12 of our favourite places to visit in Portsmouth

Here are a few of our favourite places across our beautiful City of Portsmouth 💙

1 Alexandra Park

Great for football and ideal for sunsets

2 Southsea Castle

The Champagne Bar & The Reading challenge as well as the odd wedding!!

3 Langstone Windmill

A must for a coastal walk and a pub visit or two!!

4 Spinnaker Tower

For those who love heights and an afternoon tea

5 Milton

The Thatched House Pub a great place to watch the sun go down just watch those kids and footballs!!

6 Clarence Pier

Great for chips, doughnuts, icecreams and of course amusements, fair rides especially the 2p machines!!

7 The People's Memorial

Guildhall Square - A great place to pay respect to those who fought in the war

8 Eastney Ferryboat

Catch the ferry across the waters to visit Hayling Island with the prettiest and sandiest beaches

9 Top of The Hill

A must view over the whole of Portsmouth, great all year round but be warned it's busy too!!

10 Royal Garrison Church

A beautiful and interesting Church that is on the walk around Old Portsmouth many pubs, cafes on route, get some of that Vitamin Sea

11 Square Tower

A beautiful tower ideal for weddings and other celebrations, beside the seaside and the hot walls that are great when it's hot!

12 The Hovercraft or as we call it the holiday craft!!

This is a great place to take the kiddies, throw some stones in the sea and watch the hover go across The Solent (A must have Ryde too!!)

Why Headshots Matter ?

“It is your first impression”

Your headshot is the first thing potential clients, employers, or business partners are likely to see.

Essentially, it is your first impression and introduction, especially on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn but in todays online world anywhere online.

To get great headshots Beside The Seaside Photography will use studio or natural light for flattering results.

Sophia will help create a relaxed atmosphere to capture natural expressions.

Keeping the background simple and using various angles and poses, she will take many shots to achieve the results YOU or your business needs.

Contact Sophia today for expert advice with over 14 years experience in the photography industry.

Info@besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk | Portsmouth UK | www.besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk

Essential tips before your baby arrives

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. In addition to packing your hospital bag, there are other things to consider before heading to the hospital. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Plan for transportation: Make sure you have a plan for getting to the hospital when the time comes. This may involve arranging a ride with a friend or family member, or having a car service on standby.

Having a solid transportation plan in place is essential when preparing for a hospital visit. Here are some additional tips to consider when creating your transportation plan:

Research transportation options: Depending on your location, there may be several transportation options available to you. Consider researching public transportation routes or contacting local car services to compare prices and availability.

Have a backup plan: Even with careful planning, unexpected circumstances can arise. Make sure you have a backup plan in place in case your primary transportation falls through. This could involve having a second friend or family member on standby, or arranging for a different car service.

Consider parking: If you plan on driving yourself to the hospital, make sure you research the hospital’s parking options. Some hospitals may have limited parking availability or charge high fees, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress.

By taking the time to create a comprehensive transportation plan, you can ensure that your trip to the hospital is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Prepare your home: Get your home ready for your new arrival by washing and organising baby clothes, setting up the nursery, and stocking up on essentials like diapers and wipes.

Welcoming a new baby into your home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. To ensure that your home is fully prepared for your new arrival, here are some additional tips to consider:

Childproofing: It’s important to make sure your home is safe for your little one. Install safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks to prevent accidents.

Sleeping arrangements: Decide where your baby will sleep and set up the necessary equipment such as a crib or bassinet. Make sure the sleeping area is free from any hazards and is a comfortable temperature.

Feeding supplies: Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. This includes bottles, breast pumps, formula, and nursing pads.

Baby gear: Consider investing in a baby carrier, stroller, and car seat to make your life easier when you’re out and about with your little one.

By taking the time to prepare your home thoroughly, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new bundle of joy.

Consider a birth plan: Think about your preferences for labor and delivery, and discuss them with your healthcare provider. This may include pain management options, who will be present during delivery, and whether you want to breastfeed right away.

Having a birth plan is a great way to ensure that you have a positive and personalised childbirth experience. Here are some additional tips to consider when creating your birth plan:

Consider your preferences for the birthing environment, such as lighting, music, and whether you would like any aromatherapy options available.

Think about your preferred positions for labor and delivery, whether it be standing, squatting, or using a birthing ball.

Discuss any medical interventions you may or may not want, such as induction methods or episiotomies.

Consider your preferences for postpartum care, such as having your baby stay with you in the room or whether you would like to delay any routine procedures.

Remember, a birth plan is not set in stone and can change as your labor progresses. It is important to discuss any changes with your healthcare provider and to remain flexible throughout the birthing process.

Take a childbirth education class: Consider taking a childbirth education class to prepare for labor and delivery. These classes cover topics like breathing techniques, pain management, and what to expect during each stage of labor.

Continuation:
Attending a childbirth education class can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and skills to help you feel more confident and prepared for labor and delivery. Here are some additional benefits of taking such a class:

Meet other expectant parents: Childbirth education classes are a great way to meet other parents who are going through the same experience as you. You can share your concerns, ask questions, and build a support network of people who understand what you’re going through.

Learn about medical interventions: Childbirth education classes can help you understand the various medical interventions that may be offered during labor and delivery, such as epidurals, inductions, and cesarean sections. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your childbirth experience.

Practice relaxation techniques: Many childbirth education classes teach relaxation techniques that can help you manage pain and reduce stress during labor. These techniques can include breathing exercises, visualisation, and massage.

Understand your options: Childbirth education classes can help you understand your options for pain management, including both medical and non-medical options. This knowledge can help you create a birth plan that reflects your preferences and values.

Overall, attending a childbirth education class can help you feel more empowered and informed as you prepare for the birth of your baby.

By taking these steps, you can feel more confident and prepared for the arrival of your new baby.

---

💚 Merry Christmas to you all 💚

Today on Christmas Day 2023 I am feeling so immensely proud that 13 years ago my photography journey began thanks to The News, Portsmouth after winning the One Christmas Day photography competition.

My then 7 month old son Kit was tucking into his first Christmas dinner whilst wearing a classic cracker paper hat and decided to take a well earnt snooze !!

Technically this photo isn’t everything but essentially what it epitomises is everything about Christmas plus the fact I captured a very special moment.

Ask yourself have you managed to capture some very special moments today whilst unwrapping the presents or whilst tucking into your Roast Turkey dinner ??

Do it please, it literally takes minutes here and there….

You can thank me later !!

“Capturing memories that last a lifetime”

If you have captured some wonderful moments I would love to see them post your photos in the comment box below.

Oh and one last thing …

“Merry Christmas”

www.besidetheseasidephotography.co.uk

MTV - Teen Mum UK featuring Beside The Seaside Photography

In November 2022 I was approached by a producer for Mtv Teen Mum UK asking if I would like to be involved in a new programme being filmed amd featuring Teen Mum Whitney and her baby boy from Portsmouth.

With many years of experience in my previous job role with the NHS as a teenage pregnancy outreach worker and a passion for supporting young mothers of course I said “Yes” and jumped at the opportunity.

The producer liased with me and gave me some briefing ahead of the day telling me a little about teenage Mum Whitney and her little boy.

On the day I headed over to my photography studio to set it up for the session on the day of the filming

Later Whitneys Mum arrived with baby E and her son .

Whitney followed along with the film crew.

It was exciting but awkward in places having so many people in my small and compact studio was ‘tricky’ to navigate but I did my best in the circumstances and I was so happy that Whitney was over the moon with her images.

It was also a special bonding experience for both her and her Mum whilst exploring different parenting styles.

I hope you love the images as much as I do and wish Whitney and her family the very best for the future.

Lavender Mini Sessions 2023

As always the Lavender Mini Sessions are proving very popular this year.

It’s hardly surprising as it really is a beautiful backdrop for a photography session for couples, children and families including newborns at the farm at Lordington Lavender near to Chichester.

A unique opportunity to have a weekend photography session with Beside the Seaside Photography at the gorgeous ‘purple farm’ on Saturday 8th July 2023

The serene and tranquil sea of purple aromatic flowers awaits you and your families presence whereby an experience like no other in a quiet field ( thanks to a privately hired session ) where stunning and timeless photographs will be taken to capture memories that last a lifetime.

"Memories to treasure with beautiful, natural family and newborn photography"

These images look best hung on your walls and Beside The Seaside Photography is able to help you choose the best if you should desire so after your photography session at a pre arranged Studio meeting.

"Photos on the wall are heirlooms of the future"

Packages starting at £159

See here for more information for their open days ;

Or even better book a private photography session with Beside The Seaside Photography by using this link and grabbing one of the last slots NOW ;

“Capturing memories that last a lifetime”

💜💜💜Slots left see below 💜💜💜

5.00pm

5.25pm

Cute Butterflies for a Cakesmash

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’

READY TO BOOK? NEED AN EXCUSE? HERE’S 10…

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.

Newborn images that capture those very special moments

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 !! )

Because your pets deserve portraits too

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.

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.