At this time of year, it's natural to start reflecting on the year gone by. And what a year 2020 was, eh!
This time last year I was getting all packed up for two months of travelling around India. On my travels, I remember seeing people in masks at airports and shrugging them off as unnecessary. Little did I know how lucky I was to return to the UK before the dreaded virus hit. I feel very fortunate I was able to take that trip, although it now feels like a very distance memory - one I must look back on one day soon.
2020 was a year of cancelled and rearranged plans, staying in, no work and too much work. A most traumatic time for small businesses and the self-employed, with the government regulations bringing much of the wedding and events industry to its knees.
The virus has affected us all in different ways and my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and been physically and mentally ill. Personally, I feel lucky to have been able to see my family in between lockdowns and over Christmas, but it certainly wasn't an easy year. A house move during lockdown, weddings cancelled with payments refunded and three temporary jobs to help keep me afloat. Despite the struggles, I've found over the years I have developed an ability to adapt and survive. My resilience has got me this far and I've been comforted by meeting others in a similar position. I generally felt useful working and volunteering during a pandemic and have made new friends.
Focusing on my business positives, 2020 was the year I was able to lean on my family and baby photography. I've been photographing families and babies alongside weddings for years now. It's something I love but have always left in the background. This year I was able bring it into the foreground of my work with a few wonderful sessions in between lockdowns.
Somehow against all odds some people still had their 2020 wedding and I was delighted to photograph three. These were intimate, small events that were extra special to be apart of and I also feel privileged to have documented a period of time in our history that we certainly shall not forget.
With Monday’s inevitable lockdown announcement, I must admit I have struggled to find the motivation and positivity to finish writing this blog. Yet, looking through some of my favourite 2020 images, I'm reminded that despite the madness there were a lot of joyful moments and hopefully 2021 will bring many more.
I'm not sure what’s going to happen in the next few months but I'll be trying hard to put energy back into my business. I have hope. I'm looking forward to better, safer times, being reunited with friends, dancing, gigs, festivals, and photographing more weddings again of course!!
I usually try to escape to some sunshine in January but obviously not this year. Instead, I’ll be doing my tax return, looking for work and hanging in there and holding fast, and I hope you are too.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my one-woman band in the past and future.
Stay safe and here's to a better year!xx