There is a lot one can say and indeed some think about the orange country. This is what I found people think and say:

1. The Dutch are stoned all the time
2. All Dutch are tall, have blond hair and blue eyes
3. At least half the population is gay
4. The Dutch are greedy
5. The Dutch wear wooden shoes
6. All Dutch speak English
7. Every Dutch shed keeps at least a dozen bicycles

Some say it’s liberal, some say clean! Strangely my friends here confirmed 4 of the 7 stereotypes above about the Dutch. Oh, no I’m not telling you which ones:)

And then there’s winter and its very own magic, bitter cold walks and thoughts warmed up successfully by hot coffee and conversations, laughter and observations. Holland brings its own magic during winter time with people’s smiles, the canals lit with an orchestra of lights, festive shopping of course (although SO much less of it here in comparison to the UK…), hot waffles, Christmas markets and cheese, naturally to be found in at least a million varieties.

I’m so grateful to my friends who made my stay as pleasant as it could be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

It’s coming to NEC yet again! I had the opportunity to visit the show twice during the past years and cannot shout how valuable experience it was. Yes, it does have plenty of exhibitors trying to sell products. Yes, it does have speeches from very knowledgable professionals - I loved the sessions lead by Glyn Dewis, a Photoshop editor and guru. And yes, it does have some of those self centred cliche youngsters who ‘made it’ and boast - one of those even took a selfie of the crowd in the background, it was really quite sad… But funny at the same time. Photography these days is passion, it’s people, it’s the gear and it’s pure energy. And that is why the Photography Show is one of my favourites in the yearly calendar. Right after Christmas of course;)

I am short of words to describe yesterday’s shoot of Amelia and her super parents, Joanna and Paul. I’ve worked with Joanna and we know each other from the days when we worked at Kettering Science Academy but the context of recording memories of her, her daughter Amelia and her partner Paul in an atmosphere of laughter, relaxed shots of Amelia playing with her parents and her parents infusing immense amounts of love into every touch really brought a new beginning to our photography. Paired with irreplaceable Glen McKenna from McKenna Images for that priceless extra pair of eyes and props management and set up, we come back blessed and happier than ever. Thank You all so much for a great experience!

It’s always refreshing when meeting talents and even more so when they become friends and carry zillion amount of positive energy through music, conversations and attitudes to life. I feel honoured to have experienced Stereosonics - the Stereophonics best tribute band! Check their website and gig info here.

They have known each other since their Uni days and decided together on their next big step. They have decided to get married at Hannah’s parents’ House in Norfolk where they will say ‘I do’ and promise their eternal love to each other at a garden wedding ceremony later on this year. Hannah and Andy, your energy and karma is contagious! Thank you so much for entrusting me in recording your love.