Me!Me! 2013 has been one of those years where I can’t believe it has already flown by, but when I think back, an awful lot has happened.

It was a year of amazing new experiences, great days with family and friends, huge change and unfortunately some difficult, sad times too.

In terms of my photography, 2013 was a pivotal year – I took the plunge and went freelance full-time! It was a big step, and a little scary to say the least, but it has been a fantastic experience, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings!

Here are my highlights from 2013

The Big One – Going Freelance

I started working as a freelancer pretty soon after graduating in 2005, but I started out by freelancing in my spare time, whilst working full-time in picture libraries. My most recent full-time position was at the Geffrye Museum, where I was developing a new commercial picture library site, but also doing a lot of in-house photography. When my final temporary contract came to an end I decided that rather than apply for another full-time employed position, I’d go freelance, so that I could hopefully continue picture library work, but also really expand the photography side of my work.

So far it has been fantastic. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to return to the Geffrye in a Freelance capacity, as well as working with lots of new business clients. I’m growing my own Wedding photography, with a winter Wedding that I’ll be sharing here soon and I have assisted Chanon deValois on about 10 weddings this year to. I’m really excited about 2014, and have been planning lots of projects for the year.

A family day at the Geffrye

Contemporary Applied Art (CAA)

The Chelmsford Ideas Festival

An Evening Event at The Geffrye Museum

Being my own boss also means I can fit in some more personal projects!

Travel

I did very well for holidays this year! I had some really lovely trips with my family and Tim:

Aldeburgh

Singapore

The Lake District

Sorrento (Capri shown here)

Learning

I love learning new things – I love that photography is a huge discipline that is constantly changing and there’s always something new to try, or something old that you can go back to having not done it for a while. This year I made an effort to visit more exhibitions, take more courses and read more, and I really think it has had a huge impact on my work.

One of my favourite courses was on Street Portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery. The course was led by photographer David Graham, who talked us through his images, what makes a strong portrait, etc., and then sent us out into Trafalgar Square to approach people taking part in the Pride festival and ask to take their photograph. It was something completely new to me, and I think a year ago I would not have thought I’d have the courage to do it, but I was really pleased with the images I came away with, and think it has helped my Wedding portraits too.

Street Portraiture at London Pride 2013

Food

Anyone who knows me knows that I love food. Mainly eating, but also cooking and baking. My New Year’s resolution for 2012 was to cook one new recipe every week, and I not only completed it that year, but carried it through to 2013 as well. It has been a great way to avoid getting stuck making the same things all the time, and also a great excuse to photograph my food, which I also love to do!

Sesame chicken and noodles bento

Homemade crumpet with jam

Rainbow trout baked with chilli cream

Gigs

2013 turned out to be a good year for gigs!

Ghostwood Shanks reformed for 2 shows!

Reading Festival was excellent

Vans Warped Tour

Looking forward to 2014

I’m enjoying making lots of plans for 2014, and looking forward to working with lots of new people. If you’d like to work with me, or if there’s anything in particular you’d like to see on the site please do get in touch – you can email me at [email protected], or use the contact form on the main site.

What were your favourite things from 2013, and what have you got planned for 2014?

I hope you all have a fantastic New Year and that 2014 brings lots of exciting opportunities!