[NEW] The New Studio....

As today, is quite a monumental day for me, I thought that I would share with you where we are moving to - and the progress so far...

The premises are huge, and I just can NOT wait for you to share this journey with me, and to see it in the flesh when it is all finished.

These images were taken when I first went to view the property.

Here we go...

The Shop, this is the window shop frontage to the shop, and the depth of it, the fabulous wall of storage, plus the plastered wall, with space for all the pretty pictures! There will be a stud wall built within the room, separating it into two, and we will be photographing newborns toddlers etc, downstairs.

Upstairs, there is a small office, the toilet, and a waiting room. The plan is to get the downstairs sorted, and the upstairs "tidy" so we can continue to with as little disruption as possible to the business, and then we will decide what I am doing with the upstairs. I love having space to play with!

Then we have the office, which has its own entrance, but also entrance to the kitchen and studio / shop room. We are having a door fitted, that will live in the open gap between the office and the studio / shop front.

Friday 13th Marked one week from us having the keys.

This involved, lots of sweeping, lots of mopping and cleaning, the glaziers fitting some new glass into the windows that were cracked / broken. And cleaning Graffiti from the Windows!

How much nicer does upstairs look, without boarded up windows! 

Mum and I kept saying, that within the first week there wasn't really much of a transformation, but we knew it would get there and start taking shape!

Friday 20th Marked 2 Weeks since having the keys...And lots more progress!

So week 2, has been a great week! And so exciting. The electrical re-wire started inside, the horrible strip lights were removed. Colours and flooring were finally decided upon. The outside of the shop started being painted, whilst we started marking out how "big" items of furniture were going to be (Coffee Table and New Sofa ordered) and started undercoating the inside of all that storage!

I love how much better the room looks without the strip lights! Just need to get the shop light fittings now, which will be fitted, when the rest of the rewire is completed (Week 4)

And the BIGGEST difference so far....The shop front! Ricky has done a fabulous job! 

The plan is to be in by the end of July with our opening in the first week of August (to be announced). 

And if you still do not know where it is - then our new Address will be

Blue Lights Photography

66 Agnes Road

Barnsley

S70 1NH

We will be keeping the same telephone number!

Well I promised you updates - so here we go! 

Week 3 was a bit of a "slow" week as the electricians were away, and the joiner wasn't so we continued undercoating the inside of the dark wood boxes, and then started glossing them in eggshell! What a difference and made the room look so much brighter too!

By marking week 4 of having the keys, we have had the National Power Grid out to fit us a new Electricity Supply, British Gas to sort us a new Electricity Meter and our delivery from B&Q for the joiner to start. And our coffee table came!
We also started bringing up some of the gift range and playing about with the display. Not only that but the spotlights went in the window!
This is when my diary became planned to the Nth Degree as between week 3 to 4 I had 3 Viewings, 2 Sessions and a Wedding!

Week 5 is the week where the big changes were really seen! We have ELECTRICITY! The joiner started, the wall is up, more painting is being done, and the sign for the front of the shop is here! Happy 5 Week TODAY! (11.07.2014). 

Look at the shop front Before and After...

And how different is the main room looking now?

The "baby" room is coming on a treat!

 

And today I had my signage put up by Turner Signs.

And it looks AMAZING. Totally how I wanted it to look!

What a transformation in 5 weeks time huh!? :)

Follow your Heart - 6 Years on

Every year the summer solstice – 21^st June – is a really important date, because it is the day that I left full-time employment and started on the journey to become a photographer.

Today, it is 6 years since that day. The day my notice ran out – and I started on the journey to becoming who I am today.
Everyone has a story, of how they became to be who they are, whether that is a photographer, or any other type of business owner, it’s not an easy decision – but it is a decision nonetheless. 
I read and hear about people who are leaving full time jobs, with a family to support and a mortgage to pay, and I think that I am lucky, that when I made the leap of faith, I was still at home with my parents – decided to get a part-time job as well and begin the journey – and the rest, they say, is history.

21^st June 2008, I left Herbert Browns and the team in Castleford, to work part-time and work with another Photographer. By October 2009, I had set up Blue Lights Photography. By March 2010 I was a full time photographer.

So not only is it 6 years since I left working full time – this year I will also celebrate the business turning 5! And most people know in a small business, that is a big achievement.

I have people asking how I got to where I am today, and the same thing I can answer, by hard work, lots of tears, moments of stress, a big big rollercoaster and the support of my family, friends and customers who believe in me.

The choices I make, some people think are on a whim, but I always listen to my heart, and my gut feeling. And that is always how I have run the business.

I have met friends along the way, and lost friends along the way, because not everyone understands how hard and time-consuming it can be, especially in the early days where every spare little moment is spent making your dreams a reality.

Would I do it all over again to get to where I am today? Totally. Every single time.

I love my job and the support I get from everyone.

I won’t turn this into a long Oscar Speech – but thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. The ones who have helped out – the ones who have pushed me – and the ones who have believed in me when things have been hard. It isn't just “my” business, everyone I’ve met along the way has had a hand of helping shape what it is today.

Thank You. X

[Newborn] Adorable little Betsy comes to visit, Newborn Photographer Barnsley

Adorable little Betsy came to visit me with her Mummy & Daddy. Look at her hair! 

Due to her dark hair, and gorgeous skin-tone, I knew that other than the mummy requested yellow's we were going to be able to use some gorgeous bold colours cos this little lady would totally carry it off! 

Mummy had brought two teddy's with her - one which was a gift which can be seen here.

And then this gorgeous little dog - which is wearing the beloved pet dog's tag who had sadly passed away.

Just look how well those pinks and bright colours look on her! Gorgeous! x

Ten little fingers, Ten tiny toes,
The sweetest of smiles
And a cute little nose.
All these add up
To a very special
thing -- A BABY
The greatest of gifts
That life can bring

[Studio] Little Jack and the Generations

I first got to meet gorgeous little Jack when he was a teeny tiny baby - I love seeing how little ones grow throughout the years, especially as Jack had already been in for his 6 month shoot, and then here he was at 14-15 months with generations of his family!

Photographs with Parents, Grandparents and Great Grandparent - how beautiful! #Love

And I couldn't resist getting some photographs of gorgeous little Jack on his own! He was very happy to pose on his own - but not so happy to pose with everyone else. Ha!

[Newborn] Squishy Oliver, a Newborn home Visit

It is not often that I do newborn home visits, as many people prefer to come to the studio - but sometimes when baby has been in hospital, or unable to drive due to C-Section etc, I make the exception so we can still make sure we capture those cute little pictures. That is exactly what I did with gorgeous Oliver.

When I arrived Oliver was fast asleep in his bouncer, so I got to set up and then have cuddles with him before stripping him down to his nappy for some wrapped shops. With a home visit, I have to be careful to know what I can take, and not only that - it all depends on the baby, and I was informed by mum he wasn't a "tiny" baby.

We needed a feed before we stripped him naked, after he had poo'd everywhere in one of my wraps too - and then wee'd all over this blanket. The joys of newborn photography - lots of washing! 

Just look how cute and comfy he is!

[Studio] Cheeky Little Eden

Just look at that gorgeous cheeky little face!! 

I first met Eden when she was a teeny tiny baby - but look at her now - all one year old and her gorgeous self!

She is so cheeky, at her 6 month session she kept sticking her tongue out - and she is still doing it now! Cheeky little miss!

Ohhhh it is SO tiring being a Model!

She is such a placid little lady too - I love that I get to see Children grow up.