Fish Shack: Regional and Seasonal Feature Photography for Landscape Magazine
Photographs from a recent day out to Amble shooting the Fish Shack for Landscape magazine’s regional and seasonal pages.
Chef Martin was a great host and really helpful. As this was for the April issue we had to make sure there was no snow in the images. There wasn’t any snow, just a lot of frost! He was tasked with clearing the windows of frost but the only problem was that the pipes had frozen (a hazard of the location) so no coffee or customers! We made do to get the pictures we needed and I pulled a few people in from the Harbour for ‘customer shots’ they were quite glad to be able to cosy up by the stove.
“On the Northumberland coast, a café made from upturned boats serves food fresh from the sea”
Professional Headshots for Adam Douglas Legal LLP Alnwick and Berwick
I recently photographed new professional headshots for the team at Adam Douglas Legal LLP, across their Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed offices. It was such a pleasure to work with a group who were not only professional but also genuinely warm and welcoming — which comes through beautifully in their portraits.
The aim of the shoot was to create a set of images for the firm’s updated ‘Our Team’ page, showing the approachable, modern face of this long-established legal practice. I was also struck by the brilliant representation within their team — particularly the high number of women in leadership roles. It’s always refreshing to see such balance in a traditionally formal industry.
You can see the final portraits on their Adam Douglas Legal website, designed by the talented Sue Rudge Design www.suerudgedesign.com
Written by Sarah
Interview with Anne Gray from The Heather Trust
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to live and work in the Scottish Borders?
I am the Director of The Heather Trust which is a small charity operating across Great Britain that promotes good practice in moorland management. I’m lucky to be able to work from home. Apart from a spell of about 9 years in Edinburgh in my late teens and 20s, I’ve always lived in the Borders and can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
Promoting land management practices that allow people to make a living and that are also good for nature, carbon storage, and water management is really important to me. The challenge to do better for the environment is vitally important and something everyone needs to embrace. I hope I’m doing something to help.
What tips would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
You need a solid grounding in environmental science and policy, but you also need to spend time with farmers, gamekeepers, and everyone else that makes a living from the land. Their experience and perspective is worth listening to.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire people who keep going for their goals no matter what gets thrown their way. Some people just seem to be made of very strong stuff. Most recently the young motor racing driver Billy Monger who lost his legs in a horrific crash and is making a comeback to pursue his dream of becoming an F1 champion seems to personify that. His whole attitude to recovery has blown me away.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
Theodore Roosevelt said: “A nation that destroys its soils, destroys itself” and there is nothing surer I’m afraid. Soil, water, and climate are our life support system and we really will hit the buffers if we don’t get a better handle on keeping them in good health.
What is the biggest challenge you face in running a charity?
Maintaining funding to let us do what we do is a constant challenge.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I’m not sure any day is typical. Some days I’m in my office at home all day catching up on paperwork, reading the latest science or policy document, or producing a Heather Trust response to the latest government position. Some days I am out at meetings and others I spend the whole day outside with a moor owner or manager. The variety is great!
How will you use your headshots and how do you feel they will benefit your business?
They will be used on our website, in our annual report and to illustrate articles I write for other magazines and publications. People seem to remember images better than words, so if you want people to take notice of what you write, good accompanying images seem to be the thing that will make your words memorable. I hope so anyway.
What are your future plans?
For now, to keep doing what I am doing and ensure The Heather Trust goes from strength to strength.
Corporate, Clean, White Head Shots for Vrio Europe
Vrio Europe is a business transport solution company with a UK office here in Berwick. Vrio staff in other countries had already been to a photographer for their headshots so my brief was to match that corporate ‘high key’ white background style so that Michelle and Jack matched in seamlessly with the rest of the team on their website and they didn’t have to travel to Spain for their photographs!
Family Photo Shoot at Berwick Beach
Elaine and Wayne wanted some photographs as memories of living and bringing up their little boys in the Greenses near Berwick Beach as they are moving house and wanted to mark the occasion.
We walked around to the Stanks for a woodland-type background before going down to the beach to build sandcastles. I can't say the session started that well as the wee one head planted the ground and gained an egg on his head but he managed to pull himself around after a good hug from mum; these boys are made of tough stuff!
Written by Sarah
Beautifully Styled Family Photo Session at Home, Park, and Beach
Lisa chose 3 locations for her beautiful family to have their photography session. We started in the garden at the family home so to include the gorgeous dog, then we went inside for a few shots. Next, we headed to a local park which was down by the stream and we ended the day at Coldingham beach. It was a good idea to end there because of all the sand!
After looking through our What To Wear guide, Lisa had 3 outfit ideas picked out. I helped her match them up with the locations before we set off. I would usually advise against 3 changes as little ones can become impatient but these two little girls were absolute troopers.
Even though it was a really misty weekend (like pea soup), I think my favourite shots were taken at the beach at the end of the day!
Which kind of location would you choose for your own family session?
Let me know by email where you would go; town, your home, the garden, a river or stream, the park, beach, the woods or somewhere else!?
Capturing Precious Memories: A Delightful Photoshoot of Four Cousins at Berwick-upon-Tweed Beach and Pier
Today, I want to share a delightful photoshoot experience I had recently. It involved four adorable cousins, a beautiful seaside location in Berwick upon Tweed, and the desire of their loving grandmother, Linda, to showcase the unique connection shared by her lovely grandchildren. She wanted photos that didn’t just reflect their individual personalities but also portray their shared love for each other. As a photographer, it was a privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of capturing these irreplaceable moments.
The sandy beach and iconic pier offered us a picturesque setting with stunning views of the North Sea. It was a brilliant opportunity to capture the cousins' relationship and their carefree spirits.
Later we gathered on the grass near the beach, the cousins’ vibrant clothes contrasting beautifully with their surroundings to make each of them stand out in their own way. These final shots really show the essence of the relationship of each sibling group individually and all together as a family.
Linda's photo session was an unforgettable experience for her family. Witnessing the love and fun shared between her grandchildren was incredibly heartwarming and the resulting photographs captured their special bond, ready to be proudly displayed as a wall gallery in Linda's home.
Why not take a look at my family location photography page? Just click the button below.
Interview with Kathy Tiernan, Author
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to live and work in Northumberland?
I’ve always been fascinated by history. I grew up in Northumberland with the past on my doorstep – a fourteenth-century tower next to our house! My favourite book as a kid was ‘Sword of Northumbria’ by Philip Woodruff. It’s long out of print, but his stories of medieval Northumbria fired my imagination. Now, so many years later, I’ve moved back to Northumberland and am writing my own stories about its history. Although I’ve spent a lot of my working life in the south I feel I’ve come back home.
Which part of your job do you enjoy most?
When I’m in the zone and completely absorbed in what I’m writing about.
What tips would you give to someone starting out as a writer?
It’s important to learn your trade, but even more to write about things that really engage you.
What is the best feedback you have ever had?
When I was twelve my English teacher gave me top marks for a story called ‘The Storm’. Underneath it, she wrote, ‘I wonder if you will become a writer one day?’
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I love Thomas Hardy. For me, he is a great writer about the English countryside and about the rural communities of his time.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
“Show don’t tell.” It gets drummed into your head on creative writing courses till you’re sick of it, but it is the single piece of advice I return to most often.
What is the biggest challenge you face as an author?
There are two challenges for an author. One is to have the stamina to complete a novel, with all the revisions and rewritings involved. The second is to convince a publisher that you have produced a masterpiece that the world is waiting for.
How will you use your headshots and how do you feel they will benefit your business?
One of the headshots will be used on the dust cover of my forthcoming novel, ‘Cuthbert; The Making of a Saint’, to be published by Sacristy Press. I’m also planning to use the photos to create my author website.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I write in the mornings, with a break for coffee. Depending on what else I have on, I sometimes work for another hour or two in the early evening. I try not to think about writing later in the day or else my mind is still plotting at 2am!
Thank you, Kathy, I'm really looking forward to your book coming out. I must say we had an eventful shoot, from the thick fog on the wild and windy causeway of Lindisfarne, to the sun beating down on us inland while we walked uphill to St Cuthbert's Cave, then on the way down you saved me from stepping on an adder snake! Such a fun and memorable day! Good luck with the book launch,
Sarah
Sunshine and Rainbows - Family Session on Cocklawburn Beach
Mary's family gathered for a photoshoot on Cocklawburn Beach in Northumberland just before and during golden hour. The setting sun casts a warm and radiant glow, and the North Sea provides an aesthetically pleasing backdrop. It’s a great time for a family shoot.
I love that Mary's parents are standing proudly together, expressing their love and wisdom. The gentle breeze adds a touch of natural movement to the scene and the light along, with the people, brings the magic.
Eat Sleep Ride: Business Gateway, Scottish Borders
I was asked to provide a range of business profile shots of Eat Sleep Ride for Business Gateway to use across various media in print and online.
Eat Sleep Ride is a social enterprise run by Danielle McKinnon who takes in problem horses for backing, schooling, and retraining.
Business Gateway helped Danielle secure grant funding from Social Investment Scotland which will help her to continue to provide educational, therapeutic and community engagement initiatives that are free or affordable to disadvantaged children, families, and individuals from a largely rural community.
Interview with Vicki Owen, Psychotherapist and Counsellor
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to work in Northumberland?
I'm a psychotherapist and counsellor working in private practice in Wooler. I've recently moved to Northumberland from Nottingham, having visited here on holiday for many years. I love being outdoors walking and cycling and Northumberland is perfect because you can easily reach both wild hills and beautiful coastlines.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
I am hugely privileged to do my job. It takes courage to decide to come for therapy and it takes effort and persistence to stay and do the work. I have such admiration for the work my clients do with me and it's wonderful to see them start to feel more whole, connected and alive as a result.
What tips would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Do the best training you can afford, have personal therapy, and do as much CPD as you can. If you carry on learning and developing, you will be able to offer to help a wider range of the difficulties that clients bring to therapy.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
In the therapy world, Alice Miller was a tireless advocate for abused and neglected children, and the adults they grew in to. She died a few years ago but she has left inspiring books. More currently, Bessel van der Kolk is driving forward advancements in effective therapy for people who have been traumatised by painful experiences. One of his quotes I like is:
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably he single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
How will you use your headshots or how do you feel they have benefited your business?
My headshots go on my website and on the professional registers I'm a member of (UKCP and BACP). They give people a chance to get a sense of me by seeing what I look like before deciding whether to meet me in person.
What are your future plans?
To continue offering therapy in beautiful Wooler! I'm planning to run some groups and workshops too. Individual therapy is expensive so I'd like to offer more affordable options for people. I have ideas about topics for workshops such as relaxation and mindfulness, listening and communication skills, and I'd like to run groups for women affected by sexual violence.
Headshots: John Casken, Composer
I spent a lovely morning with John in the stunning Harthope Valley (Northumberland National Park) shooting some head shots and details to include on his new website. www.johncasken.com
Before I went to meet John I spent some time listening to his work, 'Apollinaire's Bird', this was during the school run I must add, it definitely made the children go at a different pace with getting ready!
Finding out about someones work and getting to know a bit more about their personality before a session always helps with how I choose to represent them in their photographs. Talking with someone about their work can also inspire ideas on things to include/backgrounds to use/poses/props so a pre shoot consultation is always helpful if there is time.
“ I found you very easy to get on with, totally understanding of what I was looking for, and had a very good eye for composition and texture. I found the whole experience stress-free, and was very pleased with the results.”
Product Photoshoot: We Are Rushworth, Designer Knitwear Fashion
Product Photoshoot: We Are Rushworth, Designer Knitwear Fashion
This week we had a great shoot with 2 local models, Shaun and Dawn, for the designer brand We Are Rushworth. The styling and direction was led by designer Victoria Rushworth who was assisted by Georgia Thorburn (Georgia's creative mood boards were fantastically useful).
Make up by MUA Eren Saygilier, Bridge Street, Berwick.
After the studio work was done, we retreated to an old warehouse next door for some location work. We had an outdoor place in mind but it was raining so we might use that location on a new shoot.
Their story goes: We are sharp. We like to find our own way. We have imagination. We appreciate effort. We are not perfect. We are aiming high. We are Rushworth... are you?
I was glad of all the help in direction as WAR (We Are Rushworth) have a very strong brand that they follow so consistency is very important in terms of the look and feel of the images.
We Are Rushworth have projectWAR, a small and bijoux shop in West Street, Berwick upon Tweed, which is very much worth a visit but if you can't make it they also have a nice web presence here https://www.wearerushworth.com/
Written by Sarah
Shooting for an article in Essex University's student magazine Nick Elwood
Nick had been asked to take part in an article for Essex uni’s Alumni magazine, but going all the way to Essex for photographs was not practical for him…
So I was asked to take some similar photographs to what was taken of the other person in the article. Nick arrived on his bike and even played me a tune on his flute!
Princesses For a Day: Sarah and Emily, Winners of 'Cash for Kids' Auction Prize
It’s every little girl’s dream to be a princess and for Sarah and Emily Macleod (aged 5 and 3) it became a reality last week when they were treated like royalty at Wedderburn Castle. A day of pampering and being treated like a princess was their prize in the Radio Borders Cash for Kids charity auction. The winning bidder was their dad Ross, who bought it for his 5-year-old daughter Sarah.
Radio Borders Cash for Kids manager, Candy Rafferty, said: “One of the radio presenters happened to know Ross and told me that he had two daughters and tragically his wife had died, so they didn’t have a mum. I phoned the owners of Wedderburn who immediately said they would be very happy to have an extra princess. I phoned the dressmaker who immediately said she would design two dresses. I phoned the hairdresser and it was the same.
“It’s just such a lovely example of the generosity of Borders people, and as the charity manager at Radio borders Cash for Kids, I am blown away by it every single day.”
On arriving at the castle for a day, Sarah and Emily were greeted in regal style and escorted to the Wedderburn’s grandest chamber, where they had their hair styled and were fitted out with tiaras and princess outfits from ‘A Perfect Fit’ in Coldstream.
Attending the princesses were Brian Rafferty, Royal Warrant holder and hairdresser to HRH the Queen when she is in Scotland, and a dressmaker, lady-in-waiting, and courtiers from Radio Borders and Wedderburn Castle.
Amongst the princesses’ royal duties was the official opening of Wedderburn Barns, a new rustic party and wedding venue in the former Georgian stables at Wedderburn Castle. The princesses cut the ribbon on the barns, toured the premises and had official photographs taken at the castle and barns by Pictorial Photography.
Other official engagements included sealing documents and letters at the grand dining room table at Wedderburn and inspecting the castle and grounds to ensure that all is in order. Lunch for the princesses included a selection of special cupcakes designed especially for the day by Borders Cakes and Cupcakes.
A horse-drawn carriage ride around the ground of the castle finished off their day, courtesy of the Cornhill Carriage Company. Then after spending the day being treated like royalty in the castle, it was back to reality for the two girls.
Cash for Kids is the official charity of Radio Borders and provides a helping hand to children around the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland. They are currently running their Christmas Mission to help the thousands of children in poverty who would otherwise wake up to a Christmas without presents this year. They’re asking you to buy just one extra present this year - new and unwrapped gifts suitable for children and young people or make a cash donation online, in person or over the phone.
Read more at: http://www.berwickshirenews.co.uk/news/the-cash-for-kids-charity-1-3197082