AQE and lessons learnt along the way

After going through the AQE transfer process for the second time, I thought it worth sharing some of what I learnt from the whole experience.For those of you who may be unfamiliar with AQE, let me explain in brief. AQE stands for Association of Quality Education. It is used to refer to the transfer tests that P7 pupils in Northern Ireland take to gain a place in our local grammar schools, and when I refer to it here, I am also including the GL tests which many children also take. We used to have an 11+ exam which all schools used and most children sat and whilst it wasn't ideal, many would agree it was better than this system we now have. Each November, 10 and 11 year olds across the country sit 3-5 tests, then wait for 2 months for a score before applying for school places and waiting 4 months to find out their educational future. It's been a rollercoaster and I am thankful we are finally done with it!Today we finally found out which school Conor will get to attend next year, and while we are delighted that he was happy when the letter was opened, I can't help but feel something else that I can't quite put my finger on. It hovers somewhere between anxiety, anger, frustration, disappointment, hopefulness and helplessness. I know I'm not the only one feeling this way today. And I know of many others who are still in that place, hoping that things will work out when the transition takes place. Praying for new friends for their child who won't get to transfer with their friends. And generally just wondering how on earth we got to a place that puts our 10 and 11 year olds under so much unnecessary (unacceptable?) stress and strain.So what exactly did AQE teach me?Well firstly, it taught me that our children are not defined by a score. Obviously no one ever defines their kids by a score, but it's amazing the power those numbers on the results letter in January had. We had tears as we processed higher scores as well as for friends who had scored lower. For weeks our children seemed to refer to these numbers as if they were the be all and end all. But I ask  you, how can a number add meaning to this?It will come as no surprise to anyone that another valuable lesson I learnt through this second time round is the value of friendships. I could not have come through this last few months without the incredible support of my friends, whether that support came in a text, a hug or a gin! And I know that the one thing that has sustained Conor has been his friendships, particularly with those who love him just for who he is. So thank you to all of you - you are truly angels sent from the Lord.The transfer process is truly awful for any child, but I don't really have the words to describe my experience of being an anxious parent trying to guide an anxious child through the last year. Maybe if you can just imagine feeling constantly on edge, waiting for the next meltdown and trying to be prepared to remain calm and not let your own insecurities come to the forefront, you might be able to begin to understand. And I know categorically that this is how so many other friends of mine have felt too. So I've learnt that we need to be gentle with ourselves and with our kids. My mum and sister will be howling at this, as this lesson is a serious case of don't do as I do, do as I say! Anyway, it has been the little things that have reassured us during these months. A kind word, a gentle hand of encouragement and taking comfort where we can find it are treasures to store in our hearts.Of all the observations I've made recently, perhaps none has resonated more with me than the need for each of us to embrace who we are and be ok with that. I have long ago accepted my own weirdness as a good thing! I no longer care what others think about my iMusic playlists and I have embraced my love of paranormal teen fiction (along with several of my closest friends, might I add!) That I choose to wear yellow shoes that look like I'm undergoing some sort of foot treatment bothers me not a jot! And I will keep trying to encourage both of my sons to do the same. You love cricket? You go play cricket. You want to make your own Lego WWI soldiers? You go for it! You want to dance along to the beat of your own drum? Be my guest!But if there is one thing that AQE has taught me more than anything else, it is this.Family. Is. Everything.The end. Beyond the people we love and live with there is little else that matters. It is these people who push us through when we are scared, and catch us when we stumble. They share our successes and failures without judgement. They couldn't care less what numbers are on a piece of paper or really what school we go to. They only care about us. Worries, warts and war wounds.So if you've been in the same boat as us this past year and have finally closed the door on possibly the worst experience imaginable for our children, then I salute you. That's a job well done!To those of you who have just started the process, maybe you'll take some comfort from this post and remember over the next year that your child is unique and amazing and that's all that matters. Because my son is this...But he is also this......and this.The beat he is dancing to is his and his alone. And we wouldn't have it any other way. PS:: The family photo and those portraits of Conor at the end are by Gather & Tides - they are amazing at celebrating their own family and I am so glad they captured ours last summer.

The Millars

One of the best bits of photographing a couple's wedding, is that sometimes you get a call a year or two down the line to share the amazing news of a new addition to the family and the need for some new photos. I was had the best time second shooting with Aly Harte at Pamela and Andy's wedding several years ago, and as Aly has decided to focus full time on her art and wellbeing blog (and sold me most of her equipment!) it was me who got to document the new family of 3.Now we all know I'm a sucker for a baby session, but the cuteness of this and Eva's facial expressions for one so young literally tipped me over the edge. Also, is there anything more beautiful to watch than new parents who are in love with their baby? I think not. I have some space for family sessions through the summer, so if you would more information I would love you to fill in the contact form at the top of this post. I promise you won't regret it! 

the clarks :: newborn session

You know what's sweeter than a tiny newborn? A family in love with a tiny newborn. Oh, and a funky 3 year old!

a pocket full of posies

It's such a miserable night here - rain is pelting down, the wind is blowing the bins all over the place, and we've the fire lit for some comfort inside. Somehow it just doesn't feel like spring has sprung, even though the Google logos are trying to convince us otherwise! So in the name of encouraging spring along, I thought I'd share some photos I took of my friend Zoë teaching a group of fabulous women how to make a floral crown. Zoë is the owner of Zoë Conville Design House, based here in Bangor, and we're doing a little mutual Mother's Day giveaway on our Facebook pages which you might want to check out. Her floral creations are completely stunning yet she manages to make it all look so easy. I've had a go at it and I can tell you it's not!These images were taken at a party organised by another creative and talented friend, Janice of Gathered Threads, and the combination of creative women, sunshine and maybe just a little bubbly made for a wonderful evening all round. I highly recommend a nosey at the websites and Facebook pages of these two, as well as making sure you're all signed up to the giveaways. You can enter Zoë's via her Facebook page and mine by making sure you're on my newsletter list before Friday 23 March at midday. You'll find the link for that here. For now I shall leave you with these gloriously sunny photos and head back off to the fire, and maybe a wee gin!Don't forget you can sign up to my newsletter here for news, offers and general chit chat delivered right to your inbox! 

And baby makes 3

We all know that time flies, but sometimes something happens to make you realise just how fast it is actually going. This happened to me recently when I took pre-baby photos for my friend on her due date (she lives on the edge!) followed by a newborn shoot less than 2 weeks later. But it was the fact that I had also done an engagement shoot with them and had the privilege of being their wedding photographer that made me realise that not only had time whizzed by, but that life changes literally in the blink of an eye.From a carefree couple in love, through the precious vows of marriage, to the strange last days of it being just two, and finally to the exhilarating and exhausting days of being first time parents. It has been an absolute delight to watch two wonderful human beings I am proud to call my friends move through these transitions, and I can hardly wait to get my camera round to the baby chub that is now forming rapidly on these fragile little limbs!One of the things I love about this pair is their willingness and desire to be in the photos. All too often I hear clients (read 'women'!) say, "Oh don't get me in the pictures - I'm so unphotogenic/need to lose weight/hate my nose..." And I'll admit, I feel that too. But life is short, people. And your kids don't see what you see. And they will want to look back on photos so they can judge you for your hair style and fashion sense - indeed, it is their right, so who are you to deny it?!!I have some spaces available over the next few weeks for sessions out and about or at your home, so if you think you might need to get yourself in the picture, why not give me a shout? I mean, Mother's Day is just around the corner and it would make an awesome present - I even have gift cards if you would like to purchase a session as a gift and book at a time that suits.Don't forget you can also sign up for my newsletter, where there will be exclusive special offers and giveaways that you don't want to miss!

The Bolands

I am pretty lucky to have some really great people in my life, and some of them arrived in a sort of roundabout way. My friend Jo, is married to an old friend of my husband, but we've struck up a unique connection over the years. We've shared losses, laughs and had many an adventure with (and without) our boys. We've even managed to meet up wearing exactly the same top, shoes and earrings!Last year, I persuaded Jo to let me take photos of her with her boys in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, and we had such a great time. From our iconic cranes, Samson and Goliath, to the quirky industrial buildings, from historic boats to the incredible Titanic Museum, there is just so much good stuff to photograph. And when you add good friends into the mix, it's a great combination!These are just a few of the highlights of our shoot around the area.Such a seriously cool location for photos! If you're thinking of updating your own family photos over the spring, I'd love you to give me a shout by clicking on the contact form at the top of the page. Or you can find me on my Facebook page over there on that tab on the left!

my loves

I have such mixed feelings about Valentine's Day. From the anxiety of much younger days when I pretended I didn't care if I got a card or not (when really I did!), to the frustration of the pink and red hype and overpriced flowers and chocolates that have been on the shelves for weeks and will be a fraction of the price again tomorrow. Typically, we aren't big celebrators of it in our house, but I thought it seemed like the perfect opportunity to share a few photos of the people who have my heart.Last summer, we asked Gillian and Tim of Gather and Tides, to capture our family on one of our favourite spots on the north coast - it was that day we will all remember as 'Hot Tuesday', when it actually felt like summer! Besides the whole shoot feeling like we were just hanging out with some great friends, what they captured of us is beyond words. They let us see what love in our family looks like, and that is a gift without price.So I'm happy to leave the roses in the buckets in M&S, and will happily pick up some bargain chocolate treats tomorrow. For now, I'll take these!

Hallowe'en :: Documented

Whatever your views on Hallowe'en, there's just no escaping it. And if Pinterest is to be believed, it is to be photographed to within an inch of its life. Every costume, pumpkin and sparkler must be the best ever and you must take 25 shots of each! But I don't think this needs to be how you spend this weekend or half term holiday, so I've compiled my own little guide to help you get the best photos you can without using up every memory card or your entire phone memory!Let's start with the pumpkin. My Facebook memories for this week over the past 3 or 4 years include the phrase, "I love carving pumpkins, said no mum ever!" Or something similar. But they have been a prerequisite of our half term holidays for many years now, and there are 3 sitting in the kitchen right now, awaiting this year's designs. But what's the best way to photograph them? I have a couple of suggestions for you.1 :: The tools of the trade. Let's face it, no one ever carved an entire pumpkin with just one of those £2 kits from Tesco! Last year I laid out all the knives, skewers and scoops I thought we'd need and took a photo of them altogether. It's an odd photo on its own, but as part of our pumpkin traditions it will serve as a reminder of the effort required for this particular activity!2 :: For me, the lasting impression of every pumpkin carving session has been the mess! So much mucky flesh and pumpkin seeds for days! And how come the kids suddenly disappear for this part? But it's impossible to do it without the mess, so why not include it in your photos, if only to serve as a reminder to your kids in 25 years time when they're up to their eyes in the same activity with their own kids, that what goes around comes around!3 :: Of course, it's the finished product that you're ultimately aiming for, and as any good parent, you'll need the customary shot for Facebook or Instagram so you can all compare notes and then wonder at how yours still looks like a 4 year old did it. Or is that just me?! My top tip for the pumpkin shot is simple - don't wait until it's completely dark to capture it, and most importantly, turn your flash off. The contrast between the bright design and the dark makes it tricky to capture perfectly or without blur. Instead, photograph it at dusk. You will still see the glow perfectly, but all those lovingly carved (by you, obviously!) details will be much clearer. If you're an Instagram user, a filter can add extra definition and a cool twist like in the photos below.So now you've got all the required pumpkin photos in a mere 5 shots, you should have plenty of room to start thinking about Trick or Treating. I sort of hate that we've lost the tradition of Hallowe'en rhyming that we did as kids, so being the harsh parent I am, I make mine do the rhyme anyway! None of this "Trick or Treat!" nonsense at someone's door! And if you happen to come to my door, you can surely have the treat once I hear the rhyme!I digress! There's something I love about the whole traipsing around the neighbourhood business with a crowd of friends. Maybe it's a sign that community isn't dead and that we can all be generous, even to people we don't know. Or maybe it's just the excitement of watching our kids get excited as they wait for the all important treats to be thrown their way. Either way, it's worth a photo or two. But how can you get a decent shot in the dark with street lights dotted around, I hear you ask. Well, you can't really. And especially not if you have your flash popping off for every photo! My tip is basically this...4 :: Turn your flash off, follow the kids and wait for the door of the house to open. With any luck, there'll be light from inside that will highlight your kids a little. You may not get perfect shots and you may have a little blur, but you'll capture the mood much better without the harsh light of the flash.Which leads me nicely on to the costumes. I wish I had a greater variety to show you, but we've pretty much specialised in zombies from day one around here! Every year an old pair of jeans and a few school shirts bite the dust and are slashed and covered in much fake blood. I can't help it. I have boys. So there was never much hope of a Disney costume for us. And on the plus side, I could probably get a job as a make up artist for a second rate stage production of The Walking Dead if push came to shove! So costume advice.5 :: If it's a scary kind of costume, I'd suggest the good old dusk shot again, with no flash. Are you getting that no flash is key here a lot?! Really, I can't stress enough how big a difference it will make to your photos! The light at that time of night has an eerie bluish tinge that is perfect for the sort of atmosphere you want in your photos. However, without flash, you can still get a great shot of the costumes inside. Maybe think about getting your kids to stand side on to a lamp for a softer light than spot lights or downlights. And I'm sorry, but even as a zombie or covered in a shocking amount of fake blood, he's still quite the looker in my books!Sometimes though, your opportunities are limited, especially with a toddler, and your best bet is to just shoot and see what you get. Because sometimes you get a gem like this...Now many of you will be braving the 'Hallowe'en Party' at some point this weekend. And I send you all my best wishes for that!! I have been there and done it and while I nearly had a nervous breakdown, the kids had a blast. But beware the temptation to just photograph the kids and the costumes. Because what was the point of all that preparation if you don't remember to document the details? For me, the details are what marks a particular event. And as you will have spent hours on Pinterest stocking up on ideas, you should definitely capture your hard work.6:: So look for the details. What did you make for the party? Do you have decorations you and/or the kids made that you don't want to forget? A photo is much easier to keep than the actual decoration and you are much more likely to look at the photo than get the 10 year old decoration out of the memory box you put it in. It's a win win! Again, you need to shut that flash off! Some of these I took with my Canon but the bottom two I took with my iPhone 4 about 5 years ago. Go Instagram and the amazing filters! Also, thank you Pinterest for the best Hallowe'en craft ever with those lanterns!7 :: And if you want to get photos of the kids, get one big group at the start of the party - before the sugar has kicked in - and that will surely do in place of tens of photos so you can concentrate on picking up the bowl of crisps that just fell off the table before you mop up 5 half spilt cups of juice! This is one of my favourite photos of my son and his friends from early primary school, and believe me when I say I have hundreds! All it took was telling them to pull their scariest face!The final thing you may want to document is the good old sparkler. An essential in the half term break, who doesn't love a sparkler? Well, apart from parents with small children, some small children themselves and possibly your canine friend! But most of us do. I think! What advice can I offer you here? Well to be honest, I've only one tip.8 :: Turn the flash off (*snore*), point and shoot! That's it. I'm sure there are lots of technical YouTube videos you can watch with much more accurate advice, but when there is a white hot naked flame in the hand of your kids - and possibly those who aren't yours but are in your safe hands for the evening - you just want to get a shot and keep them from harm! Ideally, you would have someone ensuring the safety of the kids while you take the photos just to be sure, but you already knew that! Aside from pointing and shooting, you could try and focus on the kids' faces, which will be lit by the sparkler - you might just get a wee look of utter amazement as they wave this spark-shooting stick around in the air. And that will be much more fun to look back on in years to come than any amazing shape they managed to create in the night.So there you have it - a brief guide to documenting all things half term and Hallowe'en-ish without the stress of capturing it all. Because it's so much more important that you be there and enjoy it. Get messy with the pumpkins, wave a sparkler in the air and actually make a few of those crafts you pinned. That's what the kids will remember, and you'll want to be part of those memories. But maybe just have your camera handy, because you never know what you might just capture in the spur of the moment.Now off you go and have a wonderful weekend and half term! And if you capture anything wonderful, I'd love you to share your images with me on my Facebook page.  

Home is where the heart is

It's funny how some things just sort of creep up on you, and then there's a moment, an epiphany, and you wonder how you hadn't realised it before. I've photographed so many different things, from weddings to restaurants, in amazing gardens, parks and locations. And yet, I've discovered over the past year that the thing which makes me happiest when I have my camera in my hand, is photographing families at home. Maybe it's because at home we are most ourselves. Our true selves, with messy kitchens and fingerprints on walls, toys spilling all over the place and more noise than you ever thought you could cope with!I've had some amazing lifestyle sessions with families at home and I really think I should start sharing them with the world. So lets me start with the O'Rorke family, an amazingly warm and open family with two adorable little sons. When I went to their session I felt instantly at home, coffee was brewing and a very cute two year old was excited to tell me all about his Transformer toys - so glad I had prior knowledge from my own boys! Really, it was a dream session.I read a brilliant quote recently by another photographer, Tara Whitney. She said that her clients know how it feels to love their families, and that she could show them what it looked like. I admire her work so much, and I truly hope that the families I am lucky to photograph feel they get a little of that from their images too. If you'd like to know more about my lifestyle sessions at home I would LOVE to hear from you. You can use the contact form here or find me on Facebook, so please, give me a shout!

Festival faves

August 1 is both an exciting and daunting day on the calendar for those of us involved with Open House Festival. Exciting as we gear up for a month of non stop events, and daunting for the very same reason! 128 events in 40 different venues over 31 days, and that's not including the extra dates that have been added due to the runaway ticket sales for several of the events. That's a lot of fun going on around the town, planning and fine tuning in the office and photographs being uploaded to my laptop! In anticipation of a great month, I thought I'd choose a few of my favourite images from the festival programme just to get things going.Full details and tickets are still available on the festival website and you can pick up a programme from the office at The Fountain Centre on Queen's Parade, or in many local shops and businesses. For now, these are some of my favourite images showcasing some of the events I'm most excited about.

From Burgundy to Bangor - limited tickets available

Festival Cookery School - limited tickets available

Dear Agent - sold out

Ain't No Sin to Love Gin - sold out (and I'm so glad I booked early!)

Comber Gourmet Trail - sold out

Irish Tapas - sold out

Talking Out Your Arts - sold out

Colin Middleton: The Bangor Years - limited tickets available

Fish 'n' Sips - limited tickets available

Party on the Pitch - tickets available

Bluegrass Picnic - FREE, so you'd be a fool to miss it!

Seafood and Sea Shanties - sold out

Music in the Park - FREE every Sunday afternoon

Whiskey Galore - all events sold out

Booking links - you're welcome! But I would get on that sooner rather than later if I were you! I'm off to charge my batteries (camera, physical and mental!) and prep my camera bag. Do pop back later in the week for a few more of my faves from the first week. And you can keep up to date with all the goings on on the Open House Festival Facebook page, on Twitter and on Instagram.