NEWS/BLOG - Blog

I found a testimonial from a boudoir client. It really hit home to me how a Boudoir shoot is much more than a means to get some beautiful images. It's almost a form of therapy. I say 'almost', that's not really true. It is a form of therapy.
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As I eluded to in my location portrait review 2015 In Pictures, 2016 is going to be a big year for the company, with a lot of changes coming for both the family and Boudoir photography areas of the business. For now I'd like to have a brief look back at 2015, which for the Eterno Boudoir sessions, has been fantastic. For the first time I shot slightly more Boudoir sessions than location portraits, reinforcing the popularity of this genre. I started a closed Facebook Eterno Boudoir Community Group especially for past, present and prospective clients to share their experiences and educate women on what Boudoir is all about. It's all been very positive indeed!
So, onto the pictures….I have included only images I have client permission to share with you all. There are a host of shots and shoots that, as much as I'd like to, I can't show. Our client's wishes will be respected at all times!! In no particular order, I have eleven of my favourite images to share. I'd like to say a huge thank you to the ladies here for allowing me to post their photos, with out this it wouldn't be much of a review!!
If you are interested in a Boudoir shoot, contact me through the Eterno Boudoir Page

I'm very much looking forward to 2016. There are some exciting plans in the pipeline which will (hopefully) come to fruition over the next twelve months. I will reveal more of later in January, but for now I'd like to reflect on 2015 and show a few of my favourite images from the year.
It was a frustrating year if I'm honest. The amount of location portrait work I could take on was stunted by both a personal commitment that turned out to take up more time than anticipated, and the cold Spring, and erratic Summer weather which was a constant thorn in my side. Strong winds and frequent rain meant a record number of re-scheduled shoots, but we got there in the end, delivering what was asked by my clientele. A number of personal projects were canned so I could fit in regular work. However, it didn't mean I wasn't busy. For the first time I shot as many Boudoir sessions than location portraits, showing how popular this genre is now becoming. I will reveal my favourite Eterno Boudoir images in another post, leaving the portrait images for this one. Talking of which, before I ramble on too much, let's take a look at some of my favourite shots (in no particular order) from 2015. I hope you like them as much as I do!

I talk through what Boudoir Photography is, why I offer it and why I think women should have a shoot.
My opinion on 'why' is based on my experience of seeing how having a boudoir shoot does genuinely change how a woman sees herself. This is fine, but of course it doesn't help in the 'too nervous to enquire' stakes does it?
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It's one of the most recent 'must haves' for women, appearing on many bucket lists, on things to do before I reach (insert milestone birthday here) lists and is gaining popularity daily. It's everywhere, but is still a complete mystery to many. It's frequently misunderstood, but helps women in ways that you wouldn't believe.
So, what is this 'it'?
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I'll be honest. Since starting the Boudoir packages I've struggled on where to pitch them. When I say 'pitch' I mean, pricing and products. People that know me understand that my driver behind the photography business I run is to produce fantastic images and photographs for my customers, money is my secondary concern, but being a business it's something I unfortunately have to consider. It's a balancing act between charging the right amount to suit my clients and their budget, and to suit me and all the work, time and overhead costs that go into producing the final photos. Boudoir itself also throws up the often heard question "What do you do with the images?" Do you display them, put them in a book in the bottom drawer or have them on your hard drive for viewing when you want to?
To answer those questions (and more), I decided not to second guess my 'marketplace', or as I like to call them, friends of my business, but instead I thought I'd ask them outright.
So I ran a brief survey, with eight cunningly thought up questions to ascertain the popular thoughts and requirements of my Boudoir community to see where they thought the package and prices should be.
Before I rattle on more, I'd like to thank all those that took the time out to help in this matter. Your answers were a great help to me, and very much appreciated.
The following price/package content has been based on the feedback I received. Although two packages have increased slightly in price, I feel have the value of the packages in terms of what you get for your money has improved greatly.

Proposed Pricing and packages (from 1st August 2016):
All package prices include: Boudoir consultation at the client's home prior to the shoot date, 20 miles travel costs, online private photo gallery for one month, image/product consultation after the shoot (if required).
Payments can also be received in three interest free instalments prior to the shoot date if required.

Eterno Breve (Mini-Shoot)
Price: £80.00
Shoot duration: up to 90 minutes.
Products as part of package: Five digital images c/w print licence and one 12x8 photo print.
(Note: Our budget package, the existing Breve package is for one hour with one 12x8 print OR one digital file only)

Eterno Intimo (Standard-Shoot)
Price: £175.00 (introductory price £135.00 until 30 Sept 2015)
Shoot duration: 2 hours
Products as part of package: Fifteen digital images c/w print licence and three 12x8 photo prints.
(Note: Our existing Intimo package includes two 12x8 prints OR 2 digital files)

Eterno Ultimo (Deluxe-Shoot)
Price: £300.00 (introductory price £270.00 until 30 Sept 2015)
Shoot duration: 2 hours
Products as part of package: Twenty-five digital images c/w print licence, three 12x8 photo prints and A5 lay-flat 'Little Black Book' containing your images.
(Note: Our existing Ultimo package includes digital images OR black book and no prints.)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the proposed package/price changes. Comments can be left below. That won't appear on here unless I approve them, so if you'd like them kept private, please say. Thank you!!

Where to go?
I am often asked to advise clients on where to have their shoots. There are a number of reasons people will prefer one location from another, these include personal reasons and attachments to a specific location.
To help customers select their location, or indeed book their shoot at the right time of year, I have complied a list of locations along with the details and pros and cons. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, there are many other possibilities, I have shot in other places requested by various clients such as back gardens and open spaces local to them, but the following ones are the most frequently visited for my outdoor location shoots.

Best conditions for your shoot
Along with location, the actual conditions at the shoot are important to the final images produced. Whilst it is impossible to control weather, the chances of preferred conditions can be increased by selecting the right time of day for shoots to take place.
The most photogenic of conditions can be found during what photographers call the ‘Golden Hour’. This is the hour or so leading up to sunset where the light is usually very warm and soft. If this isn’t achievable or practical for the client, then the most favourable conditions are still, bright and overcast. Then any location can be used successfully. As a rule I will avoid shooting in the middle of the day, particularly in the summer when the sun is high in the sky, preferring late afternoon or early mornings, when the sun is much lower, making shooting much easier.,

Burgh Castle (Roman Ruins)
Description: Wide open fields with views of the Broads which have with long meadow grasses in summer.
Short grass from September to April. Other backdrops include the local Church and a small footbridge for something different.
Best time: Summer Evening.
Pros: Quiet, very picturesque, with multiple backdrops. Great for children to have a run about.
Adequate parking.
Cons: Not a place for Hayfever sufferers in Summer
The site is very exposed so windy days and bright sunny days can be a problem
There is a ten minute walk to the photo location.
Excess mileage cost: None



Gorleston Beach (Cliffs)
Description: Beautiful beach at the base of sandy cliffs with several location spots for different sets of images, including the cliffs, dunes and of course the sea.
Best time: Summer Late Afternoons/evenings.
Pros: Multiple backdrops. Quieter than the north end of Gorleston Beach.
Adequate parking. Short walk to the photo location
Cons: Can be windy and exposed. Can be busy on fine days making scenic portrait shots difficult.
Excess mileage cost: None



Similar to Gorleston Beach is Caister Beach (near Second Avenue)
Description: Similar to Gorleston in that there are several location spots for different sets of images, including granite reefs, dunes and the sea. There are also cliffs to the north, but there a ten minute walk to reach them.
Best time: Summer Late Afternoons/evenings.
Pros: Multiple backdrops.
Adequate parking. Short walk to the photo location
Cons: Can be windy and exposed. Can be busy on fine days making scenic portrait shots difficult.
Excess mileage cost: None

Great Yarmouth North Beach
Description: Beautiful beach with a wide expanse of sand dunes. The dune system gives areas seclusion, giving the impression of being on a deserted beach.
Best time: Summer Late Afternoons/evenings.
Pros: Quieter than South Beach and those areas near the piers. Secluded spots. Adequate parking. Short walk to the photo location
Cons: Can be windy and exposed. Limited back drops.
Excess mileage cost: None



Fritton Woods
Description: Mainly coniferous forestry site with limited open areas and a few different backdrops. Autumnal colours from September. The woods are fast disappearing, so how long this area remains as a viable photo-shoot location remains to be seen.
Best time: Late Autumn Afternoons.
Pros: Picturesque Autumn backdrop. Quiet. Sheltered from all but the strongest winds.
Cons: Limited off-road parking. Walk to the location is along dusty/muddy paths. Limited backdrops.
Popular with dog walkers and their occasional 'gift' they leave behind.
Excess mileage cost: None



Herringfleet Hills
Description: Two distinctly differing areas (woodland and open grassland) very close to each other.
In certain spots there is the backdrop of Herringfleet marshes and the Smock Mill.
Best time: Late Summer Evenings for grassland/ Late Autumn through to Spring for the woodland.
Pros: Multiple backdrops close to each other. Quiet. Locations are close to Car Park
Woodland area has fantastic trees to use for photo sets.
Cons: Limited Parking. Exposed area (grassland)
Excess mileage cost: None

Burlingham Woods
Description: A Variety of plantations joined by footpaths to explore. Each one has a different feel to it. Copious amounts of wild flowers in Spring.
Best time: Spring for display of wild Daffodils late Spring for carpets of Bluebells. Autumn for
Pros: Multiple woodland backdrops. Quiet. Some locations are close to car park.
Cons: Can be muddy in places. Very shady when trees are in full leaf.
Excess mileage cost: £5-00



For more information and to book your location shoot for 2015 visit my Portraits Page

My Boudoir shoots are all about boosting confidence and showing a woman just how fantastic they really are. I know.....you've read those kind of words many, many times over the years when I've written about Boudoir shoots. I won't apologise for that, because it is genuinely what I believe and does truly work....however....there will always be some women that still have body 'issues'. Now, I'm not going to belittle anyone's idea of how they see themselves. It's quite natural, all be told, looking at yourself in front of a mirror, there's plenty of time to spot and fret about flaws and imperfections. But what is perfect anyway? Is there such a thing? I doubt it. In fact I know there isn't. We are all unique, we are all different, so comparing yourself to others and your own idea of perfect is always going to end in tears, isn't it?.
Easier said than done I know, but we shouldn't we just listen when others pay us a compliment or are positive about us? I think yes.....you never see yourself as others do.
Practically every woman I have photographed will list at least two things they don't like about their bodies, or indeed how they look, but does anyone actually notice? When I leave a Boudoir shoot, I'm never left with negative thoughts about the client or model. Instead I'm always struck by a positive; beautiful eyes, gorgeous smile, bubbly personality, they were fun, funny, smart, clever....etc etc. the list goes on, and I know I'm not alone in this. When you hear women talking about their friends and how they look it's the same thing, positives, "ah she's beautiful", "I wish I had her looks"...so ladies....give yourselves a break.....ditch the mirror and listen to what others say...you might just be surprised!!

Firstly, thank you to all those that took the time to complete the short Boudoir survey I recently posted. I did sweeten the deal by offering a £10 discount against any Boudoir package, should the lady want to. And if you're reading this, and would like to participate or just see the survey, please look here.
The reason I asked ladies for their feedback was to confirm (or discover) what were the roadblocks that women had when it came to having a Boudoir shoot so I could finalise my mission statement.
So why have a mission statement?
Well, the first thoughts I had when thinking about such a thing, was 'How corporate!' For those that know me, I'm not particularly the corporate type, but I did think on. I came to the conclusion that it is actually quite important to have a Mission Statement for the simple reason it identifies to any woman what the driver is for my Boudoir packages and tells them why they can benefit from having a shoot. I have always said the ethos behind my Eterno Boudoir packages were primarily to boost women's self-confidence and show to them how beautiful they are......the results of this survey would either confirm or deny this...so let's see what you all said!

The Results...
Have you ever thought about having a Boudoir Shoot? 100% Yes
Have you ever enquired about having a Boudoir Shoot? 100% No

The reasons for not having a Boudoir Shoot (ticking all that apply);
Body Confidence Issues 70%
Body weight Issues 45%
Lack of Confidence/Self-esteem 70%
Price 0%
Partner doesn't like the idea 0%
I don't know how rose like I model 55%
I'm not good looking enough 45%
I don't have a room suitable for the shoot 15%
Other 12%
The survey could be anonymous if required, but I did respond to each lady that left their email details to address how the Boudoir shoots work and how the blocks could be overcome. I will be posting another blog item on this subject in the near future.
So going through the results tells me that the biggest roadblocks women have when it comes to enquiring or booking a Boudoir Shoot are exactly the reasons that I encourage ladies to have the shoots done. That being to boost confidence and self-esteem.
Some of you may have seen my handwritten statement I photographed and posted on my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts recently. It was the short version of my mission statement.....
"Eterno Boudoir by Martin J Patterson Photography is a modern portraiture product that helps women of any age and body type see themselves as the beautiful, strong person that they truly are."
What do you think? Are you tempted to give it a go and "Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful?"

The 14th February is on the horizon, the day we, with the help of Cupid, Royal Mail and florists everywhere, celebrate our love for our spouses and partners. Whilst some admire from afar and anonymously (as traditional expects), us married and co-habiting types do it loud and proud to show that we haven't forgotten.
The retail sector, not surprisingly, sees this day as another big earner, where everything from flowers and chocolates through to expensive phones and tablets are branded as the perfect way to show your love. I have my own opinion on that, which shall we say, is a touch on the cynical side.
Bringing this blog piece in line with the photography genre, as you would expect, the same thing happens with photo shoots. Boudoir in particular.
Men are encouraged to buy a shoot package for the woman they love as a pamper session, woman are cajoled into having photos taken in order to furnish their partner with sexy imagery, which of course he'll love beyond measure etc. etc.
These are proffered under the usual guise of the Valentine Special Offer, which of course is much similar to the Christmas Special, just a number of weeks later.
I don't offer any such 'specials' for this most love drenched day in February. As I eluded to before, I have reservations about using certain retail products to show how much you care for someone, although I understand the need to publicise your products from a business aspect. This isn't why I don't subscribe to the Valentine Offer for my Boudoir Packages, not at all. It's not because I'm reluctant to give discounts, in truth I feel I'm more than generous in that respect throughout the year. It's simply because the reason being publicised for having the shoot (I believe) is wrong.
I have been carrying out Boudoir shoots for some time, so I do have an inkling of why women have these shoots done. Before you think I have found the male’s Holy Grail of understanding women, relax. I haven’t. How I know this is simple. I ask.
The publicly perceived 'selling point' of Boudoir is that the shoots are carried out for photos to be gifts for the partner or husband. This promotion technique is used heavily in the United States to persuade women that's why they should book their shoot. I don't know whether this is a cultural difference, or whether it's designed to mask a woman's real driver in having a Boudoir photo session, but whatever it is, in my experience it isn't the case at all.
Before I carry on and deconstruct the argument for using your partner as the reason to have a Boudoir, let me say it is a genuinely acceptable excuse to have it done, especially if the partner is particularly encouraging. I am not saying anyone doing this is wrong, my point is it's less common than people think.
So let me give you a numerical fact to back this up. Of the sixty or so Boudoir consultations I've carried out, the reason given for having a shoot done to give gift products to their partner has has happened on just three occasions, that's 4%. Of those three, two had their shoot, but the other lady didn't because her partner didn't want her to. Incidently, the number of men that have enquired or bought gift certificates for their partner is a big fat zero!
I once had an enquiry from a lady that was very keen to have the shoot done, using the reason that it would be a present for her husband, and she asked him about it. He was happy for her to have the photo session, but wasn't particularly bothered about having photos as a gift. This enquiry didn't even lead to a consultation.
I have also heard one or two stories about women having Boudoir shoots (not with me I might add) as a surprise for their husbands, only to be greeted with, shall we say, a less than positive reaction on receipt of their gift! Lesson learned…you have to be careful with surprises.
I may not be able to write confidently about a woman's reasoning where Boudoir is concerned, but I understand how a man thinks. Of course we're all different, but the views range from the stubborn refusal of letting his partner have a shoot, through to the man which is more than encouraging. These two extremes are the minority, with the vast majority of men (although happy for their partner to have a shoot) are indifferent or mildly interested at best. It's not that we as men don't love our wives/partners, of course we do. It's simply that men in general aren't overly motivated by photos of their partners. A common response would be that they can see their spouse or girlfriend 'like that anytime'. Fair enough I suppose, I'm in no position to question this, but that's the average perception.

What about the other 96%? Why did they book? Well, they cited the shoot was 'for them', which I feel, is exactly how it should be. I believe Boudoir photography should be solely for the woman having the shoot. It's about her self-esteem, her self-confidence, her chance to show to herself that she is beautiful.
So if you want that Boudoir shoot, have it done, for you, and 'Be your own kind of beautiful'

It's that time again, where before I look too far forward, I'd like to reflect on what this year has brought to my photographic table.
Looking back over the last twelve months genuinely leaves me sporting a smug grin. The intention for 2014 was progression from a technical point of view, and it's something I'm so pleased I took time out to achieve, after all no-one can afford to stand still. I took a huge amount from the three redhead themed portrait shoots and two low-key Boudoir shoots I managed to squeeze in amongst my regular work.
Talking of regular work, I began in earnest during the first weekend in January with a superb Boudoir shoot in a quaint little cottage, and finished with a raft of portrait shoots at Burgh Castle, as I waded through the annual Christmas rush. In between were visits to an array of places from Gorleston Beach to Herringfleet, with some stunning back gardens on the way. Boudoir was high on the agenda with the shoots from a promo competition being carried out, along with a plethora of ladies enjoying their experience for the first (and some for the second) time.
From start to finish, I have worked with some amazing people both big, small, young and old, and I'd like to thank every single one of you for sharing your time with me. It has been a genuinely rewarding experience photographing such a vast array of different people, and is one of the reasons I love doing this.
Enough of the chatter, I'll let the images to do the rest of the talking.

Lifestyle Portraits
Beginning with the outdoor location shoots and in no particular order...





























































Boudoir
Now it's the turn of the Boudoir shots. Again, in no particular order. There are a few shoots missing here, not every client wants their images shared, to which I have no problem whatsoever. Thank you to all the ladies that have agreed to let me share one of their images online, it is greatly appreciated!

I ran this promotion last year, and it was so successful I thought I'd do the same again. This is the Boudoir Winter Saver, where you can get yourselves an approximate 40% discount against my standard Boudoir pricing. It works like this. This prices listed below are for a limited number of 6 shoots which must take place between 3rd January 2015 and 8th March 2015. Packages must be paid for in full and the pre-shoot consultation completed before 30th November 2014 to qualify. Makeover costs are additional and will be arranged directly with the chosen Beauty Therapist. The promotion price shoots will be strictly on a first come, first served basis, with clients who complete the consultation/booking process being eligible. You will be notified prior to booking your consultation if the winter saver offer is still available or has been fully subscribed.
Other than that, the usual terms and conditions apply.

Prices for this promotion only are;
Eterno Breve (Mini-Boudoir Package) - £85 down to £50
Eterno Intimo (Simple Boudoir Package) - £135 down to £80
Eterno Ultimo (Deluxe Boudoir Package with CD) - £270 down to £165
Eterno Ultimo (Deluxe Boudoir Package with Little Black Book) - £270 down to £200

Last year the six shoots were booked out within four weeks of the promotion starting, so be quick!

For further information or to book your consultation, please complete the enquiry form which can be found on thispage here

Due to the huge workload I currently have, I've had to revise my deadline dates.
Those affected are; the shoots for Christmas, photo books, photo prints and canvas prints.

Looking through my diary I know I am going to be busy in the lead up to Christmas. So to avoid disappointment and to allow scheduling and ordering in a timely manner (no-one like to rush!)I have listed my deadline dates for the pre-Christmas period.
Unfortunately every year I have enquiries or orders after my deadline dates, which I sadly can't process. My advice is to get in touch now to ensure I can fit you in before the big day!
Here we go then….

Shoots with products for Christmas - Fully Booked

Photo Prints & Photobooks - Order by COB Wednesday 26th November 2014

Portrait Canvas Prints - Order by COB Friday 5th December 2014

Paper Gift Certificates (via Royal Mail) - Order by COB Sunday 14th December 2014

Paper Gift Certificates (for collection) - Order by COB Friday 19th December 2014

'Electronic' Gift Certificates (PDF 'Print Your Own' via. email) - Order by COB Sunday 21st December 2014

To order your Gift Certificates please click HERE

I will be 'closed' for the Christmas break from Sunday 22nd December 2014 to 2nd January 2015(inclusive). I will monitor any enquiries that come in during this, but may not respond until 3rd January 2015, thank you!

Martin J Patterson Photography Ltd that is, not me. Three years old already? Where has the time gone? Haven't we grown? The usual kind of comments you hear when a young one has a birthday, but I suppose it's the same for the business.
You start off life needing a lot of support from others, a bit of love and understanding, until you're able to stand on your own. I'm not saying I'm running company of the year and that I have everything buttoned. The fact that this is a part-time business means I have plenty of restrictions, but every day I'm learning how to run my company better. I have never done any like this up until I started this venture, so the learning curve has been very steep. Like my photography, my business methods are self-taught, and it's both the good and bad experiences which have guided me this far, Also like my photography, operating the business like this makes it unique to me.
I've always tried to provide a very personal photographic experience, and I will always maintain that in the future, but recent experiences have shown me that I have to protect my business too. I'm a photographer, a creative, so being a hard-nosed type isn't really my forte, but it is a necessity and one which I have to toughen up on.
Looking back over the three years things I have actually learned many things, such as:
- saying "no" can be as liberating as taking that 'different' job.
- that keeping an open mind on what assignments to accept can lead you into the most unexpected of directions. (I'm talking burlesque to boudoir here).
- everyone has an opinion about what you do, but the only judge should ultimately be yourself.
- not everybody respects the fact you are giving up time to do their shoot.
- only to shoot what I want to, not what I feel I should.
- I have a fantastic support base through my social media sites.
- I have a number of loyal customers that are coming back to me again and again, so I must be doing somethings right!
Most of all, don't get too hung up on the business. Photography is meant to be fun. Meeting and photographing new people is rewarding and always enjoyable.
With the future in mind I'm already looking forward to next year. A few enhancements here and there, a few different shoot styles I'd like to develop, for both portrait and boudoir. Always thinking and always changing, it's important not to stand still and to keep things fresh. So here's to another successful year, I just hope you'll be with me throughout….

Martin J Patterson Photography Ltd that is, not me. Three years old already? Where has the time gone? Haven't we grown? The usual kind of comments you hear when a young one has a birthday, but I suppose it's the same for the business.
You start off life needing a lot of support from others, a bit of love and understanding, until you're able to stand on your own. I'm not saying I'm running company of the year and that I have everything buttoned. The fact that this is a part-time business means I have plenty of restrictions, but every day I'm learning how to run my company better. I have never done any like this up until I started this venture, so the learning curve has been very steep. Like my photography, my business methods are self-taught, and it's both the good and bad experiences which have guided me this far, Also like my photography, operating the business like this makes it unique to me.
I've always tried to provide a very personal photographic experience, and I will always maintain that in the future, but recent experiences have shown me that I have to protect my business too. I'm a photographer, a creative, so being a hard-nosed type isn't really my forte, but it is a necessity and one which I have to toughen up on.
Looking back over the three years things I have actually learned many things, such as:
- saying "no" can be as liberating as taking that 'different' job.
- that keeping an open mind on what assignments to accept can lead you into the most unexpected of directions. (I'm talking burlesque to boudoir here).
- everyone has an opinion about what you do, but the only judge should ultimately be yourself.
- not everybody respects the fact you are giving up time to do their shoot.
- only to shoot what I want to, not what I feel I should.
- I have a fantastic support base through my social media sites.
- I have a number of loyal customers that are coming back to me again and again, so I must be doing somethings right!
Most of all, don't get too hung up on the business. Photography is meant to be fun. Meeting and photographing new people is rewarding and always enjoyable.
With the future in mind I'm already looking forward to next year. A few enhancements here and there, a few different shoot styles I'd like to develop, for both portrait and boudoir. Always thinking and always changing, it's important not to stand still and to keep things fresh. So here's to another successful year, I just hope you'll be with me throughout….

Unfortunately I am continuing to have issues with late cancellations of shoots by clients. This may be partly my own fault, being a bit too relaxed with cancellations, but the frequency this is happening means that has to change. With this in mind I have drawn up a new set of Terms and Conditions with particular changes to deposits, payments and cancellations of portrait shoots.
These new T&Cs are effective immediately for and will apply to both Portrait and Boudoir Packages.

No-one wants to pay cancellation fees, I certainly don't want to have to charge them. I would much rather be taking photos, but I am running a business and have to protect my interests. I have had numerous occasions this year where very late call-offs have left me with an entire weekend with no shoots. Not only is this not fair me or my family, or the people that often help me with childcare, it is grossly unfair to those clients waiting patiently for their shoot. With that in mind regretably I have been left no choice but to make these changes.

A full set of the Terms and Conditions can be found here, but I have highlighted the salient points below.

The following only applies to the Client cancelling. Should I have to cancel due to weather, injury or illness the Client will not be penalised.

• I will continue to take a non-returnable £25 deposit at the consultation/Booking meeting to hold the time & date.

• Seven days before shoot, the full balance for the shoot will need to be settled. If this is not paid Client effectively 'cancels' the shoot and will lose their deposit.

• If the Client cancels the shoot outside the seven day period before the agreed shoot date their deposit payment will be lost.

• If the Client cancels the shoot inside the seven day period before the agreed shoot date their full shoot fee will lost. This is due to the high probability that I will not be able to further book that date.

• Should the Client wish to change their shoot date, it must be done at least 14 days before agreed shoot date and requested in writing or by email.

• If a client cancels any appointment/shoot twice, I reserve the right not arrange anymore appointments/shoots with that client.
  

They may sound on the heavy side to some people, but please remember; if you want a photo shoot with me, you pay your deposit and fee, agree a time and date, turn up on that date at the stipulated time and have your photo shoot, then you won't paying fees for no return. I can run my business smoothly, keep my waiting list down and not feel bad about having charge someone cancellation fees.
Your understanding is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I have received a few enquiries over the past few months regarding customers having their shoots at the same time (one after the other of course!) I think this is cracking idea. Firstly it means confidence in numbers for the ladies having the shoot, and I get to do two shoots in one extended session, which of course means savings!! And it's only fair that I pass that saving on to you! I'll be running this discount on a short term to begin with just to see how it runs.
So here we go…

Shoots will be of standard length for each client (1 hour for the mini- boudoir and 2hrs for the Simple & Deluxe), but will run consecutively at the same location.

This offer is limited to two clients per session. For larger numbers please see my Festino Package.
To qualify, both consultations must made carried out on the same evening (preferably the same location) and a deposit of £25 per person to be paid at the time of the consultation.

The reduced prices below are per person.
Eterno Breve (Mini-Boudoir Package)
£85 reduced to £70 per person (saving of £15 each)

Eterno Intimo (Simple Boudoir Package)
£135 reduced to £110 per person (saving of £25 each)

Eterno Ultimo (Deluxe Boudoir Package)
£270 reduced to £245 per person (saving of £25 each)

Initially this offer will run for six weeks until 15th June 2014. This is the final date for consultation/deposit payment only, approximate shoot dates will be advised at the consultation.

To arrange your consultation, or enquire about any aspect of my Boudoir shoots, please complete the enquiry formhere Thank you!

I've started running this scheme for my Boudoir packages, and it seems to have captured a few imaginations! Just to explain briefly, I get lots and lots of clients who use me through recommendations from previous customers, which is the best form of advertising I could possibly ask for. But what do they get for it? Previously nothing, but I'm going to change that…it seems only fair to reward those kind enough for guiding people my way!
It'll work like this…
If you've had a Location Portrait shoot with me and you recommend a certain number of people then you get a reward and they get a discount against their portrait shoot;

FIVE PEOPLE RECOMMENDED
YOU get a free Location Portrait shoot worth £50-00 and THEY get 10% discount.

RECOMMEND SEVEN
YOU get an 18"x12" canvas from your shoot worth £53-00. THEY get 20% discount.

RECOMMEND TEN
YOU get an 30"x20" canvas from your shoot worth £91-00. THEY get 20% discount.

So get networking…and see what you can claim!!

The terms and conditions;
Standard terms and conditions apply, along with these specific ones

• Discounts cannot be backdated.
  
• Only one reward can be claimed per person.
  
• To be eligible for the rewards all those recommended must have booked and paid in full.
  
• The name of the person recommending my services must be stated at time of the consultation.

Ok, so I get lots and lots of clients who use us through recommendations from previous customers, which is the best form of advertising I could possibly ask for. But what do they get for it? Previously nothing, but I'm going to change that…it seems only fair to reward those kind enough for guiding people my way!
It'll work like this…
If you've had a Boudoir shoot with me and you recommend a certain number of ladies then you get a reward and they get a discount against their Intimo shoot;

FIVE LADIES RECOMMENDED
YOU get an 18"x12" canvas from your shoot worth £53-00. THEY get 10% discount.

RECOMMEND SEVEN
YOU get a free Eterno Breve Boudoir shoot worth £85-00 and THEY get 10% discount.

RECOMMEND TEN
Wow!.. YOU get a free Eterno Intimo Boudoir shoot worth £135-00 with your friends getting a 20% discount against their Intimo shoot.

So get networking…and see what you can claim!!

The terms and conditions;
Standard terms and conditions apply, along with these specific ones

• Discounts cannot be backdated.
  
• Only one reward can be claimed per person.
  
• To be eligible for the rewards all those recommended must have booked and paid in full.
  
• The name of the person recommending my services must be stated at time of the consultation.

I did this last year. I picked out twelve of my favourite images as a review of the calendar year, which although was difficult to pick just twelve, was actually fairly straight forward. Given the year I've had this year it's been a headache to choose just twelve, but I have managed too. There are numerous images that I've reluctantly left out, but my top 100 images would be a real bore for everyone to trudge through I'm sure!!
So here we go, in no particular order of course!!

Archie & Dad

I think it's quite an obvious choice this one. You may have seen an image of a sleeping newborn Archie in his woolly hat posted earlier in the year, but this image panders to my arty side, and in black & white too....which you may have noticed is a particular favourite image finish of mine.



Archie (at Four Months)

As I mentioned before, I had a wonderful newborn shot of young Archie, but I felt this one had to go in purely because of the cute factor. Beaming, cheeky smile and a cool looking hat, how could I leave that one out?



Children and Animals

What's the old adage? Never work with children and animals? Well I did, and got rewarded with this lovely family shot back in September. To be honest I was mildly concerned about having to get the attention of two children AND two dogs while shooting the family group shot, but I think this is a beaut (even if I do say so myself!)



Young Love

I loved doing this shoot of a young couple, clearly in love. I don't often get the chance to photograph a couple for an entire shoot, so I grabbed this chance with both hands. This one was the most difficult to whittle down, but I chose this because of the relaxed happiness it conveys....



Anna

Back to Burgh Castle for this shoot. A session for me to grab a few portfolio images with the lovely Anna. The weather didn't play ball, the theme was meant to be a barmy Summer evening, but you know what Blighty is like! However, I bagged some crackers, this one being one of my favourites, it's all in the yes you know!



Henry

Ok so this isn't technically from a client shoot. It's one of my youngest, but of all the shots I've got of him this year, this one is the absolute best. Whether you're a pro or not, photographing your own children can be 'challenging' at times, so I was delighted with this one



Brothers

Gorleston Beach on a beautiful warm Summer evening, AND having the pleasure to photograph these three brothers. What's not to like about this job? I love doing children's portrait shoots, they're always so entertaining and there's never a dull moment. I like this one because of the energy of the image. As you can imagine getting the boys to 'just run towards me' without it turning into a full on race is just impossible...priceless!!



Gorleston Beach

August was such a fantastic month weather wise. We finally had a summer, and I made hay while the sun shone, cramming in five shoots in a seven day period to make the most of the glorious conditions. This was one of them, a family shoot on the best of summer locations, Gorleston beach. Again, choosing just one image from this set was torture, but the delightful pose and expression of the younger members of the group here just made it for me.



Sunset Silhouette

Burgh Castle on a summer evening is delightful, but the conditions for this kind of shot doesn't always present itself. How lucky I was that day eh? The family ordered a copy of this image and it hangs, beautifully framed on their wall at home. It's certainly one I could never leave out of the annual review.



Mum and Daughter

As the summer began to fade, I had one last trip to Gorleston Beach to capture images of a mum and her daughter. I don't need to say much more, the shot more than speaks for itself.



Autumn At Fritton

If Summer shoots belong mostly to the beach so Autumn with its colours ones tend to veer towards Fritton Woods. A lot of lovely images to choose from a lot of shoots, but I settled on this one because of the expression on the little lad's face. At the time I had managed to get him laughing, and what an infectious laugh it was too....



First Time At Fritton

Not me. The little lad that was the subject of the shoot at Fritton. He thoroughly enjoyed his first trip to the woods, and that made for some fantastic images through out. I had a bit of luck with this shot, I was working a few images with direct eye contact and just momentarily he dropped his gaze to the floor, and Bingo! The black and white conversion concentrates the attention to the expression, which can get a bit lost in colour sometimes.



Gorleston Breakwater in Mono

So this is image thirteen, but it's not a portrait shot of course, but my favourite landscape shot of the year. Not that I have too many to choose from these days, sadly I don't get to shoot too many scenics with one thing or another, so when I do I really enjoy taking them. This one was always going to be black and white before I even released the shutter. Perfect tonal range with the cloud formations, the breakwater and the flat sand and all at one of my favourite places to be. Incidentally this has been my best selling landscape image of 2013....