What happens during a cake smash session ??

Cake Smash Photography

Congratulations!

Your little baby is almost one! You have made it through the sleepless nights, the learning curve that is a new baby - now it is time to celebrate, what could be more fun than a birthday cake and a bubble bath to mark the occasion and some beautiful photographs to treasure this milestone forever?

The first year flies by so very fast and there is only one first birthday. Cake smashes with Beside The Seaside Photography are unique to each client, backdrops are created based on your likes and ideas- they are not printed but real, bespoke to you ensuring you have a unique session, for your unique child.

The session is a 3 part shoot, we take some portraits to start, chubby thighs and sparkly eyes that little ones bring in abundance update your professional photos and capture their lovely personalities at this age. Then we celebrate with a real sensory experience - the professionally baked and decorated cake!

Whether your child chooses to dive in face first or pick neatly at the icing, you are sure to get some beautiful photos to make you smile in years to come.

The session ends with your little one having a bubble bath to clean up - this usually ends up with a good splash about - so please wear clothes you are not afraid to get messy and dirty!!

Each session is tailored to you and your little one, your preference of colours and your ideas are discussed prior to the session so we can ensure that your love each and every one of your timeless images.

If you would like more information on availability get in touch today.

Reasons why you should book your session today

Maternity, CAKESMASH & Newborn sessions

Newborn, Sitter sessions, Cake smashes and much more !!

Beside The Seaside Photography wants to help you "Capture memories that will last a lifetime"

Whether it is a maternity session or to help celebrate the birth of your baby then The Studio has an array of props and accessories to help create a very priceless session.

If your child has had a Birthday coming up then a cake smash session is the perfect way to create timeless memories. You can choose a package that suits you and your family.

Maybe your little one has learnt to crawl, started walking or gotten their first tooth ? whichever milestone it maybe Beside The Seaside Photography promises to capture every little detail

Or maybe a session to help with the reunion of generations and a beautiful family portrait session ( Up to a family of 6 ) WOW what a gift that could be for fathers day ( Or even a Mothers Day and gift a treasured print to your loved ones )

““Capturing memories that last a lifetime””

— Beside The Seaside Photography

All sessions are JUST £69*

• This includes up-to 1 hour photoshoot

• full use of studio wardrobe and props,

• professional image editing

• a deluxe lustre complimentary print

• An online gallery to view upon choosing your desired package

Packages start from £199 and can include up to 50 high resolution images

* No digital images are included with just the session

BOOK TODAY

Beside The Seaside Photography

5 ways to make a cake smash personal for your little one

Simple Organic Blog Post Instagram Story Template by Sophia Benham

T'was The Night Before Christmas !!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

Merry Christmas Love Sophia & Family xx

Beside The Seaside Photography

Portsmouth UK

Credits to ONE BROAD STREET BRIGHTON & ZARA & My Gorgeous Son too !!!

www.besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk

Branding By Benham

Brand Photography by Beside The Seaside Photography

*** Prices on request ***

If you are a small business owner who puts their heart and soul into every creation, every service you offer and every client you serve then this is for you.

You are your brand, you know your products and services and skills better than anyone- but does your client know your story?

I'll come hang out with you for an hour or however long you require and capture you at work creating or merely supping a brew if that's what your work day involves.

You can talk me through what makes you tick, what makes your business so special and I'll translate the message you want to get across to you potential customers in to images in a fun, informal and relaxed way.

You'll get headshots to boot in certain packages and all the little details you put in to what you do.

The session includes digital images and the rights to share online - Facebook / Instagram / Twitter etc. as well as the freedom to create flyers, business cards, update your website, blogs etc.

All you business needs, in images, because, lets face it- clients don't read unless you stop the scroll!

Jungle Cake Smash

A cake smash is a fun and messy way to capture cute and memorable moments on your little ones 1st Birthday. Originating from the USA a cake smash is a photo shoot where a baby is given a cake to smash and play with whilst the photographer captures ‘memories that last a lifetime’

Christmas Mini Sessions 2022

Are you someone who counts down the days to December to then count down the days to Christmas??

Well you’re in the right place !! I have been a mother for over 25 years and Christmas time is definitely my favourite time of the year.

The season where we can wear sparkly and Christmassy outfits every day of the month !!

Why not book a session to have those festive moments captured, after all it is the ‘Most Wonderful time of The Year’

Twas The Night Before Christmas at Beside The Seaside Photography 2022

Let's capture the most memorable Christmas in 2022 at Beside the Seaside's photography studio 🎅

Let's bring the magic and nostalgia by creating timeless and precious images to help remember Christmas in many years to come!!

Get cozy and comfortable in the warm and welcoming setting where the festive surroundings await you and your family this Christmas time!!

Packages Starting at £99 with just a retainer due to confirm your slot today of £39 (Balance due one week before your session)

This session is available for a maximum of three children from the same immediate family (not to include cousins or friends)

Additional children (from the same family) may be added at a cost of £10 per extra child to be paid directly via

PayPal to info@besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk.

book now

By clicking this link and filling in your details and choosing your preffered date and time.

Beside the Seaside Photography looks forward to seeing you this Christmas Time

Capturing Memories That Last a Lifetime’

Paddington Bear Cake Smash

The cake smash apparently originates from the mexican tradition, as it has the largest growing population in the united states, so this would make a lot of sense!

They celebrate what is called, the mordida.  the mordida is a tradition when the first birthday boy or girl’s little face gets gently pushed into the cake (usually by the parent) to take their first bite of cake.  

Then everyone around them sings, mordida! mordida! mordida! it means bite in spanish.

Mum or Dad will come up behind the child usually after blowing out the candles and boom… face gently into the cake. everyone then cheers and lots of pictures are taken.

However cake Smashes aren't quite like this in Beside The Seaside Photography’s Studio!!

Starting with their One Year portraits, then onto the fun of the cake smash, you’re little won’t leave a mess in the car as they end with a tub splash which is always full of big giggles.

They dry off just in time to go celebrate their first birthday!!

Love the look of this for your little one? Other themes are available ( A few examples can be found here below or see this link here )

If so please do pop over to the contact section on the page for further details.

My first session as a volunteer for The Butterfly Wishes Network

Today was a very exciting day.

My first session as a volunteer for The Butterfly Wishes Network

🦋🦋🦋

https://www.facebook.com/Butterflywishesnetwork/

I was overjoyed that these two beautiful girls Riley & Ivy thoroughly relaxed in Beside the seaside photography's studio.

Ivy was entertained with bubbles, encanto music 🎶 tambourine and Mum's beautiful singing.

As a cerebal palsy warrior she did fantastically and the little diva smiled a lot towards the end of the session ( I will let @The butterfly wishes network share those ones when they're edited!!)

Thankyou Leah for bringing your girls into the studio and for little Riley who was very patient and smiley and I was as sad as her when she didn't want to leave 💕

That's what a session should be about, comfortable, happy, relaxed no pressure on both the parents and the children but I know today we have "captured memories that last a lifetime"

More to follow....

https://www.facebook.com/Butterflywishesnetwork/

www.besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk

Home is where the spa is!!

I first met Heather of Sanctuary Home Healing back in March 2014.

After a couple of years of sleep deprivation with my youngest son and a neck that often killed me from many extensive breast feeds I was seriously overdue some pampering.

Whilst feeling very shattered and a little stressed I found Sanctuary Spa Healing on Facebook one day and I've truly never looked back.

The first thing that attracted me was that I could have a treatment in the comfort of my own home.

With my son still very young ( and still not sleeping all that well ) it was a very luxurious treatment that once I closed my eyes I very much felt like I could have been at any luxury spa resort.

One of Heathers prompts was to take myself somewhere that provides inner peace, provides a sense of tranquility and makes you feel a heightened sense of relaxation so therefore most sessions my mind casually visited ‘Thailand’ for one hour !!

( You know the Leonardo DeCaprio Beach film scene, silver glistening waterfalls in the sunshine, beautiful soft sand under the toes, the sweet smell of coconut oil. the fruity passion fruit aroma of a sweet tasting cocktail… utter heavenly blissful moment !!)

‘The Beach’

Thanks to Sanctuary Home Healing my manifesting magic became a welcome and idyllic reality !!

I continued having my chosen pamper treat of Reiki and Massage over the years as I knew how destressed and restful I felt after the pleasurable treatments and although she decided to stop doing mobile treatments I would visit her home for them in the future.

The Sanctuary Home treatment room is based at Heather’s home located In North end, Portsmouth.

It simply oozes Zen, tranquility and the warm sense of positive aura is felt when receiving treatments here.

Admittedly I don't live that far from the Sanctuary Spa retreat in Portsmouth but I would of definitely travelled further to receive these.

In the past I’ve experienced many spa packages but Heathers are a ‘cut above the rest’, her passion for everything holistic is very apparent and this shows in her Spa and healing practices.

Even Scrummy the cat loves Sanctuary treatments!!

I'm not sure I'd be the person ( Mum)

I am today without the support of Sanctuary Spa Healing, I know GP’s are very quick to offer prescription drugs but I feel if they offered vouchers for Sanctuary Spa Healing a lot of new Mums or women young and old would most definitely benefit from her luxurious services and their well being would be greatly impacted in the most positive way like mine has been.

As someone who has suffered with mental health In the past and am not afraid to talk about my experiences this service has been a consistent security blanket and a key to prevention of my well being, knowing ‘everything will be ok’ and that I can leave my troubles behind after visiting the ‘Spa’ and I am ready to tackle the stresses and complexities that life often throws at us daily.

‘I feel refreshed and recharged after every visit ‘

Since the pandemic Heather continued with online meditation and long distance Reiki ( which was of great support during these unprecedented times and of course home learning!!) she also prioritized her treatments as necessary and I’m so thankful she did.

As you can tell from the bottom of my heart I cannot thank Heather at Sanctuary Home Healing enough and I am very much looking forward to training with her in 2022 with hopefully completing The Reiki 2 course. I am very eager to attend her meditation classes too.

Thankyou to Heather for choosing me to photograph your Sanctuary Spa Healing space.

( If you would like to invest in some brand photography to form help you form a clear visual identity for YOU and your business then please do get in touch with Sophia at Beside The Seaside Photography info@besidetheseasidephotography packages can be found here )

If you are in need of any treatments please check out her page here and say Sophia at Beside The Seaside Photography recommended you;

Sophia xx

Note ( After manifesting magic, a couple of years after meeting Heather and having many Sanctuary Home healing treatments my idyllic location became a reality too, Phuket, Thailand September 2019 It certainly lived up to my expectations. )

The Studio is officially open!!

The Studio at 335 - ready to welcome existing and new clients

Thanks to the governments new roadmap out of lockdown Beside The Seaside Photography’s studio in Northend Portsmouth ( 335 London Road ) is well and truly ready to reopen ( albeit that the original opening was short lived back in December 2020 !! )

All aboard the window display thanks to my youngest son!!

Here is The Studios front window after a gloomy Sunday afternoon where with three young boys in tow we completed the preparations getting it ready alongside me and their Daddy.

All hands on deck!!

For some unknown reason it all seemed to feel ‘just right’ by the time we left the studio after a gruelling 7 hours of cleaning, bleaching and prepping for the reopening.

The keys to the door!!

( It kind of felt the way I'm sure goldilocks felt when she got the right chair and porridge, you know that complete ulreka moment!!)

Art work in the window

Fairy tales might be make-believe but after the unprecedented year we have just had it finally felt like all my dreams had come true.

After many years of wanting my own studio the time had finally come to realise yes this is it.

( A place to get creative, whatever the weather and also not have to worry about tidying up muddy football boots every time a client arrives!! )

Finally the day has arrived

As my Nanny Benham once told me “life is not rehearsal” so as I had taken that advice on far too many occasions ( on the Kings Theatre stage, whilst on a girly holiday and when going to the races ) this definitely was my time to shine and to remember my nans wise words!!

A Covid safe environment

Someone said I was brave,

( I guess they meant by opening a studio in a global pandemic)

I wouldn't say brave, brave is someone like Kate Garroway who recently welcomed her husband home after spending a year in hospital thanks to the nasty coronavirus and being brave enough to talk about her personal life so publicly whilst the virus is still causing illness and tragically death.

Brave is losing someone as my friend did last year, losing her beloved partner and her daughters precious Daddy ( again down to the coronavirus) and being brave enough to share her feelings whilst on her grieving journey.

Or being a front line NHS worker during the pandemic…

Now that's brave…

This is brave ( photograph courtesy of Amanda Harrison Photography 2020 )

Me?? Brave?? …. No I may be silly, a risk taker, a commited and loyal Mother and a passionate photographer who's motivation means I'd like to make a difference in life, in my community and continue to create many memories for families to share, like they did pre social media, for a very long time.

Yes I'm an old fashioned girl at heart, with true values and some great morals, however i’m not perfect, I'm always learning and eager to improve the services I offer my clients but generally all I want to do is make people smile and grab my camera when they do!!

I'm smiling cos he's smiling!!

“ Capturing memories that last a lifetime”

Life is too short to not take risks and chances me brave, nah not me!!

If you'd like to see the full transformation from hair salon to photography studio please watch this space for the blog where I will reveal how all the sweat and tears were totally worth it.

The before and after transformation blog coming soon….

Sign up here for the newsletter where I will regularly send information about events and offers at Beside the seaside photography 🐚.

Oh and did I mention The studio is open for business??!!

If you’re ready to book let me know if not read my blog about what excuse fits you and your current circumstances !!

The Salon pre Beside the seaside photography Studio

READY TO BOOK? NEED AN EXCUSE? HERE’S 10 for you ...

Newborn images that capture those very special moments

1.You have no nice photos of you and your babies/children/family ? .

2. You're pregnant, over the sickness stage and want to celebrate how incredible your body is right now ?!

3. You recently had a baby and want to feel comfortable and beautiful in your new Mummy body. 

4. You are due soon or have a very new baby and want to document those first special newborn days.

5. Your baby's Birthday is coming up ( Hooray let’s eat cake ! )

6. Your Birthday is coming up ( what better reason than this ? )

7. Baby slept through the night and you feel like a new woman, yeehah !

8. Baby is still not sleeping through the night and you need to treat yourself, of course you deserve it. 

9. You're feeling free and happy and loving being a new Mummy.

10. You're struggling In your relationship due to the recent big change but really want to have some fun together and document it.

OK one more....

11. it will be Christmas before you know it and that's always a good excuse. ( Oh and Doggy’s love photographs too you know !! )

None of these work for you? Let me know and I'll think of some more...

Interested in a Beside The Seaside Photography session ? please contact me using the form here.

See how Charlie’s Mum used his milestone birthday as an excuse to have a photo session with Beside The Seaside Photography.

Cake or fruit smash that is the question?

Cake smash or fruit smash??

Cake smash - messy but fun too!!

I absolutely love doing cake smashes and think they are a really wonderful way to document a milestone of your little one turning ONE.

“There undoubtedly has been lot of missed celebrations during the Lockdown so what better way to play catch up and celebrate with your little one

”

However fruits smashes are just as exciting and fun for both your little one and for you too.

Fruits smashes just as much juicey fun too!!

They have become very popular due to the popularity in America but UK are definitely bringing some fun for little ones across photography studios in the UK nowadays.

If however a cake smash isn't for you (the mess is just not for you? I get that! ) then perhaps you may prefer an alternative to the traditional cake smash photo session a fruit smash session instead.

You choose the fruit Beside the seaside photography does the rest!!

A fruit session is a fun alternative to the classic American 'cake smash'
It is pretty obvious what is featured in a fruit smash lots of colourful fruit ( rather than a sponge cake with lots of messy icing) however the concept and the design is just the same.

Fruit - The first weaning foods, great for a fruit smash too!!

Your baby can have an absolute blast squelching and touching the deliciously cold and scrumptious fruit ( probably one of the first weaning foods they will begin to taste.)

Whilst I capture all the fun and adorable photographs that will make a colourful addition to a photo album and printed frames on any walls in your home.

What does a session include?

A fruit smash session includes portraits of your baby before the session then I will then capture a variety of cute poses of them playing or sitting against a colourful themed backdrop with accessories balloons and banners to match your theme.

If the photo session has been organised to coincide with your baby's first birthday I can also use large wooden letters spelling out the word 'one' in the photos and numbers to match.
Some children tried to eat the letters however they are indestructible and are very safe to be used for little ones !

Turning ONE - one of the special milestones in little ones life

Older babies are also welcome as I also explain in my separate blog about when is best to book a cake smash session.
Then the entertainment begins when I bring out the fruits ( included in your package) and I will arrange a display of brightly-coloured fresh seasonal fruit.

As with my traditional cake smash portrait sessions your baby will probably love the colours and also the taste of the fruit. So they'll be delighted to have the chance to tuck in and they are welcome to make as much mess as they like!

Fruit baths, delightfully sweet and fun ( Just like you little one!! )

I will take photographs and your child will get cleaned up afterwards using my clawfoot child sized bath with warm water and bubbles then you can dry your baby while keeping them warm in the cosy studio setting with a towel and get them dry after what has been a fruit filled bath and have fun sensory experience for them!

so cake smash or fruit smash photoshoot what would you choose?

Turning O-N-E is definitely a milestone that needs to be celebrated and documented.

Cake smashes have definitely been popular for many years now and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down the reason is clear it's a messy but 100% a fun-filled session that both children and parents love and the photos graphs are a fantastic memento of this special milestone.

As well as being perfect for your walls at home the fruit or (cake smash) photographs can also be used to personalise party invitations, gift cards, photo gifts and calendars. ( see link)

Great photographs for designing your little ones first birthday invites

There are so many ways you would use the photographs I'm confident they will make you smile each time you look at them!
Book a fruit smash photo session with beside the seaside photography today.

If this sounds like something you think your little one would love please get in touch by completing a form to secure a date for your bespoke session.

Cake or fruit that is the question?

I really look forward to having you in my new photography studio in Portsmouth UK very soon,
Sophia x

“Book a fruit smash photo session with beside the seaside photography today. If a fruit smashing sounds like something you think your little one would love please get in touch by completing a form to secure a date for your bespoke session.”

Oh January 2021 what a long month you were !!

Who else feels like January has been the longest month in history ?

Yes it is common place that the first month is always so slow in comparison to the other months of the year but January 2021, oh boy you certainly dragged your heels didn't you !!

The month after Christmas, A long time since pay day , The 3rd Lockdown announced, Blue Monday, homeschooling AGAIN and everyone trying to stick to dry January ( not particularly hard when all pubs are shut I guess ? I stuck to it albeit a tad of red wine in my roast dinner gravy !! )

Well enough doom and gloom I wanted to share something very special with you all it is something I did in the studio just before Christmas by special request of my client.

Mrs C wanted to create a calendar for a present from her son to her husband ( also little Atticus's Daddy )

I was given a list of ideas by my client for each month but bizarrely I had been eagerly researching this special calendar session and we had near enough chosen exactly the same ideas for each month.

Attucus’s Mummy had also added a few personal ideas too.

I initially met Atticus and his Mummy one day whilst shopping, when Atticus was just 3 months old.We hit it off instantly and it was so nice to chat to someone over the age of 12 !! ( who else has missed proper adult conversation during this pandemic ?? You know the verbal kind and not just Zoom, WhatsApp and Messenger ??!! )

As anyone who already knows me I am a very friendly and approachable kind of person so it's no surprise we chatted for quite a while, obviously the cute and smiling Atticus being the centre of attention at all times !!

Atticus then became a model at my home based studio for Halloween and it was there I got to know Atticus and his Mummy a little bit more.

Atticus was born at the beginning of lockdown so his arrival into the world hasn't been quite the normal start to parenting for his Mummy but nether the less she has embraced parenthood wholeheartedly and given Atticus as many opportunities and experiences to say the least. And I could tell instantly he is one contented little boy.

Luckily we were able to use a few images from that model session for two Autumnal months October of course celebrating Halloween and November would include lots of leaves and Autumn-like colours.

So on the day of the calendar session we were left with the task of capturing 10 months worth of 'calendar prints'

With most of Atticus's wardrobe in my Portsmouth studio and an array of my appropriate outfits and props both his Mummy and I set to work.

( Mrs C chief wardrobe assistant and me as photographer !! )

We had an A-plan where we would start from December and work our way through each month accordingly.

I really couldn't believe how well it went Atticus seriously ‘rocked’ his session.

In total we were shooting for 2 hours with a few drinks and nappy changes for him along the way ( I was naughty and had an overload of coca cola, the sugar boost was very much needed !! )

The first three months went really well but come April we both think Atticus disliked the wool type texture bunny outfit (courtesy of Adaphotoprops ) plus the studio was really warming up by now !!

We ploughed on and managed to achieve May to September shots after this with continuous changing and shooting.

I had a feeling that September would be an extra special month as both parents are teachers so a Harry Potter themed set was totally on point !!

Wow, Atticus you were truly amazing and certainly did your parents proud ( and me ) that day.

On the day of the gallery reveal back at the London Road, Portsmouth photography studio ( due to officially open once Lockdown is lifted ) both myself and his Mummy loved so many of the images it really was so hard to choose therefore a USB with all images was the best option.

I know the tissues came in very handy at the reveal and Atticus the trooper that he is slept so that Mummy could really decide what images would be best suited for each month. ( He had been to a baby group beforehand too !! )

I so hope Mr C and Atticus's Daddy was overwhelmed and overjoyed with his first ever gift from his son at Christmas and will be just as happy when he looks at the calendar everyday for the rest of 2021 ( which of course can be framed afterwards too )

I was so pleased with how well the session went and wanted to order my own calendar for the studio too.( I also ordered a personal one for home of my own children - thank you for the inspiration Mrs C !! )

I think one thing is for sure during these unprecedented times looking at happy faces definitely gives us hope and certainty that this lockdown won’t last forever.

Now no doubt Atticus's Mummy is already planning his first birthday cake smash session ( any guesses of what theme she will choose !!…..watch this space )

“I think one thing is for sure during these unprecedented times looking at happy faces definitely gives us hope and certainty that this lockdown won’t last forever.

”

Oh 2021 please be kind to us !!

There have after all been some wonderful things to come out of 2020 Atticus was one of them ( his bespoke calendar ) and a new studio for Beside The Seaside Photography.( more details to follow shortly )

If you have a unique project in mind please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss today.

““Capturing the moments and memories that will last forever”

”

— Beside The Seaside Photography

Shoot and Share competition 2019

The very talented Redmand Rance

I first discovered the shoot and share contest last year in 2018 and found it SO addictive scrolling through everyones images once they were through to the voting rounds. 

Then yet again this year I find myself a little addicted but not quite as much as my fellow photographer friends But i get why as this year was even more special as like them I too decided to enter my own phtographs into the well established and worldwide competition.

The pastel beach huts Eastney, Portsmouth, UK

Unfortunately at the eleventh hour one of my images was disqualified due to it’s edit so I didn’t gain my ‘ALL IN’ badge ( for those who don’t know its a badge to honour the fact you’ve had all your images accepted into the contest).

However I was awarded the badge of honour and to me that was enough - The fact I had entered has shown a BIG surge in my confidence, not allowing others to dampen my passion and critique me constantly. I entered an array of genres and also included some phone photographs becuase in today’s world it is used as a camera more often than not.

You can't vote for anyone specific unless you happen to recognise their work come up. 

Voting works by showing you four images from the same category (of which there are many) and you choose your favourite. 

My son Rex on the day of Harry & Meaghan’s wedding

You don't know anything else about the images, who took it or where, you just see the four images and choose, then you're shown another four.  Each round the least voted are removed before the next round begins with the best images slowly getting narrowed down over 12 rounds! 

 I'd love to be a finalist next year and I'd really love to be in the top 100 too !

Essentially next year I plan to up my game and enter more images taken from my Nikon dlsr camera but it has dfefinitely been lots of fun and I have enjoyed voting and showing my children the many fantastic imagesand they helped me vote too.

I thought I would also share with you all in case anyone else wants to join in voting for some amazing photographs in the world's

"only free and fair photo contest". 

 That’s right anybody can enter - so what are you waiting for ???!!!

In Daddy’s hands - Baby Thomas

A proper smash for Charlie on his First Birthday 🎂

Charlie’s 1st Cake Smash

Charlie's parents Abigail & Adam bought little Charlie along on his actual 1st birthday. 

I think I was just excited as them to be honest, ( well after all it is a big milestone and probably the most important one through the eyes of a parent).

Those last twelve months of nurturing, bonding and many sleepless nights, not to mention endless nappy changes and baths too.

Turning one is a great milestone in that more than likely the firsts begin or have already started, the first tooth, the first curl, the first foods and the first steps. 

So what better way to celebrate this amazing landmark for any parent than to incorporate a cake smash as close to their baby's 1st birthday. 

After setting up ready for the session I anticipated the arrival of a little boy ready with little hands and little feet and of course ready to have fun with lots of mashed up birthday cake with yummy icing and have his photographs taken ! 

As you can see from the photographs Charlie had an absolute blast!

First getting used to having his photograph taken in ultimately a strange place to him.  

Then getting nice posed images before introducing the cake and ultimately the touching part. 

The best part getting completely messy with the cake, dipping his fingers in, using the wooden spoon and looking at his proud parents watch every little movement he makes. 

Lastly time to get cleaned up and have some splashing fun of course. Complete with bubbles and at a temperature just right, Charlie rinsed away all the traces of his 1st Birthday cake and the smashing great time he had too. 

Charlie's Mummy Abigail said ;

' I'm crying... again... for the 5th time today 😂 thank you so, so much! We really appreciate it and you made us all feel so at ease'.

Mummy & son

Eli ready for some sunshine !!

Eli aged 7 months came along for his session in May and when he arrived he was very much  sleeping. 

Inevitably when he woke he was in strange surroundings with a new person in his presence.  

That someone wasn't his mummy and not the person that has been so close to him for the last 16 months. ( 9 months in Mummy's tummy 7 months in her arms ) 

Mummy & Eli

The person who ultimately provides warmth, comfort, food and is there for him for every second of the day.  

Once he woke properly we set to taking some photographs of him but realised he didn't want to play at being sat up. 

And of course that's fine.  

He is still very young and not quite mastered the sitting technique just yet ( to be honest this little boy is so strong I think he will be walking very early!)  

Baby's tell us if they don't feel comfortable and we as mummy's have to meet their needs. 

Eli loves Winnie the Pooh and his late grandmother's Bear of which we got to have in the set up for the session. 

He also loves baths, chocolate biscuits, wotsits and of course his Mummy and Daddy. 

It was such a pleasure to meet you Eli keep that teddy bear safe 🐻  until I meet you again!! 

Eli & his late grandmothers blue teddybear

The Travelling Dress Collective - Featuring Tara

I have heard a lot about a travelling dress collective a few times but in January 2019 I decided it was about time I push my creativity a little bit more than I normally would.

Therefore I decided to join a travelling dress collective with eleven other members from a photography background.

They were all living in England but spread mainly in the Southern region of the country.

I contributed towards the cost of a designer dress along with the other members and was allocated a set date.

My weekend happened to coincide with Easter weekend so knowing that I wouldn’t get my body into the sized 6/8 sequinned adorned piece by then, I searched for a more suitable model.

My model was Tara, she has an extensive dancing background and I used to dance with her Mother back when I was younger.

Tara is 16 years old and has recently been fortunate enough to receive a place at The Laine theatre dance school in London.

Having her last week of festivals she was only too happy to assist me on my own personal project.

We discussed ideas, locations, hair and make up and then set about our day,

Thankfully the weather was Summer-like and the sun shone amazingly as did Tara.

With pointe shoes and dancing tights she put on the dress and came alive as if ‘dancing’ to a score whilst on stage.

The passers by were in awe, many asking questions and telling us their dancing connections. One lady’s sister was a dance teacher in Zimbabwe, another man worked at the local Kings Theatre in Southsea for many years.

It was so great to see the public’s response, Tara was making many dance like movements, posès and I captured her in the essence of the atmosphere.

Our setting used was  Southsea Castle and surrounding walls and beautiful sand coloured wall backdrops. These really echoed the colour of the travelling dress and also Tara’s hair colouring too.

I asked Tara why she loved dancing so much and this is what she said to me;

I dance quite simply because its my passion. 

I love the release I feel when I dance and I am able to forget about the outside world for a while. Some dance is very emotive and I can relate so much to the music and express my feelings.

I love performing and sharing my passion with an audience, it is so rewarding.

I started dancing when I was three. My mum said I always danced round the room when music came on.

It’s always been in my family that we dance and I’m so happy I do!

After having been given offers from four dance colleges,I am so excited to further my training at Laine Theatre Arts, for a level 6 diploma in musical theatre.

So why Beside The Seaside Photography ?

Me as a young happy little girl at Southsea in the seventies with my Mum and Dad

As a child I loved to spend time with my parents by the sea in Southsea, making lots of sandcastles and getting wet feet most hot sunny days.

My Dad says that I wanted to swim from a really young age nowadays I take my small boys instead !

My Brother and I used to swim for ages in the sea during summer ( even when it was raining we would have to be teased out of the water along with our treasured dinghy !!)

My Mum and Dad loved to capture them moments with a good old Polaroid camera and now I look back at them with very fond memories.

Now I want to do the same for other families at the beautiful beaches we live near.

Capturing special moments, you know, the sandy toes and salty kisses kinda moments.

Gone are the days when we wait down Commercial Road for an hour whilst eagerly waiting for our camera film to be developed.

However printing and hanging photographs on the wall is what I want to encourage others to do - Please let me help you with that.

Where will you hang that photograph ? Who will be in the frame ? What colours do you want ? We can find a location that suits your family , let the children play ( even your pet dog ! ) and I will take photographs of you enjoying them moments.

Whatever you fancy Beside The Seaside Photography is able to help you achieve special memories documented into print and have something to look back on for many years to come.

If this is something you would like to talk more about please drop me a message, Sophia

My beautiful five boys who are now tired of being photgraphed its your turn !!

Where it all started.....

Hello and a very warm welcome to my website,

My name is Sophia, A Baby & Family photographer in and around Portsmouth UK

A Mother to five gorgeous sons ( yes 5 !! ) I adore tea and cake, I’m a lover of West End musicals and dancing of all kinds, I’m also a big Madonna fan too!

My photography journey properly started in 2010 when I began to take pictures of my fourth son and decided to enter it into a Photography competition where I won it. Although I have always loved taking photographs from a teenager this really helped start my photographic journey in a more passionate way.

My children & family photography services come from the bottom of my heart, with a vision to tell your story and to help capture those beautiful moments always.

‘Capturing the nostalgia of the seaside with memories that will last a lifetime’

I capture your childrens personalities and will bring out the light in their eyes and ultimately the laughter from their hearts too.

One Christmas Day winner 2010

The Portsmouth News UK