Product Photography for Hide & Tweed’s Handmade Leather Gifts
I recently photographed a beautiful range of handcrafted leather gifts for Hide & Tweed, created by Julie, a talented maker selling her limited designs through Etsy. Each piece is made with care and precision, and it was a pleasure to capture the texture, craftsmanship and individuality of her work.
For the shoot, we wanted to keep the styling simple and authentic. I used an old barn door from my studio as a backdrop — its natural tones and weathered surface complemented the warm, tactile quality of the leather perfectly. The result was a set of product photographs that felt true to Julie’s brand: elegant, down-to-earth and timeless.
It’s always inspiring to work with independent makers who pour so much heart into what they create. Photography like this is all about connection — helping small businesses showcase their work beautifully and confidently online.
Specialist Car and Campervan Rental Website Photography at Wedderburn Castle
I've been allowed to drive some superb cars in the name of photography. Just look at this VW Bumblebee Camper Van; it’s my favourite, and you can even watch movies on the dashboard!
Car photography is not my usual line of work but this job was a real joy. The owners of Arkvendor Specialist Car Hire have some stunning vehicles to hire and wanted to showcase some on their website. Our friends at Wedderburn Castle allowed us the use of their grounds for this photo shoot which makes it extra special. It’s a real cross-border collaboration.
Written by Sarah
Tumbling Birds Product Studio and Location Shoot with Models
These adorable products and cute wee model sessions were shot over a few mornings a while back in preparation for Jodie's new company commerce website Tumbling Birds. The site was designed and developed by Northern Lab in Berwick.
Jodie uses lovely bright colours in her designs so we produced some simply styled product shots on a grey background to show off the vibrant clothing for eye-catching product descriptions. We spent a fun picnic afternoon at the farm with all the babies to illustrate how these lovely items could be used. These photographs have been used in the banners and galleries on Jodie’s new site.
Written by Sarah
Maltings Theatre Board Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before!
These pictures of Northumberland theatre trustees go to show that board meetings don’t have to be boring!
Walking over the cobbles along the tranquil Tweed to the Quayside is my treasured morning ritual. It allows me to clear those thoughts and plan the day ahead. I had the board of the Maltings Theatre coming in for a photo shoot that evening and I felt in need of a flash of inspiration to help decide what exactly I was going to do when they arrived.
I couldn’t help it but the word ‘board’ was not filling me with enthusiasm or creativity. I also had the feeling that the people coming in may not be too keen on getting their pictures taken.
The Maltings is a creative and theatrical place so I wanted to take some photos that captured the essence of how it both inspires and entertains.
Ros Lamont, Maltings Head of External Affairs, booked the headshot sessions and loved the idea of an alternative shoot but had concerns about not all of the board members being up for such radical photographs. I assured her that I would do my best to enthuse them and start the session with a traditional portrait of each member to put the subjects’ minds at rest.
I decided to put the theatre board’s acting skills to the test. They had all come prepared for a traditional corporate studio headshot with lovely ironed shirts and combed hair, but that is not what I had in mind.
It took a bit of time to explain what my ideas were but surprisingly nobody was too phased! We had a complete riot and there were blood-curdling screams and roars coming from my little studio - I wonder what the neighbours thought? Some of the subjects needed a little help or coaxing with getting the expressions out so I was asking questions and telling them stories and scenarios. This technique can be very helpful in photography. You have to show some emotions to evoke them from your subject at times.
So that was my evening of turning a potentially dull photo shoot into a really fun and impactful art project. I’d love to know your thoughts; feel free to comment below!
Written by Sarah
Gunsgreen Extravaganza in Perfect Eyemouth Sunshine!
Put together by Jenna Shields, assistant manager at Gunsgreen House, the Extravaganza proved a very popular event for Eyemouth and the weather was perfect!
Organised to celebrate the launch of the Smugglers’ Trail at Gunsgreen House, the event saw nearly 1,000 people visit the seaside town to enjoy a variety of food stalls and be entertained with displays of birds of prey as well as a performance from the Lynella School of Highland Dancers and live music.
Holiday Accommodation Interior Photography Bamburgh and Alnwick
A quick photoshoot this morning at a 3 bedroomed cottage near Bamburgh and Alnwick, this was a 2.5 hour session which is our Space and Place package, details of what is included in the Space and Place package are below:
1-1 consultation call with Sarah to discuss your accommodation.
Planning of props if required.
2.5 hours of photography (this is enough time to cover a 3 bedroom holiday cottage with some details and exterior shots).
Travel within 15 miles of Berwick upon Tweed.
Custom, hands-on processing of all final images.
Claimable business expense.
25 professionally retouched, high-resolution digital images.
Online password-protected gallery to choose your images from.
Available to download online or via USB.
Licence to reproduce for business use.
£395 for 25 digital images (both high and web resolution)
If you can't be around for the photography like this customer who lives elsewhere, I can arrange key collection from a neighbor or masterlock box and get on with the photography with minimum fuss, saving you time away from your busy schedule.
Music at Paxton | Festival Photography at Paxton House, Berwick
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing the Music at Paxton festival several times now, capturing everything from live performances to the quiet, in-between moments that make this event so special. Held each summer at Paxton House, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, the ten-day festival brings together world-class musicians and local audiences for a family-friendly celebration of chamber music.
My approach to photographing the festival is documentary-style — blending into the background to capture the energy of rehearsals, the intimacy of performances, and the beauty of the setting. I’ve also created portraits of individual musicians and photographed some of the elegant architectural and natural details around the venue, which feature in the festival’s brochure, website, and promotional materials.
It’s always a joy to work with the Music at Paxton team and to be part of a cultural event that showcases the best of music and hospitality in the Scottish Borders.
You can learn more about the festival at www.musicatpaxton.co.uk
Peace and Love Party for Madeline’s 60th at Palace Green, Berwick
Madeline’s 60th birthday was a celebration full of colour, laughter and love. Friends and family gathered at the Palace Green Scout Hall Pavilion in Berwick-upon-Tweed for a wonderfully themed ‘Peace and Love’ party — complete with bright decorations, flower-power outfits and plenty of dancing.
It was one of those events where everyone felt instantly at ease. The hall was alive with music, conversation and colour — a perfect reflection of Madeline’s vibrant personality. My goal was to capture all those little in-between moments: shared jokes, hugs, and the happy chaos of people enjoying being together again.
Events like this are always a joy to photograph — filled with genuine emotion, personality and connection. Madeline’s family and friends created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and it was a privilege to capture a milestone celebration so full of life.
Interview with Bea Davenport, Traditionally Published Writer
Can you tell us about yourself?
I'm a traditionally-published writer. My two crime novels, In Too Deep and This Little Piggy, are published by Legend Press. I also write for children: The Serpent House is published by Curious Fox and My Cousin Faustina by ReadZone Books.
I'm originally from Tyneside, but for many years I covered the Northumberland area as a reporter for BBC North. I fell in love with Berwick and came to live in Spittal in 2001. It's been a lovely place to bring up my children.
The house always felt like a great place to write. It has the stone heads of Robert Burns and Walter Scott on the front porch to inspire me! And in fact, in the 1940s, a popular romance writer called Anne Hepple also lived here.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Three days a week, I teach journalism at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey, so those days are very full-on. Working with students, lecturing, and doing practical activities in print and broadcast media. I'm also programme leader in Creative Writing for the Open College of the Arts, so when I am at home, I tutor writers via distance learning. And sometimes - not as often as I'd like - I get time to do my own writing. I don't have a set time to write but I tend to work better in the afternoons and evenings.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
All of it! Genuinely! I love teaching and I find working with new writers very inspiring. And the times when I do my own writing are very precious indeed. I am very lucky to be working with words every day.
What tips would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Do it because you want to write, not because you like the idea of 'being a writer'. Do it because you love storytelling and the craft of finding the best way to do it. And be prepared to be persistent.
What is the best feedback you have ever had from a client?
I've had lots of 'best teacher ever' and 'best course ever', which is wonderful to hear! I just love to know that people have got something positive out of it.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
As a journalist, I'm very cautious about having heroes, as so many of them turn out to have feet of clay. But if pressed, I admire Shami Chakrabarti, the recent director of Liberty. And then there are a raft of women writers and the suffragettes, who paved the way for all of us to do what we are doing.
What are your plans for the future?
I've just finished a contemporary novel for teenagers and I'm working on editing it with the help of an agent, which is a very exciting process. When the edits are done, it goes out on submission to find a publisher so fingers crossed! I'm also hoping to complete another crime novel this year too, time permitting!
Where can people follow you online?
On twitter @BeaDavenport1
Interview with Iain Lowson, Freelance Star Wars and Video Games Writer
Interview with Iain Lowson, Freelance Star Wars and Video Games Writer
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to set up your business in Berwick?
I'm a freelance writer and have been for 20 years as of this month (Jan. 2016). I write a lot of official Star Wars magazines and do a bit of work now and then in video games.
I set up in Berwick nine years ago because I had a job in Newcastle. Living in a nice house with a garden in Berwick seemed better than living in a shoe box under a bridge in Newcastle. The transport links mean I don't have any problems getting to London, Edinburgh, or anywhere else. The facilities are fab, the people are great, the scenery is beautiful, and there are lots of cafés. Perfect!
So what does a typical workday look like for you?
Once the kids are off to school, I spend a little time on admin, household chores and things like that. I tend to settle down to serious procrastination around 10am. I get most of my constructive work done in the afternoons. Unless there's a deadline approaching; then there's lots of screaming and Irn-Bru.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
Having fun with what I do and making sure that translates to what the audience sit down to read and being as accurate as possible. Star Wars fans really know their stuff, and I don't want to disappoint them.
What tips would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Read more than you write. You'll be a better writer that way. Oh, and don't work for free. The only thing exposure gets you is arrested… and frostbite.
What is the best feedback you have ever had from a client?
I've had great feedback over the years from the folks at Lucasfilm, which always means a lot. Now, name-dropping alert! An editor I worked with years ago gave material I wrote about Count Dooku to Christopher Lee to read, as he'd never been told much about the character. Apparently, he found it very helpful. I've never stopped smiling about that one.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire anyone who takes a chance on making their dreams come true. So long as they're nice dreams. You have to admire that kind of dedication.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
"Get off my lawn!" from the old man at the top of the street where I lived as a kid. Do you know, I got off that lawn and I've never looked back since.
What are your future plans?
Lots more Star Wars writing. It's a hugely exciting time to be involved with the license, and I'm privileged to do what I do for a living. I'd like to do some more of my own stuff too, non-Star Wars.
Why did you commission the headshots?
Now and then I get asked for a picture for a profile or author interview or other such things. I figured it would be nice to be able to send something that didn't look like a hairy potato. Also, my lovely Mum really hates my beard and 'tache so, being the loving son I am, I had to get them immortalised in a picture I could give her for Christmas.
Brand Photography for Rejuvenating Solutions, Berwick-upon-Tweed
I recently worked with Susie at Rejuvenating Solutions on a combined interior and headshot photography session at her beautiful clinic on Berwick’s Quayside. Susie wanted images that not only looked professional but also reflected her brand’s fresh, calming atmosphere and clean, elegant colour palette.
We spent time making sure her brand colours came through clearly in both her portraits and the salon interiors — subtle whites, soft greens and neutrals that feel polished and serene. The goal was to create a cohesive set of photographs for her website and social media, showcasing the professional skin care services now available in Berwick.
I always love working with local businesses like Susie’s. It’s inspiring to see how thoughtful design and professional photography can work together to help small brands stand out with confidence.
Photographing Sanderson McCreath & Edney Solicitors on Berwick’s Quay Walls
Today I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful and characterful old Quay Walls building that houses Sanderson McCreath & Edney Solicitors in Berwick-upon-Tweed. The firm has been part of the town’s professional landscape for more than 165 years, and their offices are full of heritage and charm — the perfect reflection of a business with such deep local roots.
The brief for this shoot was to provide professional imagery for their website, highlighting the firm’s sense of history alongside its friendly, trusted reputation. I wanted to capture the warmth and individuality of the space — from the distinctive Georgian details to the natural light that fills the rooms overlooking the river.
Photographing historic buildings like this is always rewarding, especially when they’re still part of everyday life in Berwick. It’s a reminder of how the town’s architecture and long-established businesses are intertwined — each with its own story to tell.
You can see the finished photographs on their website: www.solicitorsberwick.co.uk
Styled family location session at Spittal beach, Berwick upon Tweed
A recent styled family session at Spittal Beach reminded me why this stretch of coast is one of my favourite backdrops in Berwick-upon-Tweed. The soft sand, gentle light and sea breeze add something truly timeless to family portraits.
These two beautiful girls completely melted my heart — their striking red hair and blue eyes stole the show. To let their features shine, we kept the styling simple and chose plain, natural backgrounds: the soft North Sea tones, pale sand, and the old blue-and-white 1930s beach shelter. Sometimes the simplest elements create the most striking portraits.
I love sessions like this because they combine personality, place and connection. When families relax and enjoy the moment, the photographs naturally reflect who they are — and that’s what makes them so special.
Drawing With Lights and Flashes Workshop, Coldstream Youth Project
I recently ran a Drawing with Light workshop with the brilliant young people at the Coldstream Youth Project. It was such a fun and inventive session – using a mix of torches and flashlights, everyone created their own light drawings to represent something personal: a part of their personality, or an aspiration for the future.
This type of workshop is always full of surprises. Some participants drew their names in mid-air, others sketched stars, hearts, or abstract shapes that revealed something about who they are. The process combines photography, movement, and imagination – a perfect mix of art and play.
We finished the session with a collaborative group photo, where everyone appeared inside a glowing TV screen made entirely of light! It was a brilliant way to bring everyone together and end on a creative high.
You can see the full gallery of images on the Coldstream Youth Project website: www.coldstreamyouthproject.org
Carter's Family Butchers and Holiday Home in Bamburgh, Northumberland
Last week I went out to Bamburgh to photograph Carter's. The Carter family have been the village butchers for over 100 years and have built up a great reputation by providing a personal service and top quality produce. Each time I'm in Bamburgh I make sure I pick up a couple of scotch pies, totally yummy!
I love the fact that all their meat comes from local farms holding the certificate of Farm Assurance. Their cattle lambs are grass fed and they obtain the meat from their prime cured bacon, hams and sausage from free range pork. In addition R Carter & Son makes a variety of pies, black and white puddings and they also roast and boil their own meats.
I had to go out to the Bamburgh shop really early in the morning to avoid the queues! Seriously, this is a popular village shop, with locals and holiday makers alike. Sue and Mike were really kind to me and made me a coffee and bacon sarnie which was utterly delish! After photographing the shop I went up to their holiday accommodation and took some interior shots for brochures and website marketing. The pictures from the shop are to be used in a new website designed by Northern Lab in Berwick.
Carter's is the home of the 'Bamburgh Banger' and has even been endorsed by Rick Stein as a Food Hero. It's easy to see why Carters is so popular, as someone famous once said (who's name escapes me) 'You get the business you deserve'.
