Merry Christmas

Well, its that time of year again, time to wish all my friends, family and customers a very Merry Christmas.


2014 has been amazing, In February, I came across a little shop selling wool and sewing products and fell in love with it. My studio opened at the back of that shop on my granddaughters 1st birthday 4th Feb 2014.

Then

 


A very good friend of mine supported me and believed in me and my talents, and lent me the money to furnish the studio and get set up in record time. I thank you xxx
Its quite a learning curve running your own business from premises, and I've had my ups and downs, but started to get into the swing of things by summer... When...a car came crashing through the window!!!
Unfortunately, this caused lots of problems for the lady who owned the shop and she had to step away from the business, leaving me with a HUGE decision... Do I... Leave my little studio which I have grown to love, or, put on my big girl knickers and take over the whole shop????

Those who know me know my knickers are big (lol), so not being one to be disheartened, I enlisted the help of my (many) sisters and big family and within a week of the new foor, windows and doors going in,  we had cleared and decorated the studio in such a unique way that I am still amazed by it every morning when I open up.

Now

I have a beautiful studio space which sings to my heart.
Every season it will change, it already changes every week as people come in to buy the shabby Chic furniture that I buy and paint, the beautiful little object and curiosities I find and buy and sell.
At the moment I have Christmas pots and hand tied wreaths, in summer there will be beautiful flowers and plants, hanging baskets and displays, I have such amazing ideas for beauty and nature along with photography and old furniture, this will be an eclectic mix, I cant wait to share it with you.

Pop in to see my ever changing beautiful photographic studio, we sell amazing portraiture, gifts, flowers, shabby chic furniture and little quirky bits and pieces that I find along the way. I would love to share with you the wonderful ways we have to preserve your memories for ever and ever.

Much love and happiness to you all and a Very Merry Christmas from Dove Photography

01253 423112

07932685241

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you... New studio at 93 Red Bank Road, Blackpool FY2 9DZ

Newborn Photo Shoots (and nostalgia)

When my children were little (many moons ago) there were no such things as digital cameras, newborn photo shoots, matching pram, bag and outfit etc. Everything was more casual, we had a film in the camera for special occasions like Christmas, birthdays and holidays, but really, everything just 'happened' around us without much thought to detail. Whilst this was a little more relaxed than today's pace of life, we did tend to miss out on things that are now deemed as important.

I so wish I had photos of my children looking sweet and gooey, gorgeous and fluffy, cute and cuddly. I wish I could see a photo to remind me of them with the yellow Giraffe, the scraggy teddy and the doll called Jamie that came everywhere with us. I have some treasured old photos that I took myself when I was rushed off my feet with 4 under 5's but would love to be able to look back on professional images that captured them as they were and not as I saw them after no sleep and the weekly trip to the supermarket. Ha ha, it must have been a sight to behold, mum +4 with a huge Silvercross pram and a carry bag underneath for the shopping," Don't do that! leave that"!! PUT HIM DOWN!!!! all the time maintaining a look of normality whist hissing under my breath. I wish I had photos of that too, in fact, in this day and age it would be a video on facebook he he.

I suppose the point of this little story is to try and explain how important our memories are. As you get older, time flies past so fast, its hard to remember whats happening now, let alone what happened 25 years ago, but, our memories are important, they make us who we are,  photos help preserve these memories forever.

Beautiful newborn Harley-Jay was a pleasure to photograph, his mummy and daddy signed up for the bump to baby package which means I will see him again when he is 9 months old and for a Cake Smash (I love cake smashes) for his first birthday. I love seeing these scrumptious babies grow, and feel privileged to be asked to record their 1st year.

(Cake smash with a difference, these twins were 2 so didn't like 'smashing', so they used spoons ha ha)

Much love to you all

Sheila xx












Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

New Photography Studio in Bispham Blackpool

I am so excited, my new studio opens tomorrow 4th Feb 2014, well, I say it opens, I have the keys, and tomorrow, me, my friend and one of my sons will be moving my furniture in to create the Dove Photography Studio.
It wont take much as its lovely as it is, I just need a little bit of creativity, some backdrops, lights, my big red leather Chesterfield chair and... Voila...

It all started when I went for a crochet lesson. I called in at a lovely craft shop on Red Bank Road in Bispham Blackpool.
Like a lot of crafty women, I cannot walk past a wool shop without drooling (sad I know) over gorgeous colours and textures of new yarn. I wouldn't mind, but I have bags full of fabric and wool, gadgets and needles in my loft.
I only wanted to look (hmmm, Iv'e said that before ha ha).

Anyway, somehow Wendy (the craft shop owner) and I got chatting about crochet, before I knew it I had booked myself a lesson.
(I can actually crochet (lol) but needed to be able to finish off the ends of rows).

An hours lesson turned into 3, chatting and crocheting non stop and as I was leaving I decided to ask if she wanted someone in her shop. She said yes and that was it!!!

I actually did go away and think about it, 2 days is a long time for me to think about something so deeply, I showed my friend and my children, then decided to go for it. You only have one life, no point in getting old and wishing you had done it and not just talked about it.

This is how I saw the space whilst I was having my crochet lesson.

I fell in love with it. My signage is now up and Im raring to go.

www.dovephotography.co.uk

All I have to do now is fill it with gorgeous New Born babies in baskets, Mums to be, families and surprisingly,doggies.

Yes, one of the first people to book a shoot is the owner of a fabulous little pooch. How exciting.

Well, I have to go and pack all my lovely gear ready for tomorrow...

More photos to follow with tales of my gorgeous little studio in all its loveliness.

Sheila

Dove Photography Studio
92 Red Bank Road
Blackpool
FY2 9DZ

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... New born baby photos. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

Signing book for a perfect wedding gift

Iv'e not blogged for a while for lots of reasons too personal to mention on a blog, suffice it to say... 

I am back :-)

A couple of weekends ago, I had the privilege of taking photos a young couple getting married at the end of March. The reason for the shoot was a *'signing' book had been given to them as a gift from me for booking their wedding with Dove Photography.
The shoot was really good fun, they even brought their cute little sausage dog with them.
We met up at the local park which has an amazing variety of locations in a relatively small space.

Check these images, you wouldn't believe we were in Blackpool in the middle of winter would you?

It got me thinking, what a fab present for a bride and groom.

The book can be personalized from the buyer, with a special message to the bride and groom, I wish I had thought of this before...ha ha

The usual price will be £125 for the photo-shoot and 15 images in the lay flat book, however, if you would like to buy this for yourself, one of your friends or family members who have booked their wedding photography with Dove Photography the opening offer is £95 if you order before June 25th 2013.

Have a fabulous day, Its good to be back blogging :-)

Sheila

* A signing book is a book that guests sign at the evening reception leaving a personal message to the bride and groom, usually generic, the signing book mentioned above is obviously a very personal memento for the bride and groom, with photos of themselves (and maybe their dog) to encourage messages from friends and family. The odd personal photo can be included if required.

PS. The wedding was amazing and the signing book a great success. 

www.dovephotography.co.uk

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the UK, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits followed by New baby Photos....
Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

How to overcome being a nervous bride :-)

Today I've taken another booking from a bride and groom who HATE having their photos taken.
Over the years I've become somewhat of a specialist with nervous brides (though It is unusual for both the Bride and Groom to be nervous), and I have a special strategy for helping them overcome their nervousness.


Its quite simple really... I meet them often... maybe 3..4..5.. times between booking the wedding and the actual Wedding Day. This means we form a close relationship, I meet the children, mum, mother in law... In fact anyone who is there when we meet up.


We talk about them, their families, their wedding... all sorts of stuff, It doesn't have to be wedding related. By the time the wedding arrives, you/they are so comfortable in my company, nervousness doesn't come into it.


Today's bride and groom will have a pre wedding shoot which will be fun and casual, with or without children and wherever they like to go. So, it could be the beach, park or just the back garden in summer. I want my wedding couples to be so comfortable that smiling (or not) isn't an issue in their wedding photographs.


If you are worried about having your wedding photos taken, don't despair...
Just give us a ring, buy some Lady Grey Tea  and we can chat about how to overcome your nervousness... By the way... Milk chocolate digestive biscuits go really well with a cup of tea and lots of wedding talk ha ha.


Here are a few couple of our most nervous brides... 

That was when we booked I must add... By the time the weddings came shyness etc. was forgotten and a good time was had by all.

Have a great week




www.dovephotography.co.uk

Blackpool Prom Fayre

This weekend we attended a fabulous Prom Fayre at the lovely Tiffany's Hotel in Blackpool.


The cat walk was amazing with dresses by Dress to Impress (Poulton)  Photographs by...
You guessed it... Dove Photography.


We havent processed the catwalk photos yet, so we thought we would show you a small selection of photos from previous prom seasons.
We have great fun taking our prom photos, meeting you and your friends at your home, getting involved in all the caffuffle of getting ready and all your friends arriving. We then make sure we get some family photos, after all, you look like a princess and an opportunity like that cannot be ignored ha ha!!!
Finally as you get in your Limousine (car or horse and carriage) we will record your fantastic journey in images to remember.

Here is a short video (turn the sound down or you will get caught out at work)

 

If you would like to chat with us about having your Prom photos taken, ring Sheila on

07932685241

Book early as we can only photograph one set of friends per school prom.

 Share the cost with your friends like you do with the Limousine Hire and make sure you have the BEST photos of anyone in your school.

http://www.blackpool-limousine-hire.co.uk/schoolpromlimohire-49.php

http://www.blackpoollimohire.co.uk/

http://www.vicaragecarriagehire.co.uk/about.html

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

Happy New Year

Happy New Year


We are still In January so haven't left it too late to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR...


We have had such a good start to 2012 here at Dove Photography that my feet don't seem to have touched the ground. I am loving the fact that wedding bookings for this year have already surpassed last years. A big thank you to all our customers past present and future, you make me a very happy photographer.


I haven't made any actual New Years resolutions, but I have some goals for 2012 that I want to share..
Apparently (for those of you who believe it) if you write down your goals and revisit them regularly they are more likely to come into fruition.


I want to make Dove Photography the place to have your photos taken because of the amazing photos, but also the amazing customer service.
I want people to be talking about how good their experience with Dove..
I want to make some fab videos that help customers with their posing for weddings and portraits (that could be difficult as I usually end up giggling).
I want to write my blog every week ... (That is a difficult one)..
I want to help make money for 'Brian House' the childrens Hospice in Blackpool. They do an amazing job under very difficult circumstances and need as much help as they can get.
I want my new website to be up and running (which is proving harder than I thought, not everyone is dedicated to customer service...).


Anyway... Happy New Year... Here is a little slide show of some of our weddings this last year 2011


Please just check the sound level, we dont want you to get into trouble !!





Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

Prepare for your Winter Wedding

Its getting closer to my favourite time of year... Christmas.... OOOhhh... I get so excited... 
My Christmas cake is in the oven as I write, I am designing my Dove Photography Christmas cards and planning my Christmas shopping.
No bah-humbug for me!! 


This year we have 5 weddings booked around Christmas and New Year, and I for one cannot wait.


However.. Its important to be prepared for your winter wedding.


Here are a few tips (off the top of my head) to help you.


If you want photos outside, book your wedding earlier in the day, In the UK it goes dark in December around 3pm. This can be an advantage if you are having Fireworks, as you don't have to wait until midnight to thrill your guests with an amazing display.
 If you are getting married in the North West try http://www.mdlfireworks.com - amazing customer service and brilliant firework displays.


I know it sounds daft to mention it, but, you need to keep warm, you dont want goose bumps on your wedding images.


Make sure you and your bridesmaids have warm shawls or stoles to put over your shoulders


Try and wear comfortable shoes that keep your feet dry & don't soak up the snow/rain . 
Maybe buy some of those fab wellies that are available nowadays and keep them handy 'just in case'. I have it on good authority that you can now buy White Ugg Boots, now that would be a talking point!!


What about some gorgeous long gloves to keep your fingers warm, and some (lovely) Bridget Jones style underwear to keep the rest of you comfy and snug.


Most photographers (me) take umbrellas as a matter of course, but, make sure you have plenty available for guests. Photos can be really good fun and colourful with some of those golfing umbrellas.


The photos would look cool if all the men wore matching scarves and maybe gloves.. rather posh I think!!!


Whatever happens, make sure you are comfortable with having your photos taken outside whatever the weather... Imagine, you could dance and sing in the rain... throw snowballs if its a white wedding, guests could make a snowman and put the tophat on it... etc...


There is nothing you can do about our wonderful British weather, just embrace it, choose your photographer wisely and most of all.. HAVE FUN!!!


Last year we were snowed under (so to speak) here are a few photos of 2 of last years winter brides.

Best Wishes

Sheila

www.dovephotography.co.uk

Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...

Getting ready for Christmas presents..competition

Those of you who know me know that I am not the most organised of people, and prefer to be known for my artistic flair. Ha ha.

 Today, I am being organised...
 It's 1 st September, and before we know it, it will be nearly Christmas, my cunning plan is to motivate you all into getting your Christmas portraits sorted out NOW!!!

 This year I'm going to have personalised Xmas cards from Dove Photography, I now have to decide on what image will front my cards. This is tricky for me, as I have so many lovely images to choose from...but... Should it be a wedding photo, portrait, baby? Probably not a Boudoir photo as it will be on someone's mantlepiece for a month... I don't want to upset anyone ha ha I think my best plan is to have a montage of one from each category, with a Christmas feel...

 Now, what would you like on your own personalised cards?
 Maybe the kids, all dressed up for the cold or with a silly hat on.

 Maybe the dog with a silly hat on?
 Perhaps Grandma in her best Christmas outfit...
 Only you will know what will make your family and friends go awww...bless...

 If you are in business, why not personalise your cards with photos of your staff, send them out to your customers as a way of saying thank you, and also reminding them who you are and that you can let your hair down and send a unique personalised card.

 Have you decided what you are giving as a Christmas present?

 Perhaps you could give a 20 x 16 box framed photo of your family,  or a beautiful album.
 Maybe you would like a modern black and White portrait to grace your Walls, or a poster type (Andy warhole style) of the kids for your office or modern study.

 Give it some thought, there are some amazing acrylics, frames, canvas,s available to excite you. Give me a ring if you would like to book a session, or even if you can think of any other themes you could use my photography for.

 I look forward to hearing from you, and reading your comments.
 The best comment on how to use photography in your Christmas present list, gets a free sitting and mounted 20 x 16 print.
 Have a great week.

 Sheila

 www.dovephotography.co.uk 

 PS This is my first blog post from my I pad... I am so excited ha ha x




 Blackpool Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer Phone Sheila. 07932685241 Phone Dove Photography for your Portrait sessions, Wedding Photography in Blackpool and the whole of the Uk, Commercial Portraits; Baby Bump/maternity portraits.... Special occasions like Parties, Christenings, Birthdays. Getting Married abroad... I will come to your Evening Reception and record your Wedding Celebration for you...