Behind the Camera: A Little Bit About Me
This started life as a recent social media post, but I decided to expand it a little on here. I feel it’s only fair that you should make content work harder, especially when you’ve already put time and thought into something that would otherwise be gone in a scroll.
I’m a product and brand photographer based in Dundee, working with creatives across the UK, helping tell the stories of their products and businesses.
I thought I would share some little bits of my life and what I love. Sharing the person behind the camera is important to me - I should share my story if you’re going to trust me to help share yours!
1. I used to run a product based business - online shop, markets and trade shows (we had 35 stockists!). I think it makes me better at my job as this gives me an insight into the day-to-day challenges my clients face. This photo was from one of my last markets at the Discovery.
2. I’m a big fan of second hand shopping - charity shops, carboots, vintage shops and Vinted. Luckily I’m always on the lookout for props so it gives me a good excuse for some rummaging. My prop cupboard is organised by colour, then texture and theme. I have more boxed up in the attic and bigger backdrops are kept elsewhere.
3. I run a monthly craft night for friends and family. I love hosting and the feeling of community. We have a theme each month and everyone brings snacks, it’s very wholesome. So far themes have included fruit, woodland, the night sky and spring flowers, with crafts like candlestick painting, origami stars, whipped soap making. We use lots of recycled materials or plan crafts around existing supplies.
4. I love maximalist interior design. Our house is filled with colour and it makes it a joyful place to be. The bathroom makeover was our biggest project (planning the ‘random’ tiles took ages!). It took us two weeks and we did everything ourselves (David is a master of DIY).
5. Even though I have a cute study, my favourite place to edit is at the kitchen table, with the radio on (6 Music), looking out to the garden. I’m planning to spend more time in co-working spaces this year though.
6. Our home has been featured in several magazines (thanks Alison Gibb!). It’s fascinating to hear about the ‘rules’ for editorial content - ever notice the lack of TVs in interiors shots? I loved helping style for these features though! I also use our home for some shoots when the product is a good fit if the client wants real home settings.
7. I’m terrible at documenting behind the scenes, so this is a rare pic of me at work by Lyndsey Currie on her location shoot. Even when I do film behind the scenes I talk myself out of sharing it because I get bad imposter syndrome and think someone will see me ‘doing it wrong’.
8. I’m always looking for cute coffee shops. My favourites in Dundee are EH9 Espresso, Blend at Baxter Park and Noch. I don’t really have a go-to drink because it changes depending on the time of day/my mood but it could be an oat latte, chai
9. I love baking - I’ve been vegan for almost 10 years so have spent lots of time trying to recreate old favourites. We recently bought Clarisse Flon’s patisserie course and hope to master some pastries this year.
10. Shopping independent/with designers and makers is my favourite - my clients, markets, Etsy, gift shops. Whether it’s a little treat for me, or a gift for a friend it’s important to me that items have a story. And it just feels better supporting small businesses.
11. Exploring new cities gives me so much inspiration - indie businesses, galleries, street art, vegan food places (I miss those in Dundee). This yellow beam was outside a beautiful business called Kiln - a pottery studio, coffee shop and bar in Newcastle.
12. Equally, a quiet caravan trip does wonders for the soul. We spent a year renovating our 1980s caravan and take it on wee trips around Scotland, preferably somewhere near water where we can pop our hammock up. It was also featured in a magazine (thanks Alison)
13. I read all the time, last year I read 74 books, but I’m already behind on this year’s goal so may admit defeat and reduce it. I find the pressure helps me reduce my screen time though!
14. I can’t write this and not include Daisy who I miss every day. My grumpy little snuggle pup of 14 years who we said goodbye to in September. She was a huge part of my life (I got her when I was 19!) and was involved in everything from caravan trips and coffee shops, to pub quizzes and modelling.
15. I wrote this post to help launch my new website. I’m trying to get back into creating meaningful content and stop worrying about the algorithm - easier said than done!