Sassterclass | Preview

March 17, 2014 | SallyT

Here and there, usually around once a year, I sign up for a course/workshop/mentoring session to try and improve what I do.. I look back on my images and see how I can push myself more, try and become more efficient behind the scenes and hopefully create better images than before.. I’m usually trying to look at the world around me with fresher eyes.

Last week I headed down to Birmingham for the ‘Sassterclass’, run by Sassy at Assassynation. Sassy is known for going above and beyond to get shots with amazing impact, and I trusted she would help push my work further; I definitely came away feeling like I’d had a creative kick up the arse.

Here is a little preview.. more to come soon.

January/February | Personal Work

February 25, 2014February 25, 2014 | SallyT

This year, like every year, I promised myself to do more personal work. I decided to begin a ‘365 project’ – a photo a day for a year. I decided not to impose any rules on myself for it, which means most images have been taken on my iPhone (edited with VSCOcam), and some so far have also been taken on my Olympus Trip 365, Polaroid using Impossible Project film and my trusty Canon 5D mkii. I’m enjoying it so far, even if some work-from-home/glued-to-my-screen days are less inspirational than others. I’m enjoying the moodiness of some of them and the fact that my editing preferences seem to be edging into darker territory.. Processed with VSCOcam with t1 preset Continue reading →

2014.. Hopes.

January 10, 2014January 10, 2014 | SallyT

I’ve been thinking about what I hope for this year over the past week or so; it’s easy to set similar goals to last year (and the year before) but after doing quite well with my resolution list from last year I’ve decided to set a few out and see how I get on. So here goes.

..More personal work

Last year I took time to do more personal work on the side.. and it’s something I’d like to keep doing. I’ve started a 365 project as a first step, hopefully I’ll make a project book at the end if I complete it. I’d also like to experiment with film more.. and actually stay on top of getting my films developed and blogged.

..Take care of myself

Instead of generic ‘get fit’ and ‘lose weight’ resolutions, I’m just going to try to look after myself more. Better skin care, eating more fruit and veg, fresh air and exercise.

(^^^ Vivienne in Roundhay Park, searching for conkers ^^^)

..Make a home from a rented house

I love our home, but anyone else who rents will understand the feeling of it not really being ‘yours’. We have a lovely flexible landlord and this year I’d really like to touch up our house and try and make it more organised (including a dreaded wardrobe clear out.. and a few cameras too) and feel more like a home. I’d also like to finish a few paintings for the walls, and craft a few bits and pieces with Vivienne too.

..Keep on top of my personal blog

Which now unfortunately includes sorting out the backlog from last year when I totally let it slide..

(^^^ Vivienne and me on NYE .. Vivienne before the Gruffalo at Middlesbrough Town Hall .. My bessie Louise and me – she’s getting married this year! (Watch this space..) ^^^)

..Carry on appreciating the every day

I need to carry a camera for the day-to-day more regularly. I used to use my ‘big’ camera much more when Vivienne, Dav and I were out and about.. now I seem to rely on my iPhone most of the time. I’d like to make the effort more to take photos of the everyday – time flies and it scares me how quickly Vivienne is growing up. Yesterday I turned my computer off and played with Vivienne for ages.. and I realised that I hadn’t set time aside to play for ages. Instead of flitting between office and toy room I’m going to take time out for her more.

(^^^ L-R A wonderful ‘Thank You’ gift from Emma and Ben .. Sylvanians with Vivienne .. Christmas chaos .. Leeds museum .. Vivienne took this picture, I love it .. Glitter crafting at Preston Park Museum ^^)

..Make plans to travel

Next year I’m lucky enough to be doing a few more destination weddings, but I really fancy a family adventure. This was on my list last year, and whether it’s a few weeks doing interrail or we start saving for a family Route 66.. I really just want to put some plans in place to take off with my favourite twosome.

2013

December 23, 2013December 23, 2013 | SallyT

It’s difficult to know where to begin.. it’s not the easiest task putting an ‘end of year’ post together but it’s joyous looking back at how much my camera and I have been part of – going back through hard drives and blog posts to find the images that stick out on my mind from this year’s body of work is wonderful, and makes me eternally grateful that my job brings me as much joy as it does.

This year has seen me go FULL TIME. I have put my freelance journalism work firmly on the back burner for now, towards the end of this year my workload just seemed to grow and grow – and next year is looking to be my busiest yet too. It’s a great feeling, and such a blessing to be able to work for myself doing something I love this much. We also moved house slap-bang in the middle of wedding season in August, which was as chaotic as it sounds, and now I have a designated ‘home office’, which makes a huge difference.

My work has seen me travel all over the country and beyond, which really is the best thing ever. From beaches in Scotland to the banks of the Thames in London, rural Staffordshire to the hills of Italy, the peaceful Lake District to Las bloody Vegas. I’ve also taken bookings for Italy, France and Marrakech next year.. It’s not what I expected in my wildest dreams and I really can’t wait.

I’ve been lucky enough to see families from shoots last year and see their children at the next stage in their lives, I’ve begun to do maternity portraits as well as newborn sessions, and amazingly enough I’m seeing couples whose weddings I photographed become parents, as well as meet their beautiful babies. Each step is a moment in their history and my heart melts to be part of each one. I’ve also carried on doing a little commercial work here and there, and there looks to be much more of this next year too.

And I’ve also managed to do a little more personal work this year too, which is something I was really aiming for when I made some new year resolutions in January. It’s harder than it sounds sometimes to pick up your camera on ‘days off’, especially in the thick of wedding season, but I’m always glad I did, and I hope to create even more ‘just for me’ next year too.

I have much more to share and blog from this year, but there just isn’t time, and I’m really looking forward to clocking off for a few days now and catching up with everything in the new year. A huge, huge thanks again to all my wonderful clients, past and present, and for everyone who has helped make this year one to remember. I had a blast and hope you did too.

Here is my 2013..

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A massive extra thanks has to go to my husband Dav (and Vivienne, although I very much doubt she’s reading this), for his unconditional support and consistently strong belief that I really should do what I love, even if the slog is slightly harder sometimes (often!) along the way. Lovell you always. xx