Blogs

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.

Kind Words

Alice Frost - Thank you so much for the photos, we love them and there’s nothing we’d want to change. Also thank you for taking the time to edit them, we can’t believe how good Harlow’s new tooth looks! Alice, Paul, Carter & Harlow

Michelle Wells - Oh my word all I am going to say is that you are amazing. You have made my world just light up. Taking your inspiration, not sure what size but by your desk you had a big one of a family in a frame. We decided we want to print one of those. Then at the side of it, we are going to get ones of me and Andrew on our own together, and one of the boys together. I cannot thank you enough. Just such gratitude.

Carol Walls - Oh wow, we absolutely love all these photos, they are perfect. Thank you so much for our photo shoot, we enjoyed it and you made us feel so relaxed and comfortable. Kelly loves her pink toenails too!! We look forward to getting the usb so we can start printing off our pictures and get them on the wall so everyone can admire them.

Hannah Ellicott - They are brilliant. Thank you so much . Hannah, Chris and Nancy

Katy Ellicott - Hi Hoss. These are stunning thank you so much !

Naomi Crane - Perfect, thank you so much. I love them. Will definitely have you down for our next photo sessions!

What a treat to meet so many amazing people each year. It’s such a pleasure to share just a slice of your lives – whether you’re a family preparing to send your first born off to university, a madhouse family with two tearaway toddlers and a dog, or a multi generation family with grandparents and even great-grandparents We love getting to know you and creating unique personal images that reflect exactly who you are.

It means the world to us when we receive kind words from our customers – testimony that we must be doing something right!

It’s Christmas…

Here we are approaching Christmas again, and I love it . I’m busy making my ‘to do’ list for buying gifts, baking, tree decorating, and generally making sure I don’t forget anything - I’m already nagging Hoss to check that everything is in the attic as expected, ready to get down as soon as December arrives .

And I’ve also got a few fun things booked, like visiting Santa with my grandson, and seeing the Nutcracker ballet at the London Colosseum (that’ll really put me in the mood). As always, I’m beyond excited the closer we get to the big day.

I’m not sure why, but this time of year always makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I get a sort of wistful joy, remembering what it was like when our boys were small; every Christmas Eve gathering for a party with extended family, and Hoss’ wonderful Mum presiding over the event. And then the chaos of Christmas day racing downstairs at the crack of dawn to see that Santa had been, and left sacks of presents for the boys.

I have to admit, that while I look back with fond memories of all those Christmasses past, I relish the Christmas present (no pun intended ). They were frantic and loud and brilliant fun; and grew bigger year on year as the next generation had babies of their own. The dining table creaked with an overload of festive food, and you couldn’t see the floor for presents and wrapping paper. And then there was - the noise! Of course I was younger then, and more able cope with the mayhem…

It's different now. Not better or worse – just different. Christmas has become a quieter affair; the ‘boys’ are in their thirties (so thankfully don’t wake us at the crack of dawn!). Daniel and Niamh will host Christmas Day. We’ll get to watch four year old Sebastian experience the magic of Christmas, followed by a fabulous lunch which I haven’t had to cook.. Hoss and I will have time to sit back and enjoy every precious moment of being with our wonderful family, at such a special time of year. It will be a time of new memories being created, and old memories being revisited.

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