Jo Wore her Beautiful New Dress, Went Barefoot in the Mud - and Taught Me Something About Showing Up
Jo at Berwick Plantation
When I photographed a lovely friend Jo for her business Wild Revival a couple of weeks back, I knew it wasn’t going to be your usual brand shoot. She happily went barefoot, carrying her foraging basket and wearing a gorgeous new orange dress she’d decided wasn’t too nice for sitting in the mud.
We walked through the plantation, along the river, and down to the Pier beach. The weather did its usual Northumberland thing - damp hair, wet hems, perfect light - then, by the time we got to the beach, actual sunburn. Jo didn’t care. She laughed, got stuck in, and somewhere between the berries and the seaweed I realised she was giving me a quiet reminder about the confidence that comes with just being yourself.
Good brand photos aren’t really about poses or polish. They’re about showing up as yourself and having fun - the version of you that laughs when the dress gets muddy and doesn’t need everything to be spotless to feel genuine.
Jo’s brand, Wild Revival, is all about connection: to nature, to ourselves, and to the world around us. She spends her days foraging, teaching, and helping people reconnect with nature and the simple joy of being outside. Photographing her wasn’t about creating something glossy; it was about capturing what was already there - a sense of belonging, curiosity, and calm.
She moves through nature like it’s home, picking up leaves and berries as we went, pointing out things I’d have walked straight past.
Jo foraging on Berwick’s New Road
There were a few moments from the shoot that were quite memorable: the way Jo happily sat down in the damp forest bed and didn’t flinch but actually laughed when she stepped in gross boggy river mud, barefoot(!); the way she thanked the trees for supporting her and for letting her touch their bark for a photo.
I realised that’s what showing up really means. It’s not about having everything perfectly planned; it’s about being present. Being visible, and being yourself even when things aren’t tidy. Choosing to be seen - in business, in photographs, in life - just as you are.
Every time I photograph someone like Jo, I’m reminded that confidence looks different on everyone. Sometimes it’s heels and lipstick; sometimes it’s muddy feet and laughter on a damp Monday morning. The setting changes, but the message doesn’t: people connect with honesty.
If your business or creative work is rooted in something real - craft, care, nature, community - your photos should feel that way too.
So, wear that beautiful dress. Step in the mud. Let your audience see you. That’s where the real magic happens.
Behind The Scenes on Jo’s Shoot
Thanks to Abigail (Jo’s sister) for taking these photos
Curious what a full brand session includes?
Visit my Branding Photography page to see examples, pricing, and what’s involved.
I created some short film clips for Jo during her brand shoot, these can be used on social media or as moving images on her new website.
Wild Revival Brand Photography
Photography by Sarah Jamieson, Pictorial Photography
Location: Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Northumberland Coast
Client Jo Thomas - Wild Revival - Check out Jo’s Substack (her new website is in progress, I can’t wait to see it!
Want authentic photos that feel like you?
Book a chat with me to start planning your brand shoot.
What I Learned: Shooting Videography as a Wedding Guest in Umbria, Italy
I have an exciting story to share with you today, one that involves personal growth, unexpected discoveries, and a dash of humor. Over the past year, I've embarked on a bit of a learning adventure, investing both my time and resources into mastering the art of videography using my professional cameras. Why, you ask? Well, let me take you on a journey through my motivation and the experiences I've had so far.
It all began when some of my commercial photography clients started requesting short video clips for their social media and websites, I felt I needed to be able to capture these simple requests for them but being the perfectionist I am, I had to really master it before helping them.
When I started some of the training it made me think about working alongside videographers at weddings. They tend to pop up in the most heartfelt moments, brandishing massive cameras and making me worry about inadvertently intruding on their shots (which can’t be photoshopped). That's when I had an idea—I could offer something truly unique and valuable to couples by providing a hybrid photography and video service.
Picture this: couples receive the same exceptional photography service they've come to expect from me, but with an added twist. During the moments that usually constitute downtime, I would discreetly capture video snippets, allowing me to craft a professionally shot "highlights video" that encapsulates the essence of their special day. How awesome is that?
You see, back in 2015 when I tied the knot myself, my partner and I hired both a photographer and a videographer. While the videographer's work was excellent, he appeared in a lot of our photos and I must admit that we've only watched our wedding video a couple of times. Why, you ask? Well, let's just say it contained the ENTIRE ceremony (which was in Greek), speeches, and even people chowing down on their meals. It was a feast for the eyes, but perhaps a little too literal! A few minutes would have been more than enough and plenty to satisfy our grandparents who couldn’t make the wedding abroad.
My training journey so far has blended online and in-person courses, lots of reading and hands-on practice. I knew I had a family wedding to attend in Italy, not as a professional photographer, but as a guest! However, I couldn't resist the opportunity to test my skills. With only hand luggage I had to travel light so, just one camera, a single lens, and a trusty waterproof GoPro, I set out to create a short practice "highlight video" as a guest. Don't worry, I made sure to stay well out of the photographers' way!
Guess what? I ended up shooting not one, but TWO different short films. One was in a vertical format, perfect for mobile phones and social media sharing, while the other was in landscape format, longer in duration and ideal for the couple's afterparty celebration and for showcasing on TV screens to their proud grandparents. To add more zest to the films, I even recorded the heartfelt speeches, a touching reading, and the soulful live music on my trusty iPhone. As you can see, I also took a few photos (couldn’t resist!). My Dad took this one of me and Aaron.
Now, let me tell you some lessons I learned during this short and hot filmmaking adventure:
The GoPro turned out to be a bit of a letdown, providing footage that fell short of my expectations. Lesson learned: Stick to the reliable gear you know and love.
Primer is super important for make up in the heat, bonus points for one that contains SPF!
Surprisingly, the iPhone recordings exceeded my expectations, capturing voices with remarkable clarity. If I ever find myself in a pinch without my fancy recording equipment, I'd happily rely on my trusty smartphone again.
Stationary objects are simply not as captivating on film as they are in photographs.
Balancing the roles of guest and aspiring videographer was quite the challenge. I found myself torn between capturing the perfect angle and wholeheartedly immersing myself in the atmosphere. Nonetheless, I managed to enjoy every moment, even if it meant occasionally slipping into "work mode."
The hassle of coordinating sparklers for a few shots was absolutely worth it! The resulting footage added a touch of magic and excitement to the final video, making it an unforgettable moment for the couple.
Now, without further ado, I present to you my very first attempt at a wedding highlights video. I hope you're ready to experience the magic of an Italian wedding.
Click here to watch the 6-minute landscape version (on a computer or TV). (this one is my favorite of the two)
or
Click here to watch the 3 minute horizontal version (on a phone)
As I reflect on my new journey of learning and growth, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to record Hannah and Conor’s wedding and to the trainers who have given some brilliant advice, inspiration and guidance. It's amazing how investing in new skills can open doors and allow us to offer something unique to our clients.
If you're planning your own wedding or know someone who is, I encourage you to consider the possibilities of hybrid photography and videography. By seamlessly blending both art forms, couples can relive their special day through stunning visuals and heartfelt moments captured in motion.
Sarah x
P.S. The beautiful venue Hannah and Conor chose is a large stone farmhouse in the hills of beautiful Umbria, Italy, around 40 minutes from Perugia. It’s called ‘I Casali di Colle San Paulo Fontanelle’. Here are the details if you are looking for an international elopement or destination family wedding. www.collesanpaolo.it or check it out on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/icasalidicollesanpaolo/
Check out my wedding services page if you are looking for hybrid photography and video, here is the link: Pictorial Photography Wedding Photography