Emily

An old friend recommended Emily to me. She is the youngest client I have yet to have and I was very excited yet slightly apprehensive of our shoot together, as we had planned to do it on her cousin's canal boat! Turned out to be by far the most hilarious/exciting experience for location. Emily's cousin Kate, came and collected me from the station. It’s always turning up to these things as you have no idea who you are about to meet or where you’ll end up (part of why I love it too). Kate drove us to her boat and parked her car, Us two and her little dog jumped out of the car and got into a tiny little paddling boat, I held onto my camera equipment tight! I'm honestly laughing as I write this, I would have paid good money to have seen me on that tiny boat, going across the Thames, holding onto my cameras for dear life.

The weather was grey and spitting, it was a typical Autumn turning into Winter day in London. As we got off the small boat, I tensed my core strong to hold my balance (that's what's best to do right!?) and I jumped into what was the most beautiful, homely, warm, plant filled space. I don’t think I had ever really been inside someone's boat home like that before and I was so surprised. The way Emily's cousin Kate had made it was so perfect. They both made me feel so at home and looked after, it was like spending the afternoon with two old friends. Emily was young, tanned and completely wise beyond her years. She was expecting a little boy and she had a real ease about her, for someone so young, it was inspiring. 

The shoot went smooth and the rain came down hard outside. There was a wood burning fire burning strong inside. Herbal tea flowed. Who knew a canal boat could be so homely?

Emily and I have stayed in touch to this day, exchanging messages here and there and her dear little boy is now earth side and ever growing. I can’t wait to see her and take photos of her and her little angel man.