ANNOUNCEMENT

What better way to celebrate a new week and a new Monday than with an announcement about a new start?

After 35 years as a financial, pensions, mortgage & protection adviser I have decided to leave that all behind and concentrate on photography with the launch of The Best Little Photography Co.

It’s been a very difficult decision. I’ve worked with and for some amazing people and companies and with people that have taught me so much and helped my career progress. I still have many contacts within the industry and will continue to recommend individuals and firms for all aspects of the home buying process whenever I can.

I know how difficult it can be to get a mortgage and how much more complex the whole process is than you might think. I know the people you can trust and rely on to get things sorted for you so to all those that have asked for advice over the years don’t hesitate to ask and rest assured I will put you in contact with someone you can trust.

As for me, this is all very new. Some of you will know that I lost my dad in October in circumstances related to COVID that have changed me and my family forever. In part, his passing, and his advice to “do what you love” has in some way supported my decision. I just hope that I come do him proud and be as successful as he thought I could be.

If you’re thinking Photography!?!. I’ve been taking photographs since I was about 8 years old, taking part in photography competitions with my dad from age 13 after joining a local camera club. After winning some competitions I really got the bug, and my love of photography has grown from there.

At aged 13 or so I met and worked with a professional photographer, and he said something which I have always remembered, and which cemented my love of capturing moments in time. Something that the passing of my dad brought home even more.

“If you don’t think photographs are important wait until they are all you have left”.

Photography was a hobby for many years until a friend asked me to cover his wedding. With an enormous amount of fear and trepidation I agreed, fearing the worst, but I loved it. Even then I was doing things a little differently. I didn’t really know all the poses and standard groups that other photographers used as ‘standard’, so I simply recorded the event documentary style. I took instruction from family and friends for groups when they required but I produced a realistic record of the day with real smiles, real groups, and real reactions.

When I presented the photographs in an album (that’s how long ago it was!) the whole family sat round and begun to look. In minutes, several people were crying, and I was moving towards the door as quietly as possible. But. They were tears of joy! Everyone loved it!

Ever since my dad gave me his old Canon camera I’ve stayed with Canon. I think it would be exceedingly difficult to move away now. I’ve always enjoyed great results so why change.

I have two children who have blessed me (so far) with two grandchildren, so I’m well practised in photographing children and families. I will never get tired of photographing children in our outdoor sessions. You see photographs taken at nursery and school etc where children are sat on a chair with a plain background, hands by their side, like butter wouldn’t melt. How many times do they sit at home like that?!

I’ve already had so many parents say, “you’ve captured xx perfectly” “that’s our xx” or “look at that face” and the like. Children are so full of character, mischief and above all joy. Outdoor sessions capture that.

For the most part it’s about being unposed, candid and real. Instead of putting a toddler on a chair we let them run around and interact with the environment. Doing what they do best. Being children.

We have several packages available with our Mini-Sessions proving popular now. You get at least 30 minutes of photo time. You receive 10 digital images of your choice, all professionally retouched. You can purchase additional images as your budget allows but can purchase the whole gallery for a discounted price. All of this is provided at ￡45.00.

The best thing about these sessions is that they can take place where YOU want. Photo sessions have taken part at Beach Huts, on Beaches, in Gardens, in Caravans, in Paddling Pools, at Playgrounds, in Country Parks the list is almost endless.

There are of course so many other photo sessions that we can provide and price accordingly. It’s important that you don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any requests because we are happy to discuss any requirement with you.

We don’t just cover Colchester; we can cover any area within the UK. Additional charges will apply to cover travel etc where appropriate and agreed beforehand.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would be absolutely delighted to talk to anybody about collaboration and am happy to discuss any formal referral arrangements for other work.

https://www.instagram.com/bestlilphoto/