Let me tell you a story, The story of how I took up photography! I loved taking pictures back in the day I’d use a film camera & wait a looooonggg hour for it to finally develop!🤣 Fast forward ➡️ & now we can all access our visuals immediately!!!! Which makes it SO much more fun & easier to take up!

Buying a camera with zero funds back in 2014 was my biggest challenge, to put it bluntly I couldn’t afford the extra money 💰 and it all seemed like a distant dream to which was completely unattainable for me.

Through the luck of a house move and clawing together some funds I managed to buy my first DSLR & after hours on YouTube learning about Aperture, Shutter speed & ISO and still non the wiser I booked a college course, just to make it a reality because honestly I didn’t want to invest £350 in a camera which I couldn’t use.

It seemed like it costed the EARTH.. the course was just shy of £400 and for me at that time it was a massive challenge to find £750 spare. But the way I see it.. I wasn’t thousands in debt from Uni and if you do anything in life, it will cost you ££££ especially your own progression.

You might think that kinda money is a snip.. let me tell you that was one of my biggest challenges just to get the tools I needed to explore what I wanted to do. photography as an art. And at one point I thought it was just fantasy 🌌

Well., Fast forward to 2021 and where I am I?? Well I..

⚡️upgraded my first camera with a “full frame” through a lease to buy scheme.
⚡️I invested in some prime lenses which gave me a better scope when shooting.
⚡️I started shooting portraits, weddings and lots of nature photography all in-between.
⚡️I conquered my fears about getting in front of the camera & did some self portrait work.
⚡️I dipped my toes into photojournalism where I documented some of our Liverpool youth climate strikes.
⚡️I did a few zoom interviews with different friends within different industry genres online.
⚡️I got my photography featured in the Gwynt y Môr, in house-marketing.
⚡️ And I also created some Art 🖼 made from Air pollution from my photo portraits!

I’ve learned more about how to speak to my online audience.. which is tough when you’re basically an introvert so putting yourself out-there is a massive growth experience in itself! 😆

I’m still looking on to my future, looking at new projects and how to move forwards while working on my skills and trying new things.

WHAT DIDN’T I DO? AND WHAT MISTAKES DID I MAKE??? (How long you got?) there are things I didn’t complete and a ⏩ long list ⏪of mistakes I’ve made.

SO WHAT AM I SAYING?? What I’m saying is this; ⬇️

1) If you have something you’re longing to do.. then DO IT! Try and figure it all out on the way. Make it into a reality.
2) That while a lot of the above is related to my photography.. a lot also isn’t. Like building self confidence or developing skills I never knew I was going to integrate into my work. It’s all a skill building experience.
3) You will learn so much more than what’s in your “niche”
3) If you don’t try.. then you never really know what’s possible for you. You get to choose! You hold the pen!

Wow Times ⏰ change! Seasons change.. Now Is an opportunity to express yourself, you see the world, what you want to contribute. Doing what I do as challenging as it’s been at times, gives me a whole new level of peace & inspiration and a big part for me is doing things on my terms.

I wish you every success in ➡️ everything ⬅️ that you choose to take up and explore in your life! Life’s better when we lift each other up & cheer for each other. Life after all is a journey.. so where’s yours taking you? Let me know in the comments so I can clap 👏 for YOU!

Happy Mondays babe! Whatever you’re up to ⬇️ hope you slay it! 😘🙌

#Portraits
📸 YL
www.yvettephotography.co.uk

#photography #northwales #nature #blackandwhitephotography #bnw #inspire

So I’ve been working out (intermittently) and eating right (ish) good food as well as doing some daily meditation for the last say.. 4/5 days & I’ve noticed I’ve lost a little weight, my legs are getting stronger and I’m feeling happier in myself.
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Right now I’m resisting the urge to jump onto the scales because I really think it’s more about how you feel. By taking positive steps to improve my body, mind & heart ❤️ it will make a big difference by overspilling into all parts of my life.
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What changes are you making to improve your mental health this mental health awareness week? I’d love to know, pop it into the comments and let me celebrate you! When we lift each other up ⬆️ we build the kind of positive energy and vibration which dispels fear and lower energies completely. Getting into that zone is healthier.. it feels better and it is full of promise and possibilities.
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It’s natural to have moments of worry, be sometimes self depreciating or sad but we have to recognise when that happens or is happening we say “not today..” push it behind you and reach up for the moon! (the Stars, Sky, Universe) the world 🌎 wants what you have to offer. The world needs your unique talents and abilities.
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You are precious & one of a kind.. Your fingerprint is original, You are priceless! There is only one You! There will only ever be one You! Look 👀 at yourself in the mirror right now.. look right into your eyes, look at your skin, your hair/whiskers (adapt 😜) your eyelashes, any scars & marks.. they all make up YOU. You are distinctly distinguished. (And Ah.. mazing!)
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Thank you for reading so far.. ⬇️ share with me something about you, I want to get to know what makes You, YOU! Much love ❤️ 🌙
📸 Yvette Louise
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Reach 🙌 🌙
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#moon #reachforthemoon #reachyourgoals #reachout #reachforthestars #reachforthesky #reachyourpotential #reachoutforhelp #reachbeyond #believeinyou #beliveinyourself #spreadkindness #youareunique #youare #youareworthy #youareunbelievable #youareamazing #youareabadass #youareawesome #moonphotography #moonphases #moonlovers #moonmagic #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalwellbeing

Happy Monday, friends! I’m coming to you live from my room (which I'm currently kindly lodging at with my beautiful parents..) Sipping a nice fresh cup of coffee ☕ & thinking of a couple of useful tips i can personally share with you on how you can best plan & prepare for an "Outdoor, Natural Light Portrait Photography Shoot Session" 📸

So let’s dive in!

📌 Tip 1) Create a mood board & PIN some of favourite pictures, looks, locations & poses. I love this method and often use Pinterest to collect the looks I personally love, get ideas and inspiration. You can really have fun with this as it gives you a real chance to get in touch with your own personal style & visual astetic: What are you drawn to? This can really help you to hone down & pinpoint the kind of mood you want to achieve in your final images. Also.. Share this board with your photographer so that they can gain a deeper understanding of your needs & desires. They can get an overview of the vision you have for your shoot & good photographer will really appreciate this deeper insight & so do their absolute best to help facilitate everything for you on the day.

📌 Tip 2) Try on your wardrobe aka your chosen outfits well ahead of time & if having a couple of changes on the day then try & work out which order is going to be best for you to run through. Working outdoors brings its own challenges so by streamlining in advance it will help you to fully prepare so that you aren't all in a fluster on the day, you can then relax and focus fully on capturing the images which you're going to love.

So there you have it! 2x Bitesize Coffee break ☕ Useful Tips on how best to prep for your shoot. Want to know more?? Then write any questions in the comments below. Yve x 🙂

Yvette Louise 💟
www.yvettephotography.co.uk

🌟 BONUS 🌟
*A while back I hooked up with Armelle Ferguson, a Sustainable Stylist & She shared with me a Valuable & Free "Photo Shoot, Style Guide" which is a great resource to have. I'll attach her link below so if you want to take a look, please do.
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https://armelleferguson.mykajabi.com/photoshoot-download

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There’s something about stargazing 🔭 that not only inspires me, it gives me hope too. I guess I wonder if there’s a special person out there gazing up at the very same same sky, thinking what I’m thinking. Feeling what I’m feeling. We love a connection right? A soul connection, soul Love. Well.. I’ve always been a romantic, so I’m just putting that out there into the universe :) seek and you shall find, ask and... You know It reminds me of the movie Armageddon where Liv says to Ben Affleck
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Baby, do you think its possible that anyone else in the world is doing this very same thing at this very same moment? An he says.. I hope so, otherwise, what the hell are we trying to save?
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Well it’s like that, but I’d end it with: I hope so, otherwise what’s the purpose to life?.. 🌠 Love ❤️ it makes the world 🌎 a sweeter place right?
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Love ya! Yve x
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Ombré cosmos 🌌 I’m looking forward to delving into deep space photography but until then here’s the basics. A night sky photo
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#nightsky #nightphotos #nightskyphotography #nightskys #lightpaintingphotography #orion #orionsbelt #inspire #hopeforthefuture #lovewinsalways #northwalesphotography #northwalessky #northwales #nightscapes #starrysky #igerswales #igerscymru #blueombre

What’s your dream? I wanted to use my passion for photography to express & show a creative side to people. I hit some curves along the way from going through some of the usual struggles that we all face in life, from dealing with feelings of inadequacy to feelings of anxiety & also navigating some feelings of depression. Over the years I’ve had many struggles. Getting mixed up in a crowd in my 20’s taught me a lot about what healthy friendships maybe should & shouldn’t be! It was painful.. but I learned.

Sudden loss comes to us all at some point as well as financial struggles and more recently healing from a painful divorce all combined to make up a recipe of battles that I’ve faced. I always turned to creativity as a vent to escape any negative or painful situations in my life. It’s a way I reach to the positive.. reach to the light! Some of my favourite things to get lost in over time were Art, jewellery making, glass painting.. crafts and later photography.

I’m here to tell You babe that Wheat grows up with the Tare. Your Best & Worst days will work together to ultimately Shape your life and your Dreams, it makes you stronger.. more resilient and I just know like the pressure it takes to create a diamond or to squeeze some oil from the olive.. let’s go further.. how about the crushing of the grapes to make some sweet wine??🥂🍷 yes, yes? common friends let’s raise a glass & take a proverbial sip with me to celebrate all that we’ve ever come through in our lives so far.

Babe.. the best and most beautiful things come from unseemingly, insurmountable places of pressure and crushing so I say to you.. never be ashamed of the struggles that you face, the bigger the pressure.. (the mountain) the greater & more valuable the outcome and reward will be.

We always learn more from our times of resistance. Like training in a gym, no pain, no gain. A smooth sea never made a good sailor babe, so let’s go on our journey of exploration.. create, live & love without fear of failure. You can. You are able. You have everything you will ever need deep down inside of you. Every step in our lives shapes us. The good the bad the ugly.. the darn right brilliant! The magnificent.. Much love today honey and every day!! Carpe diem baby 😘🙌🌌 (be fearless in chasing them Dreams)

📸 Yvette Louise
www.yvettephotography.co.uk

#bnw #blackandwhitephotography #portrait #northwalesphotography #naturallightphotography

Hit me up in the comments to say hi and let me know what you’re up to, have a wonderful Tuesday! 🙌😘💕🌈🌌

Nature's art...

You know shooting photography in lockdown could be construed as somewhat challenging! I mean where can you actually go?? we are all in lockdown!!

Anyway.. around Christmas time I took my camera out.. and friend recently I'm going to be honest with you I've taken a little short break away from my camera so me taking my camera out in itself a big step. One which after some recent night sky photography sessions I'm happy to say I'll be picking up more in 2021. (I also have some awesome portrait shoots lined up for in the new year which I can't wait to share)

Let me set the scene. It was drizzling.. it's winter time here in Wales & I have backfields right behind me where the mudd is endless. It's boggy.. it's muddy.. OK when I say muddy it's VERY VERY muddy it's winter! there's literally not much life around in terms of plants/flowers although the stark-ness can also be beautiful IMO. There are Birds about! I am not necessarily a bird photographer however recently I've been capturing more birds so this might be something I delve into but right now this isn't about the birds! this is about nature.

When you just have the vegetation around you to work with and you want to create some type of imagry that inspires you in some kinda way! So by nature photography i just mean picking up your camera and capturing something from your surrounding environment.

So anyway.. I came across this bush full of these pussywillow type of soft dangly things and you know what? they look really cute in the winter! It's all i had there and then to work with.. so I'm taking it! Luckily there was sunlight breaking through and as the rays of sun appeared aligned with the rain it made things a little more interesting. Sun shining through the shrubs branchesand soft pussy willows i thought.. I might just have something. But then again I might not! (Nothing ventured nothing gained) so as it was raining I had a decision to make.. do I shoot for the rain, slow down my exposure to highlight long rain droplets and use it as a backdrop to the pussy willows?? But I found myself playing more and more with the light itself. As the sunlight came steeping through the branches it casted lots of bokeh & shapes and flooded the camera with light and you know I really quite liked that. I overexposed to see what forms I could capture and i also underexposed to see what moodiness i could create It was just something a little bit different something i started to play with.

Then I decided that my final image may turn out to be more of an abstract piece and i liked the idea of that. And here's the thing with photography if you've read this far and you want to know my take on it that is!!! 🙂 I'm not trying to impress anybody! I'm not out here trying to be the best photographer in the world!...

However I believe that your eye is unique! My eye is unique and with that, that is priceless in itself my friend. The visual eye.. the creative eye. The energy behind the image, what someone feels when looking at your photograph is what can completely set yours apart and so when you start to discover that it's not so much about trying to please others or be technically perfect it's more about shooting for enjoyment, pleasure and the art of it really it gives you a freedom.

Here's the thing.. if you shoot for you then you can explore so much more without the constraints in your head of having this "perfect visual picture" I mean go for it if that's what pleases you! I'm not here telling you to do anything aside from releasing the shackles and constraints of what you think a "picture should be like" and explore more of what "You want to make it" without fear of imperfection.

I'm just out here exploring my own creativity, developing my own photography style so for the people that my style, or the one person (if you're my mum!) Heyy mum! I do it for them! I do it for you! 🙂

I truly feel that you can't control in anyway who loves or resonates or who is inspired by your work, so if you can't control any of those things the one thing you can control is how you feel about it.

I've learnt this over the last few years that it's not always about the rules although knowing your camera gives you the edge, it gives you the ability & the skill to compose & produce your image but once you have mastered these principles & by way are more camera confident then you have the freedom to break certain rules.

There are no rules.. necessarily only the rules which you impose on yourself and I'm not a person or photographer who likes a lot of rules! I would say I'm artistic.. I'm free.. & I'm willing to explore that. Personally I'm getting drawn into photography more as a visual art medium so i have to dig deep into what really inspires me.

For you is it shooting quality photos of your kids? Landscapes? Wildlife?..

If you've taken the time to read with me this far! I want to say.. firstly thank you! It's great to meet you! Secondly... "just experiment

experiment with your own vision & don't worry or get caught up in perfection because i often find that it is through the imperfections that i find my own kind of authentic perfection.

I am here to give you permission to explore your own perfect, imperfect style of creative vision without fear of what people will think or say around you. Your possibilities are unlimited.

I hope this helps somebody! and If it helped you in anyway or if you have anything else to add to this, by all means I'd love to know and hear from you! Drop me a comment below, email me, or link in with me on any one of my social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest whichever works best for you and if you really, really like anything contained in here then why not share it with someone!

During lockdown we have all had challenges on how to move forwards with not only our lives but some of us with our work and businesses. I want to say to you that there is something which is always with us and that is our own personal ability to share and create. So my friend, please share your unique vision.. your eye! Your Creativity with the world because frankly the world needs to see it and the world needs what only you have!

Connect with me however you choose! I'd love to hear from you and see what you're currently exploring in your own life. Let's grow & develop together!

Much love! and remember.. Your Vision is Unique! So share it with the World! Yve x 🙂

Dancing.. or flying in dark 🖤🕊
Do you ever feel like you're alone in the dark?

Well if you do, you're one of many of us in the UK suffering from loneliness. From ages 8 to 108 we all have our own inner battles and struggles. Right now more than ever people are talking about loneliness and how it feels to be in the dark.

Let's all work a little harder to shine a little light on our neighbours, colleagues, friends and family members. While covid-19 has us isolating, now more than ever it's so important to reach out and connect. ✨🌈

You're not alone.. 🕊✨

#shine #itsokaynottobeokay #inthedark #lightupthedark #onelove
📸 www.yvettephotography.co.uk

Like birds, some people are born to lead. But you know, seeing one bird flying solo while undeniably beautiful the real beauty i think lies in the flock as it twists, turns and meanders it's way through the skyline guided by a common interest.
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Unity itself is beautiful. We are all connected yet we all have the ability to independently fly solo, so when our time comes we can branch off to fulfil our own destiny's. Maybe we'll build a nest, rear some young etc.. etc.. it's all in the call of nature. One things for sure, Nature creates beautiful things in unity 🕊
📸 Yve Lou
www.yvettephotography.co.uk
#photoart #naturephotography
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#northwales #wildlife #PhotographyDaily #earthlens #lovenature #canon #northwalesphotography #lovewales #lovenature #naturephoto #GogleddCymru #Cymru #Scenery #igerswales #igerscymru #yourwales #Capture #PhotographyDaily #beautyofnature #unity #pma #mentalwellness #Connectivity #community #Photographyisart #lightupthedark

"Your only limitation is your imagination" ✨

I took this shot this of Ren when she arranged to meet me for a portrait photography shoot. We met up at Bangor pier North Wales and used the pier itself as a backdrop and also a cute little side cove as our location spots.

Ren brought along her daughter and while we worked her daughter collected some decorative pottery from the shore line. (I still have a pretty piece of decorative blue and white broken ceramic she gave to me)💙

As a single single mum studying Law at Bangor University at the time we met, Ren also had a passion for acting and modelling. Fun fact, she's also an awesome artist too! Currently Ren is expecting a baby with her partner Max 💕

If you'd like to learn more about my outdoor photography & portrait shoot services you can DM me on here, email me via yvettelouise@my.com or link in with me via here! My website.. just click the homepage :)

Happy Halloween 🎃 my friend!

#photography #art #fineart #beauty #bnw #blackandwhitephotography

Shot on the Canon 5d mark iii with a 50mm 1.4

📸 Yvette Louise
#portraiture #Womanempowerment #mood #inspiration #quote #canon

What’s my mission for my business? Simply put, I want to give people beautiful images which are uniquely stylized to them. How do I accomplish that?
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Simply put, I work with people to curate visual content which is completely bespoke to them.
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Is this something that you’d like to know more about? Simply put, contact me via my website, email, facebook, twitter, instagram.. get in touch friend. yve x
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yvelou@mail.com
​yvettelouise@my.com
😃📸🙌💫

What a Natural Light Portrait Shoot can offer you!

Working outdoors amongst some of the prettiest areas across North Wales and it's surrounding areas gives you the opportunity to capture images of an editorial standard with a naturally styled, fresh, minimal feel. Natural light photography gives you the ability to capture a different look to your portfolio as a creative artist, capture memories with your family or it can give you leverage against your competitors if you're a business looking to build up your visual content and create a personalised brand strategy as an entrepreneur.

The opportunities are limitless..

Whether you choose a beach, a local, natural heritage park, your own residential property or business place, a wildly elaborate high end villa or vinyard abroad which showcases your families wine brand or local city scape or completely unique colourful location like Wales's own Portmeirion it really depends on what you would like to achieve visually from your shoot, what adds excitement and authenticity when creating your branding content.

A natural light portrait shoot can give you the opportunity to capture images which build up your portfolio, so if you are an aspiring creative artist or somebody pursuing the Arts industry, modelling/acting then a natural light portrait shoot is a great opportunity to add some spice and diversity to your online portfolio.

But maybe you're a business owner who wants to build up and create a catalogue of engaging visual content for you to use within your online marketing strategies or to enable you to build and create up a more personal brand. A portrait shoot can combine all of these things while taking different elements to tailor the shoot exclusively for your business needs.

To make things simple, it really does depend on your own individual requirements.

You can either choose a certain "type" of shoot like a " personalised portrait shoot" which is great way to create content for your online platforms and obtain lasting memories with friends (friendship shoot) or maybe you require a "model & casting head shoot" to build up and create an in-depth portfolio.

Maybe you're an entrepreneur then you need a "business portfolio shoot" this will give you tools to showcase your company/businesses.

Speak to me and we can discuss your needs in-depth and work to completely tailor make your photo shoot creating a bespoke package which suits your business & individual needs perfectly.

Using Visual content is pretty much a necessity nowadays. The consumer spends so much time online, they can view multiple options to compare so having visual content which showcases your brand and business in a clear and professional way gives the consumer an authentic look inside of your business.

Good visuals can be the reason a consumer chooses your product or service over your competitors.

Nowadays speaking personally I really like to know who I'm buying from and knowing who's who is behind the business as well as their values really let's me choose if a product is aligned with my own values as well as something that I feel i want to invest in.

Seeing an artisan creating her product with care and love as well as the product itself showcased beautifully can really go a long way on me making the decision to purchase a product or if a service is for me. Seeing a visual story of a business as well as their personal branding and behind the scenes intimate details gives me greater insight into the brand itself, gives me a reassurance about the product and person behind the product making it more likely that i choose to invest, parting with my hard earned cash.

Using a photographer to capture candid images of you at either your workplace, home, office or studio while creating products within a stylized environment like.. your kitchen preparing freshly ground coffee (a get to know me image) or introducing your business partner/team or mascot works to add a more personalised feel to your brand while giving the consumer insight into your brand.

Using the visual astetics of photography to build up & create your personal brand gives you a great opportunity to share yourself your business and your brand at it's most authentic & absolute best! The benefits are limitless.

A business portfolio shoot will give you an in-depth catalogue of visual content you can then share across all of your social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook.

It gives you relevant content to share and showcase on your website which then gives your customers a clear and visual message of what your business looks like, the services you offer and a greater insight into your personal brand.

Hit me up if you'd like to discuss more about the services I offer. Until then, stay safe during the pandemic my friend. We will get through this! and when we do the opportunities for art, creativity and growth are limitless. Much love! Yve x

Hello you know no I'm going to be completely honest with you.. i was in the biggest funk recently, seriously I kind of hit a WALL an "artistic block"

I'd always heard about these things from so many other creatives but up until then I'd never really, really experienced it. Blame it on covid-19, my recent divorce or a number of challenges I'd recently been facing in my life but who actually knows!. I think it's important to be honest about things, you really don't need to be any kinda superwoman to be deemed "successful" what success looks like is completely different for every single one of us anyway so why do we even need to begin to measure our "yard stick to the one next to us Lord only knows.

We all know comparison is a killer.. we know this!!! but I think in some way we all subliminally compare ourselves and in fact I really think that's it's a genuine part of our development be it artistically or personally. Listen..... It's the chick with the pink hair you just saw at Lidl that inspired us to get more daring and shake up our "look" buy a box dye or book a trip to salon for a re-vamp. It's the astronomy photography you're continually catching a glimpse of and suddenly as a portrait photographer you're inspired to take a 360 U turn in creative development and pursuit. So let's label this more as inspiration over comparison! Although I do believe comparison is linked to inspiration because it is known that comparison gives us inspiration to improve. (Let's focus on the positives here, like everything there are negatives! I'm really not interested in focusing putting energy into or discussing the negative aspects here- let's feed ourselves)

So when inspiration is somewhat lacking in our lives is that what leads us to unhappiness and even depression??? And if so.. what can we do to reignite that flame of inspiration? Personally I think like many times it seems I've touched on before in my past blogs that the struggle is indeed real for each if us but let's be REAL that is totally normal.

The same struggle the caterpillar has emerging as a butterfly is essential to it's perfect development and ability to fly on healthy wings. The struggle is your friend.

A friend once said she rolls with the punches and I really love that.. another favourite my X husband used to say was it's not the weapon it's the warrior. What are some quotes you live by? Let me know :)

I'm pleased to share that I'm through that season of my life, I just needed a little kick up the butt, a spark and flame to be ignited. It is Autumn after all.. the season of shedding the old. I think like anything we ever go through in life be it a job loss, the end of a loving relationship, a death of a loved one, a divorce, a bankruptcy.. writers block. We have to remember that it's come to pass. It's a season and whatever happens one thing is certain, nothing ever stays the same, change is inevitable. We should roll with the punches and while we're at it try and find things that light us up along the way.

To the single mum, you're doing an awesome job! To the person crying themselves to sleep every night God sees your tears! To the dad wondering where the next paycheck is coming from, has bills with more going out than coming in, It's going to pass. To the person just being diagnosed with an illness they've never even heard of, you will get through this!. To the artist staring at a blank canvas.. your masterpiece is still inside of you!

We all have our silent struggles, what i wish for you my friend is that you find your flame, your inspiration ✨ and please remember a quote by one of my favorite poets and civil rights activists -Maya Angelou

"Life isn't measured by the number of breaths that we take, but by the moments that take our breath away"

I pray that you have these moments in abundance! Much love! Yve xxx

With a Welsh lockdown looking likely for next Friday I'm wondering if we're ever going to get a grip on COVID-19. We have to get through it... we really have no other choice but speaking personally I’m beginning to feel quite isolated right now and I know so many are facing job losses & closures so I really am thankful that working in social care ❤ I do still have a job.

Right now times are so uncertain for everyone. How are you feeling about everything? Are you adapting well or are you struggling & stressed out? We all need to roll with the punches, that’s a fact but it’s also nice to get a break from all of the drama of Covid.

So what has been your saving grace during lockdown? What do you do to make the most outta this somewhat complicated and confusing situation? Does keeping your social network tight help? Or do you love spend time with your family? Have you started a new hobby or Taken up some new kind of education? I’d love to know in the comments here or just send me a DM I reply to every one! :)

Stay safe! Yve x :)

Image of the welsh hills. #landscape

Direction. knowing your direction you think that this itself would be simple. It isn't.
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What I've found is that my direction is an accumulation of small events which I spontaneously created or went with and which lead me to where I am now.
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It's the photo collaboration I was bold enough to pursue.. YES! it takes an element of boldness to create from nothing. Getting over your fear.. Getting over your pride.. Getting over yourself and just getting out there and doing the work.
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Nobody is going to hand you anything. Ultimately the work you put out is what you attract so it's absolutely your responsibility to create.
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My direction has changed a few times over the last 6 years and as an artist I think it's a natural progress one which enables us to pave our own way authentically.
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Because ultimately authenticity is what sets our work apart & thus makes it completely original and unique in its own right. Don't be afraid of going your own way. Don't be afraid of what people think or how many likes you're getting. Break the mould, do something different.. the world 🌎 is waiting for your gift. Don't waste time. Carpe diem baby 🌠
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#covid19 #coronaviruspandemic #isolation
#isolationlife #mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #direction #thoughts
#thoughts #inspire #inspiredaily #inspirational #carpediem #selfcare #selfdevelopmentjourney
#selfie #selfmade #createyourlife #createandcultivate #createyourreality #selflovejourney #creative #beintentional

How all of our "new & shiny things all fade with time"

Are we are all chasing that "something shiny"? Nothing ever lasts forever. So I ask you.. what can actually get better with age?

A nice bottle of red wine?. A marriage?.. Or should the message be that all all.. shiny things fade away? Okay... but does that really make them any less shiny?

I suppose it depends on the value of something. Or the beauty in the eyes of the beholder more so. So by value I don't mean the price I mean the deeper sense of the word, when something is valued truly it is cherished.

Something that is just bought can be thrown aside and it doesn't really warrant the same kind of care or charm as something that is valued.

So what am I saying? I know that I really want my photography work to be "valued" and to be "cherished" I want my clients to have something special, to give them a bit more. Something that they look forward to opening & viewing. Something that leaves a lasting impression of love and quality.. Something that even with time, they will cherish the same. Something almost Ageless maybe.

Here's to the last months of 2020. Let them all be overflowing with value. Yve x

www.yvettephotography.co.uk

2015 blog I still stand by these words in 2020.
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https://www.yvettephotography.co.uk/blog/archives/03-2015

In this fast-moving life full of stresses and burnout.. Pandemics, social distancing and isolation I think it's easy to feel a little frustrated.

As much as you try to have a PMA 24/7 let's just get real.. nobody can sustain a cheerful disposition every second of every day. We all have highs and lows right, thank God for both as both offer an opportunity for either enjoyment! or some growth. But yeah on the flip side I'm sure there are people out there who absolutely disagree with me.. this conversation really isn't for them types of people 🙃😜 moving on.. let me just say im wide open for friendly debate but absolutely won't entertain anyone looking to vent frustrations in my direction. Take that elsewhere aint nobody got time for that.

So if you're still with me, It just got me thinking.. As I'm scrolling Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn checking my emails, texts & Whapp messages (there are literally a million ways to keep in touch) with the endless ways reaching out to people all around us what actually, truly fulfills us?

What I'm seeing a lot of recently are targeted adds. On one hand It's actually nice.. im being shown new things, undeniably interesting for me! You too if you like jewellery and hair and beauty products, it's stuff i like but it's beginning to get so irritating.

Every which way we are all being targeted and sold to. Marketing.. knowing what makes us stop scrolling is money? Understanding the psychology of sales is money. A product needs to capture our interest pretty much immediately and long enough to watch a video or read an article to hook us.

And you know well, i digress completely. What i want to actually know is how to feed people. Genuinely. How to to leave people a little more full than empty. When I post my content it's not about sales. It would be nice to know that somebody took something positive away with them. One tiny thing.

I decided to Google "what gives emotional pleasure" my search results came up with a load of articles on over "emotional eating!." I thought okkkk i need to rephrase that obviously it's not "niche" enough. So I searched "What emotionally gives people pleasure" now before we get all x-rated on this, this is a family post so let's keep things clean.. 😜


Lindsay Gibson, Psy.D. says..

"Emotional pleasure restocks your inner shelves, so you'll be ready for the future. There's nothing frivolous about it: for a small investment, it brings huge psychological and physical benefits.

And..

"Pushing ourselves without regular infusions of pleasurable pastimes sets us up for emotional exhaustion. This is what the old expression, "A change is as good as a rest," means. Our brains require interludes of enjoyment, allowing us respites from the pressure of stress and preventing burn out."



Ahhhh yes.. Preventing burnout. If I need to be completely honest right now I think I've been extremely close to burnout so I can 100% empathise here which is why I guess this topic interests me.

If I felt close to burnout then the chances are then a lot of people around me have also felt this way or are even feeling this way right now. I can't be alone here. So how can I learn more about this.. How can I even help to alleviate potential burnout for not only myself but for others too? At the end of the day I am a Photographer I'm a Healthcare worker I'm a daughter a sister an auntie and a friend.. i provide photography services.. But I'm also inspired by art and inspirational quotes, motivational enriching, nourishing kind of things but I also need my healthy relationships.

So I'm sat here just thinking to myself, life is short. Life is fleeting. We never know how much time we've actually got in this world. So what I wanna do is to in some way add some type of genuine value to people's news feeds and lives.

Which leads me to what gives people pleasure? So let's start with makes people feel good..

A sip of coffee in the morning?

A hug off your child?

A movie?

Sports?

Travel?

Art?

Relationships?

Oh come on i can't forget our furry friends, your dog/your cat.. Ok goldfish.. your pet hamster whatever choice of companion.

What about a long hike amongst some amazing landscapes?

Comedy...

Thanks bro for sending me this awesome picture just now. Want some Popcorn? 🍿

Ahhh I think my friend we just need to kick back and relax. Smile more. Laughter has to be the best medicine! Laughter has been proven to decrease stress hormones it increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies! thus improving your resistance to different kinds of diseases. It triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals so really what more is there to say here?..

If suffering burnout, social isolation, stress and frustration and that Spa day, Cinema pass, trip to a City Art gallery, Museum or your favourite Gig is put on hold during COVID-19 pandemic then there is really one powerful infection-fighting thing you can reach for right now, this second! without spending a single penny!

We all just need to laugh.. Laugh with me now! Just for the sheer joy of it!.... Yes it may appear a little crazy.. people seeing you laughing wildly to yoself.. or heck! They might even join you. But you know I'm 100 percent sure I read somewhere once that Laughter is also very catching so I'd rather be spreading Laughter around than the corona virus, you know what I mean.

So let's release some endorphins, kick back and LOPO. Laughter is the best medicine. 😜🙃🤣😘🙂🙌👍

#LMPO

What would you have done differently last year if you knew that 2020 would be the year that the world 🌎 basically shut down and ground to a halt... second lockdown coming this Thursday in my local county of Flintshire, I guess aside from being safe it's getting more and more important to re-evaluate our lives and what really matters.
(Well if you're anything like me, it is!)
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Although I really don't need much of an excuse to "evaluate things"... for me it's any excuse to dive deep into some deep thinking, I'm there right down the rabbit hole i go.. But you know it's really the little things that make the biggest difference. You can plan your life to a T, work, aim and hustle but receiving a simple message just to say "Hiya, I'm just checking in with you.. How are you? How's things?" That is the precious stuff right there. It’s Love, friendship & Community those are the game changers. And that's what makes life for me all the more sweeter.
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Thinking about it, i'm so, so glad I got to see Rome and Prague last year (when I did) Where in the world do you love? or want to visit, explore or to travel to next? We all have to dream.. plan and aim don't we! But more so we really, really need to believe that we're gonna see the back of this pandemic very soon an all make it through safely, together. Here's to our futures, may they be filled with amazing sights, full of adventures, filled with love, community.. good food and plenty of meaningful moments. 🙏🙌🙂
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"We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”
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Yve x
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#wanderlust #wanderlustrome #travel #covid19 #coronaviruspandemic #isolation #travelplan #travelhappy #aims #quotes #explore #explor #daydream #tuesday #tuesdaythoughts #currentmood #myheart #travelpicsdaily #rome #covid #travelplan #lovetotravel #vacay #freedom

Style, what is it? And how do I create it authentically..

We all have our own taste that's a fact. But equally we can all have quite similar tastes, be inspired quite easily by other artists, creatives & various individual's in life. Just look at the tiktok platform, TikTok literally gives the creator a unique opportunity to share skills & inspiration, how-to's, recipes... all sorts of things.

if you didn't know how to do "art" watch some TikToks and basically I'm 100% sure you could give something a whirl and get some pretty good results. It's a great platform to learn new skills, get inspired, or have a laugh.

Style- is defined as

1. a particular procedure by which something is done a manner, a way.

2 a distinctive appearance typically determined by the principles according to Which something is designed.

We all have a style, whether we like it or not we have a style. From the clothes we wear, the colours we love, the foods we eat, our hairstyle. Our choice of manicure or lack of it all reflects our own unique personal style.

Style is an opportunity to explore things that interest you. Just because.

At the moment I am loving Shadows, I'm pinning all sorts of images on Pinterest photos taken of various Shadows. The shadow of a palm tree on a white wall for eg.. There's just something about that, that really resonates with me and I love. I love the colour blue, what colours do you love? I also love White and clean, minimalist feels.. I really love minimal. But it's so much more than that, it's the romantic, grey, stone steps with a side sea view with a pop of Magenta from the crawling plant at the side of the building.. or it’s the large, floor to ceiling glass panels and windows in a city skyscraper. Certain aspects can really inspire, and they are the style. Whoever built those stone steps, built them to a particular visual aesthetic he or she liked. The architect who drafted the plans to the windows of the skyscraper building in the city was influenced by what inspires them.

How do you define your photographic Style? It has been a question on my mind for years. I always thought.. I need a style, what is my style? The fact is that I've always had a style whether I like it or not I had a style. My Style has been ever-evolving, what my style is now is not the same as it was the first time i snapped a portrait.

Style is something that you can control, but you can't necessarily control how people will react to it. Once you've created something, it's completely out of your hands how people feel about it. Love it or hate it, we all have our own tastes, thoughts and opinions. So essentially, it's important that as creators, photographers, artists 🎨 we create work that's authenticity for us. And hope that it touches the right hearts and minds. Our "style" will radiate at some point and it's completely out of our hands as to who our work attracts or influences.

Things that you can do/use to get inspired;

1. Create a mood board on Pinterest of images/styles You like.
2. Use Pinterest again to recreate a fashion style, are you bored of your current look or feel it's not exactly you? Use Pinterest to play with looks you love, get inspired and "create a visual aesthetic" you love.
3. Explore different forms of art, artists, photographers. See what inspires you.

Share with me your favourite styles.. I'd love to see! Chat in the comments below or DM me.
Have fun! Yx




#findyourstyle #style #doyouboo

Direction. knowing your direction you think that this itself would be simple. It isn't.

What I've found is that my direction is an accumulation of small events which I spontaneously created/arranged and then which lead me to where I am now.

It's the photo collaboration I was bold enough to pursue.. YES! it takes an element of boldness to create from nothing. Getting over your fear.. Getting over your pride.. Getting over yourself and just getting out there and doing the work.

Nobody is going to hand you anything. Ultimately the work you put out is what you attract, also as a creative you need that element of complete freedom to do your own thing which is something that when shooting for a client isn't necessarily as readily available as when you're shooting exclusively for yourself.

I mean you have freedom it's your work but when working with your client you are shooting for them, it’s for their portfolio, for their images so it's ALWAYS 95 percent for your client and 5% for you.

Another option would be to hook up with somebody to shoot as a “collaboration” this way, you really have so much more you can explore. This is a great opportunity for growth. It's the same when shooting self-portraits, it took me around 12 months of shooting myself over a few different locations to not be completely frozen in front of the camera or suffer some form of extreme anxiety. It was painful.. I’m not gonna lie!

Even now there is so much more I can and could do to explore more and push the boundaries. It's an ongoing process. Self portraiture took years to gradually get used to. I'm not even kidding you!! For someone who loves taking pictures, I often use it as a platform for self expression it was a genuine challenge for me and one that I did struggle with. But after all of the struggle.. .. I ultimately made progress. And so can you. You can never compare yourself to other people because your kind of “progress” will be different to somebody else’s kind of progress. What you struggle with they may find easy! but likewise on the flip side, what they struggle with! you might find really easy, so never compare yourself.

Direction is not always linear. Direction can be higgledy piggildy, round and about.. But it's ultimately always achieving “progress” You’re learning, growing and evolving.

My direction has changed a few times over the last 6 years and as an artist I think it's a natural progress for us, one which enables us to pave our own way authentically.


Because ultimately authenticity is what sets our work apart & makes it completely original. Yve x


#direction #originality

Seeing the world 🌎 through a new perspective. Or "filtering"
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I chose a loooong, long time ago to fill my mind with thoughts that are gonna lift me up & nourish me & find people who speak strength, INSPIRE change & radiate love.
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So at a low moment you gotta make a choice, like you choose to protect your eyes from the sun by just wearing some UV glasses the same goes with your mind. We have gotta choose to filter out any negativity from around us and also from our own self talk!
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I've always been a lover, I may not be perfect and I've done some things I regret, like I'm sure you have! But here's the thing.. my Good far outweighs my bad, like yours.. and anyone telling you different or that they've never made any mistakes or had troubles is frankly walking the fake path of holier-than-thou.
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The thing is this.. your mistakes do not define you any more than you give them life or power to do so. Your negative thoughts, or thoughts of not being "enough" "not pretty enough".. "not knowing enough" "not working out enough" and "eating too many donuts enough 😜"
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Also for the people you find trying to rub your nose in your flaws... please babe, this says Wayy, Way more about them, than it does about you! (by the way)
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Friend.. shaking off the dust and filtering the crap out of our lives is not being blind to the fact that problems do exist and are out there!.. We are just choosing our own visions and the way we look at the 🌎 It matters!
You matter!
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Choosing to surround ourselves with enriching moments and people is a way of filtering & protecting our minds from any negativity. I choose to fill my space with good energies 🙏✨
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Choosing our thoughts should be like choosing true friends. 😘
I choose Love 💌 Yve x
🌅 #positivevision
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#positivethought Photography #Photo #Pictures #NorthWales #Wales
#GogleddCymru #Cymru #Scenery #landscape
#PhotographyLovers #PhotographylsLife
#yourwales #Capture #DailyPhotography
#northwalestagram #beach #landscapephotography
#igerswales #sunset #hike #your.wales #walks
#thisiscymru #northwalescoastalpath
#walescoastalpath #promenade #ocean #wanderlust #protectyourenergy

Lodging with my family after my divorce has been a blessing during this COVID-19 pandemic.
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I really feel for the people that live alone, having done a family holiday this summer I decided to have a week on my own at the beginning of September.. imagining all kinds of peace, tranquility and opportunity for introspection, book reading, relaxing and just overall rejuvenation of spirit I actually found i had the complete opposite experience!
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I was lonely.. it was too quiet.. left alone in isolation with ones own thoughts is okay for a while, but after a few days I believe it can have the opposite effect.
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We are all naturally social creatures, humanity i mean which is why when they put the hardest and most cruel criminals into isolation it reduces them to a crying mess.
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As the Bible says, no (wo)man should be alone. As this new wave of pandemic hits us, hold tightly on to your immediate bubble. Reach out to friends online, community is everything. We are stronger, happier and more fulfilled when we're together. I'm here for you friend. Yve x #togetherstronger
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#covid19 #coronaviruspandemic #isolation #isolationlife #bubble #reachout #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #strength #strengthinnumbers #family #thoughts #mondaythoughts #mondays #smilemore #carpediem

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Can I be honest with you? Many people assume I am a photographer because I am passionate about photography... Although that is one reason! I really do what I do because it allows me to give back to what really matters.

There are a million reasons why I love to do what I do, but this (below) is what really lights me up. Was this piece of honesty “too real” or do you like to see “behind the curtain” of my business? Send me a DM and let me know!

www.yvettephotography.co.uk
#giveback #nature #humanity #nature

Saw this quote today so thought I'd share! It's so, so true. Regardless of anything that happens to you, love is all that matters.
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"Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation"
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Love people even if they hurt you.
Love people even if they hate on you,
Love yourself,
Love your life,
Love the opportunities you have,
Love your opportunity for growth,
Love the gift of waking up this morning 🌄
Love your Freedom,
Love the mistakes you make for they teach you again and again,
Love your ability to choose love over hate.
LOVE FIERCELY.
-Yvette Louise
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#quotes #quotedaily #quotestoliveby
📸 by moi 🌌 the moon and Venus on the 14th September 2020.
#shine #shineyourlight #shinelove #love #loveiseverything
#loveiscreation #createyourlife #createandcultivate #fillyourcup #overflow #photography #yourwales #GogleddCymru #igerscymru #pictureearth #northwales #wales