Eleanor Jane

SNEAK PEEK - Le Petit Bébé

Introducing baby Keaton – a newly arrived blue bundle belonging a good client of mine, Tania from The Flower Stork. Tania kindly let me borrow Keaton as a trial model for my recent experiments in newborn photography and I’m very grateful she did.

I’ll admit, photographing babies, toddlers and small people in general used to seem like hell on Earth to me. Despite having lots of experience doing it freelance for other companies I never found it particularly inspiring. But over the past year I’ve seen some awesome baby photography work popping up online which has stopped me in my tracks... parents finally have taste?! Yes! After a bit of experimenting I’ve found that I totally enjoy doing this sort of work in my own style and, guess what, there ARE loads of stylish & creative parents out there who are interested. Amazing!

Newborns are fantastic models to work with as they’re usually sleeping so even though it can take a LOT longer than a toddler shoot, I’ve found it’s fairly calm and a pleasant way to chill out in my work after all the busy weddings and rock&roll madness of summer. I’m also learning to knit so I can make my own killer props. Progress is slow but I’m getting there (although my Mum would probably tell you different!).

It’s just as well I’ve started doing this sort of work now too... babies aren’t usually part of my packages but maybe I should start warning my brides that they are becoming increasingly more regular as a post wedding surprise!

Another thing I’m doing at the moment is taking advantage of the pretty autumn weather before it turns and doing a few outdoor photography sessions with older children, sibling sets and even a few families. I’m so happy that people are finally being a bit more adventurous with these private commissions and I may even make it a regular thing in 2012. But for the rest of the year I’m still experimenting so if you’d like to take advantage or know any pregnant ladies about to pop, please get in touch for a super generous rate.

Seth & Sean Lakeman - Total Guitar

Months & months ago I photographed Seth & Sean Lakeman for Total Guitar magazine before they played a show in Swindon. They were both lovely and of course, it's always a pleasure to photograph handsome, talented men! Check out their YouTube channel for lots of awesome songs that'll have you foot-stomping & sit-down-dancing at your desk, like I'm doing right now (especially to the song that starts 1:28s into this video)! Definitely go see them if you get a chance.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I’m back from the happiest place on Earth (that’s Walt Disney World, Florida, in case you were unaware)… and beyond! We knew Florida would be amazing when we flew in to the sunshine through a rainbow! This part of the world may be a little lacking in breathtaking natural beauty and historical landmarks but Disney is one of the most fun places I have ever been in my life and I would urge anyone who thinks they’re too cool or too clever to stop being a miserable old Grinch and go.

I’ll spare you the photographs as to be honest, after a very hectic season, I was having a bit of a photo break. Most of them are just typical tourist snapshots of me in Minnie Mouse ears standing in front of rides I liked or holding hands with Mr. Potato Head with an inane grin on my face as well as endless pictures of giant beverages and filthy vegetable-free meals (macaroni cheese pizza anyone?!).

Highlights of the trip were; the warmth & the humidity… Florida is hot hot HOT! All the intricate details and the wonderful music at the Magic Kingdom, eating pineapple dole whips in Adventureland, the Haunted Mansion and riding Big Thunder Mountain to see the park lit up at night after the fireworks. The Walt Disney museum, the Aerosmith Rock & Rollercoaster (of course!), Tower of Terror, Test Track and actually managing to score some points on the new Toy Story ride as usually I suck at those shooting games. The beautiful theming in the Asia area of Animal Kingdom (my favourite Disney park) where I spent hours in the Maharajah Jungle Trek and conquered Everest 11 times (6 times in a row). Standing face to face with a hippo in an underwater viewing area where I could see his every wrinkle and all the little hairs sticking out of his face, amazing. Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal where they really do make every effort to make you feel like a rockstar (you can even order room service for your pet!) and lounging around the stunning pool with a tropical cocktail. Driving out to Anna Maria Island on the gulf coast where we saw dolphins swimming oh so close to the beach (it was here that we had a minor incident with the car which meant we also got to meet a policeman who wore many weapons on his belt!). One of the Blue’s Brothers tipping his hat to me as he got out of their car in Universal Studios (such an immersive park, just like being on a variety of film sets – loved it). Riding crazy rock & roll rollercoasters where they blast ZZ Top in your ears as you go, being too scared to even scream and then getting to view the hilarious video of myself at the end – I really wish I’d bought it as I looked like a girl who was most definitely having the worst time of her life! Watching events unfold in a horrific battle between a lizard, a cockroach and a man on a bar stool which I didn’t really enjoy as such, being a nice compassionate vegetarian, but was transfixed none-the-less and had to be forced to leave by Peabrain (it’s probably best I don’t share the photographic evidence of that one!). And finally, Halloween Horror Nights – which took a while to get into but eventually I began to enjoy being chased around in the dark by chainsaw wielding maniacs!

But our absolute best day was the NASA trip. Kennedy Space Center is fascinating and unexpectedly moving too. I loved the rocket garden, the Saturn V Center, the launch pads, seeing the enormous vehicle assembly building, the Astronauts Hall of Fame and all the various space travel memorabilia. We were there from opening til closing time and towards the end we were running around like crazies trying to make sure we’d seen everything.

Florida is a beast of a holiday to plan as there is so much to do & see & so many options but if anyone fancies visiting and needs some planning advice, just ask. Also, if you need a travel buddy I would totally go back with you!