Blogs

Life is a Journey

In a world full of social media and modern technology, everything seems to be NOW, NOW, NOW.

We rush from one day to the next at full speed — navigating the morning commute, getting the children to school on time, picking them up again, and ferrying them to what feels like an endless list of after-school clubs (I’m sure there weren’t nearly this many in my day!).

Life has become a constant cycle of doing, rushing, ticking off the next thing on the list. We don’t seem to know how to switch off anymore.

Maybe I’m just being sentimentally nostalgic, but before smartphones, social media, online shopping, and all the other little time thieves, I’m sure I took more time to simply appreciate life.

Calling a friend just because I fancied hearing their voice — no dreaded texting involved! Standing in the garden and noticing the first buds bravely appearing after a long winter. Taking a quiet moment to remember grandparents and parents who are no longer here, and smiling at the memories they left behind.

Life isn’t just a to-do list. It’s a journey.

It’s a collection of chapters, milestones, ordinary Tuesdays, big celebrations, and all the little moments in between. It’s stories passed down through generations — the same way family tales were told to you when you were a child.

And long after the moment has passed, what remains are the memories… held in words, in stories, and in photographs.

Photographs are more than just pictures. They are proof that we were here. That we loved, laughed, celebrated, grew, and belonged.

So don’t let life rush by in a blur of “todays.”

Pause. Notice. Celebrate. Make sure you have your story to tell — one beautiful chapter at a time.

What Should We Wear for our Photoshoot?

One of the questions we’re asked most often is “What should we wear for our photoshoot?”

We’re definitely not the fashion police, but what you wear can make a big difference to how your portraits look. Our aim is that you all feel comfortable and look like yourselves — while also making sure the overall image feels balanced and timeless.

Keep It Simple

As a general rule, block colours work best. Patterns, prints and logos can sometimes look too busy and distract from the most important part of the image — your faces and expressions. If one person really loves a pattern, that’s absolutely fine. Just ask the rest of the group to wear plain colours that pick up tones from that pattern so the overall look still feels cohesive.

Think About Your Home

It can also help to think about where your portraits will be displayed.

What colours are already in that room? Choosing tones that complement your décor means your finished portraits will look right at home on your walls. If you love a pop of colour, try picking shades that tie in with cushions, throws or other accessories in the space.

What Style of Shoot Do You Want?

The type of shoot you choose can also help guide your outfit choices.

Family Portraits
For relaxed family portraits, smart casual always works beautifully. You might choose a similar look for everyone (such as jeans and plain tops) or mix colours while staying within the same palette. Try to avoid very bright colours, which can sometimes draw attention away from faces.

Baby Portraits
With babies, less is often more. Bulky outfits that don’t fit snugly can hide their lovely little features. We have lots of beautiful props and accessories here at the studio, so simple outfits in soft neutral tones work wonderfully.

Fine Art Portraits
For Fine Art portraits, styling plays a bigger role. Classic clothing paired with vintage-style accessories can create a timeless look and a beautiful piece of artwork for your home.

Magazine-Style Portraits
If you're going for a magazine-style shoot, think glamorous! Cocktail dresses, evening wear, or something chic and elegant can work beautifully. Think editorial style — a little bit of Vanity Fair.

Don’t Forget the Details

Accessories can really elevate your images — hats, jackets, scarves, glasses or jewellery can add personality and interest. And don’t forget about shoes, especially if they’ll be visible in the portraits.

Most Importantly…

Remember, it’s your photoshoot. These images will be yours to enjoy for many years, so the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.

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.

01923 494532