Memorable moments: My favourite shots from 2023
January is definitely the month to coorie in with a mug of hot chocolate and look back at all the magical moments of the previous year. But I don’t want to title this ‘Best of 2023’. You’d all look through the galleries and make different selections, however I do want to share some of the images that really make me smile when I look back at them.
Hard to believe I shot 21 weddings last year, and every one was special in its own unique way. I really am doing my dream job.
Just look at those wee girls in their blue dresses running across a summer meadow filled with wildflowers, and bubbles. Remember how hot it was some days last year? This was one of the hottest days of the year, and with most of the wedding being outdoors in this gorgeous setting I had a mild panic the day before about what to wear. I managed to grab a linen dress and a pair of comfy sandals in Oban, and then remembered why I don’t usually wear dresses when I’m working. I had to be careful when bending down. (It’s a bit like photographing men in kilts – there’s been a few nearly X-rated shots there!) Take note grooms to be. I did survive the heat on that day and many others I’m glad to say.
We also had a fair amount of rain last year, when it wasn’t scorching hot, and my wedding umbrellas made quite a lot of appearances. So much so that by the end of the year I decided I needed to invest in a weatherproof camera body. Everybody worries about hair and makeup getting ruined by the rain, but most people don't think about an expensive bit of kit getting ruined, apart from me that is. Everything did survive I’m glad to say, helped by my trusty raincoat.
I’ve chosen favourite shots that take me back to lots of magical moments from last year. Many of them are from my outtakes folders which are usually where my best loved shots are.
If you book me as your wedding photographer I’ll always include a folder of outtakes.
Sitting with a blanket over my knees while working at the computer, and waiting for storm Isha to arrive, today seems like a good day to share these happy memories.
I’ve been working hard since the start of the year, producing, and launching my new website, designing new business cards and promotional cards, and trying to get to grips with Canva and Instagram, although I’m still not getting those algorithms. Maybe I need a teenager to help me! It feels good being productive and not allowing myself to hibernate until the weather starts to improve and bookings kick in.
Those Calmac ferry alerts are coming in thick and fast today and I’m glad I don’t have any travelling to do this week. It does add an extra element of excitement to doing island weddings though!! There were quite a few days last year when I thought I might have to charter a fast boat! It’s all part of the fun.
For the rest of today I’ll be mostly working on my website, hopefully getting an online shop for prints added, and I might be brave and press the button to send off my entries for this year’s https://www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com/. Scary! But you’ve got to be in it to win it, as they say, and I do love that they have a wedding category.
Keep checking back for new blog posts where I’ll announce my latest offers and updates, as well as sharing lots of photos. Maybe not always from weddings – I do live in glorious Argyll after all.
And please, drop me a message if you’d like to enquire about photos for 2024 and 2025. I’m not fully booked yet and I’d love to hear from you.
Stay safe, and let’s hope the Met Office have got it wrong this time.
Mairi x