A Simply Scandi Moment!

Happy Simply Scandi Sunday! ✨

If you have followed me for a while now then you will know that I am a huge fan of Simply Scandi magazine and really look forward to each new edition coming out throughout the year (best way to spend that first Sunday morning of the new season!)

A big dream of mine as a photographer has been to get my work into publications, something that I was very fortunate to have happen last year with some of my product photography work. It was seeing these publications that pushed me to make 2025 the year that my photography print work have its moment too, photography prints that have made their way to new homes around the world.

Two Lavender Line Photography best sellers : Whitepark Waves meets To The Pier

I can’t tell you just how special it is that for my first photography print publication it be with Simply Scandi magazine and having not one, but two features in there! Seeing the magazine for the first time while going through the airport to visit two of my biggest cheerleaders was an unforgettable moment and one that this small business owner will not forget! 🫶🏻

To The Pier - Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

Whitepark Waves - Whitepark Bay, Northern Ireland

I couldn’t resist this being my first blog post of 2025 and marking this big moment with a mini photoshoot, it’s not every day that you find your work in your favourite magazine! So, here is to stepping out from those comfort zones, taking a chance and following those dreams!

Simply Scandi Spring edition is out now, get your copy today!

Lavender Line Photography original photography prints ready and waiting for their new homes with you!

Lavender Line Photography Meets May!

‘This is a growing season….so bloom wild and untamed’ - Butterflies Rising

Goodbye May, Hello June!

Summer season is finally here and although it feels more like Winter has returned with the wind, rain, hail and cold spell that has decided to hit, I am excited for a Summer season of adventures and some new opportunities along the way!

May has been a month to remember with my first ever Aurora Borealis surprise sighting, a visit to the Ulster Museum to see two of Caravaggio’s paintings back together again to celebrate the National Gallery’s 100th year.  A day trip to Edinburgh, a city that I had not properly explored before but enjoyed every action-packed minute off it, and a lovely 36 hour trip to London to celebrate ABBA Voyage’s second anniversary with Benny and Bjorn, keeping to that premiere weekend / first year anniversary / waterloo 50 and now the second anniversary tradition!

Although the photography print side of the business has been a little slow on the build up to Summer (Etsy seems to be another platform suffering with the algorithm these days) things have still been busy at Lavender Line Photography.  I find that when one side of the business is a little slow it means I can focus on the admin side of things that I have been putting off as well as photographing bits and pieces of my own work which at times I am guilty of putting on the back burner… hello to that never ending to-do list! May also brought two exciting small business shoots, one a celebration with my lovely small business friend, and another working with a new small business that I will post about next as it is important to me to support the small business that I work with.

So, here is to June and what this new month will bring to Lavender Line Photography! What’s on your June / Summer 2024 cards?

Northern Lights Keepsakes

‘A night sky filled with magic and wonder’

Just like the northern lights, a very limited series with just 8 unique prints ( 2 of which have sold already ) will be available for purchase this Friday! The perfect keepsake for a night to remember, when Northern Ireland met Northern Lights!

Coming to Lavender Line Photography Friday 24th May!

Miss Golightly, Lavender Line Photography’s in-house printer!

Northern Ireland Meets Northern Lights fresh off the printing press!

A special card marking the date and coordinates will be included with each photography print.

8 one-of-a-kind limited edition photography prints at the ready to mark your 10th May Northern Lights moment!

Copenhagen Callin'

‘The two most powerful warriors are patience and time’ - Leo Tolstoy

There is nothing quite like the craze of Christmas and the comedown of a very busy Winter season to put your October trip editing on the back burner, but as of these last few days in April, I am excited to finally announce that my ‘Love From Copenhagen’ photography print series is now live on Etsy with 10 beautiful city prints available for purchase!

Copenhagen Contrail - A calming morning capture at Nyhavn complete with harbour reflection

If like me you are obsessed with all things simply Scandi, then this is an original photography print series perfect for you!  From the beautiful vibrant colours of Nyhavn to the calming interiors of The Round Tower and moody city views; there is a little something for everyone to help mark their special time in Copenhagen!

Copenhagen Calling - A photography print set perfect for those Copenhagen dreamers with Nyhavn meets The Round Tower

And if you find it hard to pick an overall favourite landmark or favourite photography print from the series (Copenhagen Sundown for me) then ‘Hello Copenhagen’ might just be the photography print for you with 9 special Copenhagen landmarks all in 1! The perfect wanderlust keepsake to add to your gallery wall or to add to your special travel photo albums with sizes starting at 5x5”.

Hello Copenhagen - An exciting addition to the Travelling Squares series with 9 Copenhagen captures all in one!

A colourful city that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime, or at least twice as I missed out on two important locations due to flight cancellations…. but that’s a story for another post!

Copenhagen wanderlust wall art this way!

Love From The Emerald Isle

‘Whether it’s St Patrick’s Day or not, everyone has a little luck o’ the Irish in them’ - Laura Sommers

Hello March and hello St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend!  In honour of the Emerald Isle I decided to put together a small collection of some favourite coastal locations showcasing what this beautiful island of ours has to offer!

I won’t lie, it wasn’t an easy selection choice as there are so many dreamy locations that I have been lucky enough to photograph over the years, but I’m sure you will agree that the Emerald Isle has a coastline you don’t want to miss out on… especially when it comes to chasing sunsets!

From Ballycastle to Whitpark Bay, Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway, Murlough Bay to Murlough Beach and let’s not forget the stunning coastline of Ireland’s most northernly point: Malin Head, just to name a few!

So, which location would be your first choice to tick off that bucket list?

P.S. Don’t forget that you can add a touch of your favourite Emerald Isle moments to your home decor by browsing my Love Northern Ireland and Love From Ireland Etsy shop sections, or getting in touch to request a customised photography print just for you!

That Emerald Isle Magic!

Happy St Patrick’s Day Weekend! ☘️

It’s that time of year when all focus is back on the beautiful Emerald Isle and the stunning sites and locations it has to offer!

I may be a little biased, but it makes me so happy and proud to hear just how many people have fallen in love with our wee country, the special memories made with loved ones and how they can’t wait to come back and explore more of the island, recreating the magic!

It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job, to see my photography prints make their way to new homes around the world and knowing that they are that special keepsake gift to mark an unforgettable trip. It’s a feeling that will never grow old!

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge : have you crossed it yet?

Reflection : Dublin’s famous Ha’Penny Bridge

The North Coast : it doesn’t get much better than a north coast sunset!

To Moher : the famous Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

From Belfast to Dublin, the Giant’s Causeway to the Cliffs of Moher, Five Finger Strand to Whitepark Bay and the Cavehill to the Mourne Mountains…just to name a few! There is a little something for everyone to celebrate their love for the Emerald Isle!

So, why not treat yourself or a loved one to a favourite Lavender Line Photography print this St Patrick’s Day Weekend with some Northern Ireland and Ireland best sellers!

Dream. Believe. Achieve

‘Because you believed, it happened’

Kicking off 2023 with another business goal of mine ticked off the list : 500 Etsy sales! I think it’s important as a small business owner to celebrate all wins no matter how big or how small they may seem! Although it took a little longer than ticking it off my 2021-2022 list, it makes me so happy to know that even in these difficult financial times we find ourselves in with a cost of living crisis, people are still connecting with my photography. It really is true what they say, whenever you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance!

So, here is to chasing dreams and ticking off that next business goal!

‘Success is a series of small wins’

Dream. Believe. Achieve

Lavender Line Photography Just Turned 7!

‘Be more than you ever thought you could be’ - E Russell

Goodbye July, Hello August and what marks Year 7 of Lavender Line Photography! I still at times find it hard to believe that I run my own small business, let alone hitting up that lucky number 7 milestone!  I would like to say that it’s all been smooth-sailing and just as glamorous as what Instagram can make it seem like being your own boss, but each and every year has come with its own set of challenges and new learning curves in a world that is ever-changing… and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I can honestly say that there is nothing else that I would rather be doing!  There is no better feeling than getting to do what you love every day and knowing that your work brings joy to others; whether it be an image posted and shared online, a photography print displayed in a home of a special time and location or capturing a special moment or occasion.  That feeling of knowing just how powerful a certain capture of mine can be will never get old, it is something that I appreciate so much and will continue to appreciate every single day.

So, how did it all begin? Below are some little facts as to how my journey into small business owner started!

• Ever since I can remember I have always had a love for the arts, whether it be painting, drawing or making. Though my main background was predominately Textile Crafts (creating unusual catwalk-like jewellery pieces), photography was always an important element within my work during my school, foundation and degree years.

• After University I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take my career and felt somewhat creatively burnt out after back to back years of study and projects. I found that photography was a good escape from the burn out and so I started to photograph little aspects from everyday life.

• Interview after interview, rejection after rejection, I found it almost impossible to find a creative job and fell into that catch 22 that so many of us find ourselves in when stepping out into the real world…. not enough experience!

• I started focusing more and more on photography and documenting my trips away, creating mini series after mini series of work. I enjoyed looking at places from a new perspective and challenging myself on how to capture the beautiful scenes in front of me. Could this be my new career path?!

• I decided to sign up to some business classes and business workshops at North City Business Centre to see if the small business world could be for me. It was here that I was assigned a business advisor who helped me put together a business plan and gave me a piece of advice that has always stayed with me; ‘always think two years ahead!’

• With a business plan, a business name decided on (my favourite colour and part of my second name) and just £200 in my bank account I decided to step into the unknown and Lavender Line Photography was born!

Lavender Line Photography HQ - My dream studio and one of my proudest achievements in being a small business owner (Year 5)

It has been an incredible 7 years of business so far and one that I don’t think I could ever really have imagined even in my wildest photography dreams!  From capturing important moments to selling my work internationally, having my dream studio space at Portview Trade Centre to making new friendships with other small business owners both near and far who continue to inspire me daily. I count myself very lucky and very fortunate to call this my job!

Here is to 7 unforgettable years and to another exciting work year ahead with all things Lavender Line Photography! Thank you for your continuous support and following along on this journey!

Love From Stockholm

It seemed only right that after an unforgettable trip to the beautiful city of Stockholm that I create an exciting new photography series based on some of my favourite Stockholm scenes! From Gamla Stan to Sodermalm, first morning light to colourful night and many cobbled streets and lakes along the way… there is a little something for everyone!

Introducing the newest city print to the Travelling Squares Series; Hello Stockholm!

Love From Stockholm : Sodermalm Moments

Love From Stockholm : Stockholm Nights

Do you have a favourite print or would you like to see a certain scene added to Love From Stockholm series? These are just some of the prints available to purchase for your home decor or to gift that someone special with a real love for this beautiful city! Be sure to check Love From Stockholm on Etsy to see more!

Love From Stockholm : Stockholm Pinks

Escape The Ordinary

Hello November!  

Two weeks ago saw the return of my first official post-covid craft fair in the exciting new Banana Block Belfast with East Block Bazaar!  It felt so good to be out there again and interacting with people, something that I have really missed during this pandemic.  I have always really enjoyed talking to people about my work and the memories that it brings forward for them of a certain time / location.  I have also found that craft fairs are a great way to plan ahead for future print series and learning exactly what it is that people want to see in print.

The support for Banana Block and our first craft fair was incredible, it felt like life was somewhat normal again with the hustle and bustle.  The sun was shining, the music (curtsey of @SoundAdviceBelfast) playing and the excitement everyone had made it a craft fair to remember!  A huge thank you to everyone who decided to spend their Saturday with us at East Block Bazaar and to those who made Lavender Line Photography purchases,  each and every sale really does mean so much and is so appreciated.  

If you have made a Lavender Line purchase then please feel free to share it in its new home with hashtag #LavenderLineHomeDecor, I would love to see!