This week I was lucky to be chosen as guest on the Jasmine Star show podcast. Jasmine is a social media expert and business strategist from Newport Bay, California.
I have followed Jasmine for several years and watched her business grow as she helps so many business entrepreneurs with their social media strategy and look at how they can grow their businesses. As many of you know this is an area I love. I work with my clients to help them with branding and strategy for their social media accounts, along with photographing content for their website and social media posts.
The episode I was featured on focused on setting goals for 2021 and how it’s a good idea to break these down into quarterly goals. For example, by the end of the first quarter of the year at the end of March, I will have photographed 10 families, redesigned my website and helped 3 business clients develop their social media strategy. A full lockdown for 6 weeks (at least!) may prove challenging in achieving these, but those are my goals.
A big believer in goal setting, I was in my element on the podcast. Of course goals should follow the SMART formula. They should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time based. Without adhering to this formula, we often get lost in knowing what to do and how to succeed. So bear that in mind when setting your own goals for 2021. I think it’s helpful to split your life into categories too, for me 1. Personal – so travel plans, running PB’s or races I wish to do 2. Business goals (as above).
If you would to like to listen to the podcast you can find the link below. If you are setting goals of your own for 2021 I would love to hear them. Be warned I may just check up on you to keep you accountable!
Oh how I love autumn photography family sessions. The colours, bright sunny days with a breeze in the air gives a lovely feel to these sessions. Quality time with the family to capture some memories. My sessions are relaxed, fun and we capture natural images, nothing overly posed but I love seeing how a family naturally interacts capturing real and genuine moments.
Professional photographer Sophie, squeezed her session in just before lockdown and this was baby Louis’ first photoshoot and he absolutely rocked it! After a little nap at the start (so his mummy and daddy could enjoy some couple’s portraits), he woke with a beaming smile!
So much happiness and love was captured in this session. These are the memories I want my families to have in 2020. This won’t be the year of the lockdown’s. It will be the year we all spent quality time together, cuddled more, read together, played and remembered what is really important; Family is everything.
If you are wondering what to wear for your family session, consider keeping the colours simple and natural; beiges, browns, pastel shades. this removes any distraction caused by patterns and logo’s so you and your family really shine against the gorgeous colours in the backgrounds.
Don’t worry if you were not able to take professional newborn photographs, Louis loved his first photoshoot; it is always possible to get some gorgeous professional photographs of your children, whatever age they may be.
I plan to re -start my family sessions straight after lockdown so if you would like to arrange your session drop me a line at enquiries@alisonarmstrongphotography.com or add a gift voucher to the top of your Christmas List, available online now with 3 special packages only available over the Christmas period.
Wow… I can’t believe it’s a year since this incredible day. Jess & Ben married at Mulbarton Church before enjoying a relaxed and fun reception at Potash Farm. This was one of the first weddings to be held within the beautiful 5 acres of woodland and wildflowers and provided the perfect backdrop for natural and romantic portraits whilst their guests chatted on straw bales close by. Whilst the weather was not quite as Jess & Ben had hoped, rain never stops play at any weddings I’m photographing and we headed out in-between showers to capture some amazing memories for them. Thanks Jess & Ben for letting me share your special day, you were both brilliant. It’s been wonderful looking back at these images and seemed the perfect time to re-live this magical day so I’m sharing them with you!
What do photographers love? In my experience, chatting with other photographers, creating beautiful pictures and talking about gadgets and gear!
Okay so also like to eat…and drink…ALOT, whilst chatting to other photographers about gear.
When fellow wedding photographer, Chris Bottrell suggested a styled shoot at Lynford Hall, I knew this was a great opportunity for all of the above. Having recently dipped my toe into the Sony Mirrorless world, I knew this was a great chance to catch up with some talented photographers and shoot some creative pictures, putting the Sony A7iii through it’s paces. With Vintage Silk styling and the beautiful Emma in bridal wear, I had to share with you some of the portraits I took that day.
The stormy skies gave us from dramatic lighting opportunities and we had fun experimenting with pink smoke grenades.
Half the shoot was shot with Sony and half with Nikon. I’m not yet ready to turn my back completely on Nikon, it’s like an old cozy jumper I can’t bear to throw out, but the Sony is something special. Light, compact and with killer autofocus, I know it will be a fantastic addition to my photography ninja arsenal.
This stunning floral design is by Vintage Silk.
The grounds at Lynford Hall, give lots of opportunities for relaxed, colourful images…
We ended our shoot with some dramatic lighting indoors…
Special thanks to Chris Bottrell and Amy from Vintage Silk for organising. Chris is a talented sony shooter known for his strobist work, you can find his work here www.chrisbotrellphotography.co.uk
On a warm summer day in June, as the willow trees gently swayed in the breeze, Luka and Oliver celebrated their love and commitment on an island in the middle of a lake in the picturesque Happy Valley, Norfolk.
Seated on hay bales, Luka and Oliver’s friends and family watched the couple exchange vows, whilst the bride’s stunning dress flowed behind her.
It’s long been established that you never upstage the bride on her wedding day, however there was a beautiful little lady who wanted to share the limelight.
The couple’s daughter, Dulcie, couldn’t bear to be apart from mummy and daddy and spent the ceremony in the couple’s arms. Not quite the picture of serenity perhaps Luka envisaged, but in a way, it couldn’t have been more perfect. This is real life, this is family and this is real love. The family unit, all together, celebrating their love.
The bridal preparations began at the stunning treehouse at Toad Hall, a short two-minute drive from the venue. The floral displays by Romeo and Succulent were stunning and the couple had decorated the barn with lots of personal touches. The bride’s father had even made each and every wedding plate!
The bridal party made their way to the venue in a Land Rover, driven by the bride’s father, whilst Oliver waited patiently for Luka to walk across the bridge to the island where they celebrated their wedding.
Happy Valley is such a stunning venue with great outdoor space for a couple to put their own stamp on their day. Children were entertained with garden games, a climbing frame, swings and hook a duck! The children’s tipi village was inspired.
Guests were treated to flower crowns, lovingly made by Kim from Romeo and Succulent. If you are planning your own Boho wedding, I could not recommend her highly enough!
After a delicious meal we walked round the lake for some golden hour shots in the stunning grounds before one last ‘wow’ shot after the touching and hilarious speeches.
Luka and Oliver, I wish you a lifetime of happiness. You were worthy winners of my 2019 ‘Win Your Wedding’ competition and thank you for allowing me to share your beautiful wedding day at Happy Valley.
