Stories of the Everyday - Harry & Lottie

I'm always fascinated by landscapes that give people their sense of place. For me, since the age of 10, it's been the drive from Oxenhope, over the moors to Hebden Bridge, and the first glimpses of Stoodley Pike and Heptonstall church.

For Rachel & Ben, it's the moors above Hebden Bridge, towards Widdop. This is where Ben proposed to Rachel - what an amazing place to pop that question! This place is obviously special to them, it's easy to see why, and this was the location they chose for their family photo shoot. With a picnic and bikes, we headed for the moors.

Sometimes we'll suggest locations for shoots, but this backdrop was always going to be the one for Rachel, Ben, Harry & Lottie.

Christmas At Home - Ethan's Story

So, like it or not (and I do, a lot!), we are in the Christmas build up. The tree in Hebden Bridge has been put in its place, the shop windows are being dressed & titivated, and there is a fresh chill in the air.

But this is Ethan's story.  We've been documenting his life through the seasons over the past year.  We've had a spring shoot in the bluebells & celebrated his third birthday in the summer. But our journey started last year when we photographed the family's Christmas preparations. I have to say the low light played its part that day. Just seeing the family together in their home getting ready for the festivities, was a lovely thing to be a part of. There was dressing the tree, the opening of advent presents through Ethan's excited whispers, and time out for orange juice and colouring. We ended our shoot by having a wander into Leeds, looking at the shops, and stopping at their favourite coffee kiosk for a cuppa.

Although this all made a beautiful backdrop, it really wasn't about this. It was about their time together. A few times I caught myself holding my breath at those little moments. Those glances, the hugs & kisses, and the beaming smiles. And now there's a new addition to the family, and we're looking forward to welcoming her into the world on a shoot together next week.

What do you like to do as a family in the run up to Christmas? If you'd like us to document your preparations, it would be lovely to hear from you!

Stories of the Everyday - Diya & Amba

A couple of months ago, I started a hashtag on Instagram - #storiesoftheeveryday. Folk have been sharing everyday moments of the little and big people in their lives, and what they've been getting up to during the day. It's a little community, but it's growing, and I've been really struck by the stories people have shared.

One Monday morning, I had the pleasure of spending time with these two. Diya & Amba are sisters, confidantes, they watch out for each other, they're sensitive beautiful souls. I documented their morning routine getting ready for school.

I love photographing life at home, especially at this time of year - cosy family time. I found this quote recently and it struck a chord with me; 'Home is people, not a place' (Robin Hobb).

So - let's celebrate the everyday! If you'd like us to tell your story, it would be great to hear from you. And if like me you're an Instagram addict, you can find me here. It would be great to see your images on #storiesoftheeveryday and I have set up a page too if you'd like to follow.

For now, I'll leave you with Diya & Amba.