local walks even further. Finding less trodden paths, hidden fields and stopping to enjoy the solitude and peacefulness they bring. Brooke started walking recently - how often is it that both parents would be there to see it? Some really important things are very often missed because of how ‘busy’ we are.
We are too ‘busy’ to stop, notice and take stock of what is important.
What matters.
What brings us joy and happiness.
It’s made us realise what is important again. Taking the time to catch up properly, chat to neighbours, saying good morning. All of these simple things we did before, perhaps more out of courtesy, but we’ve found true value and enjoyment in them.
We appreciate there are people less fortunate than us. We value the efforts of key workers; keeping us safe and well - especially with a young daughter. We think about the people who have been affected by or lost someone to this pandemic.
We’re hoping this can be a catalyst for change. We’d like to see more modern, open minded, forward thinking ways of working. Stronger communities and more togetherness. We’d like the simple things to be the more important things and for us to be, y’know, less ‘busy’.
Long Mynd
The Long Mynd is a place we have kept going back to. There is so much to explore.
The Long Mynd is a place we have kept going back to. There is so much to explore. We usually start at Carding Mill Valley or Church Stretton but always with breakfast. A full English to fuel your way to the top seems essential.
There are plenty of well trodden, dusty, rocky paths to choose from. Some with a gradual, steady hike. Others with a scramble up sheer rock face. More where your feet will get a little wet and occasionally muddy. Sheep are dotted along the hills - some much closer than others. Water trickles down whichever route you take; the sound puts your mind at ease. You can decide whether to have a little splash or avoid it altogether.
Once on top the landscape changes. A blanket of heathers shake in the wind as it sweeps across the ground. It’s much flatter. Horses roam free. On a clear day you can see for miles. You are open to the elements but it makes for a refreshing experience in contrast to the effort of getting up there.
You could easily keep going and plan bigger walks from here, exploring the Shropshire Hills. Eventually you will want to go down and enjoy a coffee or an ice cream - depending on the weather!
Loughrigg Fell
Our mission on this one - to climb Brookes first fell. Loughrigg was the chosen destination.
Our mission on this one - to climb Brookes first fell. Loughrigg was the chosen destination. We had our route planned but not before coffee and pastries. We stocked up on sausage rolls then carried on.
We followed the road out of Grasmere town and toward the lake, meandering off into the woodland. It was bright but the shade from the trees and the rain from the night before made for a sunken landscape. The ground was soft. The light misty. We walked up and down, eventually joining the side of the lake. The boundaries are soft and blurred. The woodland merges into the water. There’s no obvious change. This is something we love about the Lake District. It feels natural and unchanged.
We skirted around the lake before splitting off to start making our way up Loughrigg itself. The dry, dusty path was well trodden and easy enough to follow. We gradually weaved upwards, overcoming a few steeper bits and sharing the baby carrying! Closer to the top it became rolling hills with soft, wet grass under foot. The wind was howling across us.
We found the top and a sheltered place to re fuel. The wind was still strong so we stayed just long enough to take in the views before heading down the other side. We splashed through sodden ground and brushed between the grass, stopping only to admire a water filled cave. We were out of the wind now so it was a straight shot to the lake and back the way we came.
Badge earned!
Easedale Tarn
One of our last days in the Lake District. We’d become besotted with Lucias in Grasmere…
One of our last days in the Lake District. We’d become besotted with Lucias in Grasmere. It was a dead cert to get our caffeine fix before heading out. Another cinnamon bun? Easy decision. Sausage roll for the road? Good choice.
We went on from there, crossing sodden bridges and cobbled paths. Stones so big you jump from one to the next. It was wet, but warm and crisp. Skeletons of trees overhang the path as you wind up the hill. There are great views in all directions. The air filling your lungs is pure.
As we got higher we heard the water more. Small streams flowing over and around the rocks to join the rest below. We found time to play near a waterfall before deciding it was too wet to carry on. We have Brooke to consider now, but to be honest - we were quite happy to head back.
The early descent left us enough time to visit a pub tucked away in the hill. Cosy. Warm. Dry. One of our best pints ever.
Mortimers Forest
Mortimers Forest is always worth the journey. Even on a damp, moody day. It adds to the atmosphere…
Mortimers Forest is always worth the journey. Even on a damp, moody day. It adds to the atmosphere.
Winding roads with sky reaching trees either side guided us to the foothills. It was muddy under foot, but no match for our well travelled boots and all terrain pushchair.
The Forestry Commission do a great job of sustaining this site. Enough to enjoy it but not too much. It still feels real and rugged.
The climb was steep in parts. Our eyes were drawn down misty corridors of trees and to dew drenched plants.
The top was peaceful. We let the wind brush across us whilst we took in the views. Then we headed down, often chasing Willow as she leapt ahead. She's not a fan of getting wet.
We took the time to grab a coffee on the way back. Then home. Fire on. Feet up.
Kingsford Forest
A brisk and bright winter morning. These are some of our favourite mornings…
A brisk and bright winter morning. These are some of our favourite mornings. It’s cold enough to see your breath, but the sun is causing steam to rise from fences, logs, leaves and trees. It warms your face as the cold wind brushes across it. Fuelled by caffeine - it is a great way to start the day.
We let Willow pick the route, guided by the smells of the forest and often by giving chase to a squirrel! Brooke was in our LittleLife carrier - amazed by the light beaming through the tree tops and peering around leaves. So were we. We stopped often to capture the contradiction of the forest. Warm but cold, dry and wet.
We stumbled across a wood yard. Machinery amongst nature, they oddly worked together. The forest changing the texture and colours of cut wood. It felt like a partnership that worked both ways.
We skirted Kinver Edge on the way back. There was still time to discover a forgotten gate and catch the sun light shimmering on fallen leaves.
Snowdon
This has become our favourite circular to summit Snowdon. Taking the Pyg Track on the way up…
This has become our favourite circular to summit Snowdon. Taking the Pyg Track on the way up - it’s shorter, but steeper. Then the Miners Track on the way down - it’s longer but flatter and a bit more relaxing after getting to the top.
It was a hot day. Clear blue skies, barely a single cloud. Not even a whisper of wind. It makes for a peaceful walk and we were with friends for this one, so plenty of opportunity to talk and have fun.
We started by climbing the Pyg Track. The rocks and stones slide over each other under foot. Occasionally water trickles across and your boots get wet. We are interrupted by boulders every so often but there is always a way over or around. The views are excellent everywhere. Mountains and hills as far as you can see; their jagged silhouettes pointing to the sky. The two tracks merge before the final surge to the summit. It’s a steep staircase of rock which with friends, is much easier to climb!
At the top there’s the chance to get the obligatory selfie (if that floats your boat) and soak up the views. We got lucky and had great vision all around but we’ve had a mixture of weather in the past. After a bite to eat and a much needed caffeine fix, it was time to head back down.
The Miners Track is a sharp descent at the beginning before it plateaus. At the bottom we are greeted by a calm lake, gently washing ashore over slate stones. It’s really beautiful. The remains of cobbled miners houses and native sheep are dotted along the route and in the hills. We cross over more lakes and pools of water as the track meanders and winds us down the mountain.
There are huge, flat stones in some parts. A completely different challenge when you are heading down. Gradually it turns into a dusty stroll through the rustic tundra, around the corner until you are back at the starting point. All in time for a well earned pint. Perfect.
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail. As tough to say as it is to pass. Our most challenging and rewarding hike…
The Fimmvörðuháls Trail. As tough to say as it is to pass. Our most challenging and rewarding hike. Iceland is a country like no other. Unspoilt. Raw. Rugged. We will definitely go back.
The journey began at Skógar, heading inland along the trail to Thórsmörk. We were instantly greeted by Skógarfoss - an impressive, imposing, 60m waterfall. Crashing down from above and spreading out into a rippling pool that gently flowed over the smaller volcanic stones at its base. Next to it, a pretty much vertical climb onto the top.
It was sunny. There were clear skies. We could see the glaciers and mountains ahead and the sea behind us. The earthy, mossy tundra was often broken up by passing over or through rocks. Eventually, we met the snow. Crisp. White. It seemed to carry on forever. Metre poles were buried more or less to the top. It gradually wore us down but with coffee and Maryland cookies (a staple part of our Icelandic diet), we kept going.
We were rewarded at the summit. Pure, white snow under foot. Clear, blue skies over head. The sun beaming down. Complete silence. We felt as if we could see the curvature of the Earth and we were standing on top of the world.
Slightly further on were Magni and Móði, the two craters left by the 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. Try saying that after climbing nearly 1100m in the snow! Then it was time to descend. Tumbling down a snow covered slope, it was easier to simply give up and let our bodies fall over themselves like when you were young. It was fun, and a welcome relief to the hard work of the hike so far.
We crossed an ice covered plateau before teaming up with some Icelanders to scoot down the final drop. Sliding down what felt like a sheer rock face on our bums in convoy was recommended by our new friends, but still a bit tense. Once down we walked over one more hill then back on terra firma. It was so much easier without the snow.
The landscape had changed again. Green, grey mountains towering around us and a rocky path ahead. Chiselled into the rocks, ropes were often the only way to swing around obstacles and continue onwards. We went over the well known Cats Spine - roughly three feet across and a sheer drop on either side. We went over on our hands and knees!
We let our legs roll down the rest of the trail until we reached the bottom. Everything had changed again. It was warm, bright, calm and still. We were expecting a simple pick up point but it actually turned out to be an Icelandic camp site complete with log cabins., barbeques, beers and singing. We were exhausted. We managed to buy a drink from the woman running the place and slumped down on the grass. Sun beating down, we had earned the rest.
Best. Beer. Of. Our. Lives.