Blogs

We Have Exciting News!

I’ve been quietly tinkering behind the scenes over the past few months, and I’m so excited to finally share what we’ve been working on. Our website has had a little refresh — and it feels so good to see everything come together.

First, the basics. Our Home Page now has a crisper, fresher feel — clearer, simpler, and designed to tell you straight away exactly what we do and who we do it for… which is YOU 😊 Whether you’re celebrating a brand new arrival, gathering three generations together, updating a professional headshot, or including the four-legged members of the family, every page now connects more naturally to what we’re all about: meaningful, beautiful portraits that feel like you.

The menu may look familiar, but each section has been refined so it’s easier to explore and imagine yourself in the experience. From newborns to grandparents, pets to personal branding — it’s all there, just a little more thoughtfully presented.

And now for the really exciting part…

Under “Our Sessions” you’ll find a brand new section, Artistic Portraits.

This is something we’ve been working on for a while. We’re introducing the Iris Portrait experience — a completely unique and deeply personal art piece created from the intricate beauty of your own eye. The results are utterly spectacular and make an incredibly striking statement piece for your home.

Alongside that are our new Signature Portraits — designed for those who have always wanted stunning, individual portraits of themselves, but without going down the Boudoir or Dudeoir route. Elegant. Empowering. Entirely you.

If you’re feeling curious and in the mood for something a little out of the ordinary, why not take a look https://hossphotography.com/artistic-portraits/

And as always — we’d love to hear what you think.

It’s All About Remembering

I’m going to play Devil’s Advocate for a moment and say that we photographers are very good at telling the world that we “capture treasured memories”. It’s a phrase we all lean on, and if I’m being completely honest… it’s a bit of a cliché. Possibly even a little bit cheesy.

Because the truth is, you’re already capturing your own treasured memories every single day. Those in-the-moment phone snaps of holidays, birthdays, funny faces and daft little moments that make you laugh. Some will have blinks, some will be blurry, and there will almost certainly be a random stranger wandering through the background 🤨. But it doesn’t really matter, does it? Those memories are real, they’re yours, and they’re safely stored on your phone.

But photography is more than that.

It’s about remembering – and that’s a very different thing from simply capturing a fleeting moment. It’s about remembering exactly how your beautiful newborn looked in those first few weeks. Remembering what your parents looked like before you were all grown up. And sometimes, it’s about remembering every tiny detail of a much-loved face, long after they’re no longer here.

These are the moments that deserve to be photographed properly. Carefully. Thoughtfully. At a time when you’re all together. No blinks. No blurs. And definitely no strangers in the background.

This is the legacy that really matters. Not just for you, but for the generations who come after you – the ones who will one day look at these photographs and feel connected to the people in them.

If you’ve been meaning to get a proper family photograph done “one day”, then this is your little nudge. Life moves quickly, children grow, and faces change far too fast.

A professional portrait is about preserving the people you love, exactly as they are, right now.

If you’d like to chat about creating something meaningful for you and your family, we’d love to hear from you.

Christmas is Coming

Is it me? Or did Christmas come round really quickly! It only seems a few days ago that we were sweltering in 30 degrees, in one of the loveliest summers we've had in years.

Well anyway, I'm back doing what I do every year - making endless lists, baking, writing cards, decking the halls... 🎄🎄 And generally getting very excited.

I'm off to see Santa next week 🎅. NO - not on my own! I'm using my 5 year grandson as my excuse for getting involved 😅. Then of course there's the school Nativity. Apparently Sebastian is the narrator and has to inform the audience just how tired Joseph and Mary are after their long journey...

As usual I'll be wallowing in memories of bygone Christmasses while I listen to Christmas crooners on Alexa ( 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' always makes me cry).

Christmas Day is a quieter affair this year. Oliver and Bea are with the in laws, and Niamh's parents are flying to America to see their son. So we'll be in Daniel and Niamh's new home, with Sebastian, wide eyed and with TWO wobbly teeth, opening his presents and generally having a magical time.

I genuinely absolutely LOVE this time of year. It evokes so many fond memories. And as I get older, I realise that this year will soon become one of those memories. So with that in mind, I'm going to make sure that the memories we create this year, are definitely of the fond kind 😊.

Happy Christmas Everyone,

A Bit About US…

They say that behind every great man there’s an even greater woman 😊. But in our case, it’s an even greater team.

Sure, Hoss’ name above the door – ‘Hoss Photography’. He’s the man behind the camera with creativity in his soul, a larger-than-life personality, and the expertise to create magic for our clients.

Then there’s me. I take care of the business and marketing side of things. Aside from all things paperwork, I’m usually the one everyone gets to talk to first, from initial enquiry to arriving at the studio. And I absolutely love it – nothing better than having a natter about what motivates you to have a professional portrait.

And so to our ‘team’. Those unsung heroes who support us and keep our little business running smoothly.

Barry from Simply Alien not only designed our wonderful website, but is always there at the end of the phone to rescue me from my website issues, or right some awful wrong I’ve done on WordPress 😨.

Zahra is our talented newborn specialist, who brings a gentle touch and calm presence to our studio. We call her the "Baby Whisperer" 👶

Shane our brilliant retoucher expertly adds a little polish to each image – never overdone, just the best version of ourselves on a really good day.

Our wonderful photographer friends, especially those in our marketing group, never tire of sharing their knowledge, and are endlessly patient answering my inane questions – usually about Facebook Business Manager!

Holly from PPK Accountants, keeps me on the straight and narrow with HMRC.

And then there’s YOU 🧡. Where would we be without our wonderful clients; those who return to us year in year out, and those who venture through our door for the first time to experience our rather unique and wonderful studio.

Thank you all. We couldn’t do it without you.

Headshots

Why a Great Headshot Matters

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Yes, it’s a cliché – but it’s true. Whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, your agent, or even a dating profile – your headshot really does count. It’s often the first thing people see, so here are a few tips to help you get it right.

Don’t Cut Corners – A great headshot is an investment. It’s always best to go professional. If there’s a particular look or vibe you’re after – just say so! No selfies, and absolutely no filters. We can take care of any light retouching – it’s what we do.

Keep it Simple – A touch of personality is lovely, but when it comes to headshots, less is more. Bold patterns, big logos or flashy jewellery can be distracting. Think about how you want to come across. Choose something you’d wear to a first meeting – simple, flattering, and very “you”. Keep hair and makeup natural. You want to look like yourself – just on a really good day!

Use it Everywhere – Once you’ve got a great headshot, make the most of it. Add it to your website, social media, email signature – anywhere your name appears. It builds trust and consistency. And that photo from 10 years ago? It doesn’t count. You want people to recognise you when they meet you.

Mix it Up – A few extra shots are always lovely – laughing, relaxed, maybe a coffee cup or laptop in hand. Outfit changes are welcome too!

Got a Team? – Get them involved. It looks so much more professional when everyone’s photo matches the vibe – not just the boss!

And remember – no selfies, no filters. Just the best version of you.

Welcome to Our Garden Studio — Where Magic Happens

Have you ever been to a photography studio and felt a bit... out of place? It's all a bit sleek and shiny, with bright lights and a bit of a “next please” feel? Or even worse, it's tucked away in someone’s garage, leaving you disappointed with the lack of professionalism you'd been expecting.

Well, we like to think we’ve found the perfect balance. Here at Hoss we’ve created a space that’s warm, welcoming, and just the right mix of comfort and competence. And the best bit? It’s nestled right at the bottom of our beautiful garden. (Yes — I'm a bit of a garden enthusiast, so depending on the season you might see anything from roses to robins while you're here).

Our studio may not be huge or glitzy, but it's been thoughtfully designed with heart and soul — not to mention all the professional gear you’d expect from one of the UK’s top portrait photographers. It's not just about the cameras and lighting (although we’ve got those covered); it's about you. Your story. Your connection. The people you love most in the world.

From the moment you step inside, we want you to feel completely at ease — whether you're here for a family portrait, a headshot, or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. The space is cosy, calm, and just a little bit special. We take the time to get to know you (no conveyor-belt vibes here), because we believe that the best portraits come from a place of trust, warmth, and real connection.

And honestly? That’s where the magic happens.

01923 494532