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?

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!

That Lavender Line Lifestyling!

I am excited to announce that Lavender Line Product & Lifestyle photography shoots are launching Monday 26th February! This is an exciting new addition to Lavender Line Photography, bringing small business product storytelling to life through the art of beautiful photography.

Lavender Line Lifestyle this way!

Book your Lavender Line Lifestyle shoot today!

Say Yes To New Adventures!

‘There’s magic in these moments’

Each year I try and bring a new aspect to my business, something that not only excites me, but that takes me out of my comfort zone to further my business goals.  2022 was the year I brought my work into another creative outlet, 2023 was taking part in my first ever Pop Up shop and this year it will be bringing forward a new photography package to Lavender Line Photography.

The Portview Pop Up - a small business shopping experience to remember!

Photography for our beautiful Portview Pop Up, showcasing that dreamy winter light

The magic of six small businesses coming together in one space

I am excited to announce that this year I will be offering Product Photography shoots, helping other small business owners showcase their beautiful work and products with images that fit perfectly with their brand.  I have always enjoyed taking photographs of everyday objects in interesting room set-ups, incorporating objects into certain dreamy landscapes / beachscapes and putting together beautiful flat-lays that not only catch the eye but help promote an element of my work while keeping to my own branding. It seems only right that 2024 be the year I bring Product Photography into the Lavender Line mix!

Photographing a beautiful autumn bouquet range by the very talented Innocent Chaos, a perfect lifetime addition to your home decor!

Like all small business owners I too worry about outgoing costs when it comes to promotional material, but that quote ‘you have to spend money in order to make money’ is so true when it comes to the promotion of your business and products.  Without those clear professional shots you are not giving your business or your products their full selling potential! 

My aim with Lavender Line Product Photography is to tell your future clients your business story, to bring them along on your small business journey and to create images that are saved to those pinterest boards for every day inspirations time and time again, and all at an affordable cost.

Good Vibes Only inspired by Vex King’s fabulous book

Find Me Where The Waves Are - my main motto!

Photographing some of my favourite Lavender Line Photography phone wallpapers with a chosen theme that fits around the image and quote. Be sure to check out the Digital Download range to find the wallpaper perfect for you!

So if you are a small business owner and feel like our visions would be a perfect fit then please get in touch!  Let’s capture those small business moments together and bring your business to the top!

When Six Small Business Dreams Become One Reality!

‘I wake up with a new idea and new dreams every day, and I follow that dream, as they say’ - Dolly Parton

Well I think it is safe to say that when it comes to blogging I have every good intention in keeping on top of it, but then finding the actual time to do it becomes almost impossible as a small business owner! This is something that I am going to schedule time for in 2024 so that I can sit down at the computer and keep you updated on all things Lavender Line Photography, but until then here is a quick roundup of all things LLP in Autumn 2023…

A lovely first time trip to Rathlin Island, a fabulous 4 days (should have been 5 but that is a whole other post) in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, a new print series coming very soon, and a beautiful Pop Up Shop that myself and 5 other small business friends have created together to make for an unforgettable shopping experience this holiday season!

I will talk more about Rathlin and Copenhagen in separate blog posts, along with the new series of work, but this post is dedicated to our beautiful The Portview Pop Up!

The Portview Pop Up, a must-visit this holiday season!

When six small business dreams become one reality!

I think I can speak for most small business owners right now in saying that this year has been one of the toughest years when it comes to business and selling work.  Shopping habits and spendings have changed (my own included) and for the first time it has left me a little unsure of what the future may hold.  I am very much a ‘day by day’ kind of gal and so thinking ahead can make me feel a little uncomfortable and uneasy, but I do know that things need to change come the new year, and with that means adapting the business once again to suit current climates and situations.

It was these sorts of small business chats with my lovely Portview Crew that lead to the discussions of possibly teaming up together this Christmas to create something magical, and so during a very casual Monday morning business breakfast catch-up our Portview Pop Up was born!

The Portview Pop Up is a collaborative venture between myself and five other small business friends located in Portview Trade Centre, our mission: to offer an unforgettable shopping experience while helping to promote the importance of small business and supporting local.

From Photography to Faux Flowers, Vegan Hair Care to Watercolour Prints and Jewellery to Storytelling Gifts With Purpose…. there is a little something for everyone this Christmas!  So, if you are in the Belfast area this November and December then be sure to pop into The Portview Pop Up, we are open every Thursday - Sunday! Not only have we come together as 6 very different businesses, we have also given the opportunity to 8 other small business owners to showcase their talents with our Small Business Saturdays and Sundays, meaning The Portview Pop Up is the perfect place to browse and shop with its ever-changing format!

Be sure to pop in and say hi this holiday season, and if you can’t unfortunately make it then be sure to check out the links to each fab business below :

Innocent Chaos

Jude Fenton Art

Lavender Line Photography

Monday’s Child

Storybox

Studio A114

More photographs and videos from our lovely Pop Up to follow very soon!

A little more information from our press release :

The historic Portview Trade Centre, once a pioneering spinning mill from the early 1900s and celebrated for its progressive employment of women and blend of traditional craftsmanship with innovative technologies.

Rachel McIlgorm, founder of Storybox NI CIC said, “The collaboration aims to demonstrate the resilience and creativity of the local business community while providing a tailored shopping experience for all.  By supporting local enterprises, visitors and customers can not only find one-of-a-kind treasures but also play a vital role in bolstering their neighbourhood’s economic well-being.

Lynette Murray of Studio A114 said, “When 6 business women put their heads together they create brilliance.  A Christmas Pop Up has been put together so beautifully to showcase how you can shop small and support local businesses this Christmas.”

Goodbye July, Hello August!

‘Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August’ - Denise Laverton

Hello August, hello to another month of Summer and hello to chapter 8 of 12! I’m not quite sure how we have gotten to this point so quickly, but here we are! I’m embarrassed to say that my July to-do blog list hasn’t quite gone to plan, but maybe it’s something that is better suited to August and the phasing out of Summer instead!

Image and words by @words_by_wilde_road

Calendar 2023 - Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim

July, well what can I say about July other than it has now officially broken all records for being the wettest month in Northern Ireland since 1836! I’m not someone who usually minds bad weather, but the constant July rain has meant that I wasn’t able to get out with my camera as much as I had planned to which has been really disappointing! So, here is to the power of positive thinking and August having some perfect shooting weather to create some new coastal prints just in time for that seasonal change!

And just incase August does not want to play ball and it is another month of record breaking grey skies and rain, then August’s wallpaper will be the perfect dose of daily colour with that much needed sunset vitamin sea for your phone lock screen (now available for purchase on Etsy).

Hello August : bringing a touch of that Lavender vitamin sea to the new month ahead! Now available of purchase on Etsy

A Black & White version to match incase Lavender isn’t your thing! #TwoForThePriceOfOne

The month ahead at just the simple tap of your phone screen!

Here is to those August adventures, to the return of sunshine and making this month one to remember! Let me know if you have any exciting August plans in the comments.

Goodbye June, Hello July!

‘Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August’ - Jenny Han

It’s hard to believe that we are now into what could be known as one of the best months of the year…my birthday month! I know I say it each new month, but where exactly has the time gone?! To think that we are now more than half way through 2023 is crazy to me, but what a fab few months of adventure it has been!

I do want to give each 2023 adventure a blog post of its own (it’s on my July to-to list), but here are four sneak peek words of what’s to come : London, Stockholm, ABBA Anniversary! Until then, here is to July and the new month ahead, to another year around the sun and to chasing adventures whatever they may be!

Image and words from : @girlandhermagic

Incase you missed it, July’s wallpaper is now available for purchase with what I hope will be your Summer motto : Everything, in time. A perfect touch of sunset vitamin sea meets the new month ahead at the simple tap of your phone screen, and if the quote is not for you then don’t worry, you can have it with or without text with both phone wallpapers included! #TwoForThePriceOfOne

Hello July Wallpaper: Why not add a touch of that sunset vitamin sea meets the month ahead to your July phone lock screen!

A July wallpaper perfect for that Summer motto : everything, in time!

Now to make a start into that July to-do list!

‘And she continued’ - a successful woman

P O R T V I E W O P E N D A Y

In honour of International Women's Day this coming week, the lovely Rachel from Storybox will be officially opening her beautiful new studio on Saturday 11th march 10am - 2pm! To celebrate this exciting new Storybox chapter and women in business, Innocent Chaos, Lynette Murray Hair and myself will be opening up our studio doors too!

If you are in the Belfast area, or fancy a trip to the city then why not come along and see where that small business magic happens at the stunning Portview Trade Centre!

‘And she continued’ - a successful woman

Image by @storybox

Puttin' On The Glitz

‘What did you do all day? Dream’ - Seeker

Goodbye February, Hello March! So, after two weeks of unexpected downtime thanks to catching that little known virus that has been doing the rounds since March 2020, I am finally getting myself back on track and in the planning stages of a new photography series. Although it has been around ten days since testing negative, I have found that I am still struggling at times with my energy levels, bouts of tiredness and concentration. I guess it’s true what they say about that brain fog!

As it had left me feeling quite low and uninspired I decided to enroll in the lovely Jenny’s @Nordic_Stories online community where she shares a behind the scenes look at how she creates her beautiful images. I have been following Jenny for awhile now and always find her work so refreshing.  I don’t know what it is about that Nordic style, but I find myself being more and more drawn to it, a moment of calm in an ever-changing, fast paced world.

Be sure to follow Jenny’s beautiful storytelling : @nordic_stories

I think it’s important as a creative to look for new sources of inspiration, to being open to learning new skills and to approach projects with a new way of thinking. It’s then that you find the ideas and creativeness begin to flow again freely… which leads me to my new project!

New Project Vision Board : Inspired by @HorizonFound’s teachings at The Photographers Path, Created on Canva, Images sourced from Pinterest

I want to create a photography series that combines my love of vintage with my love of beaches (my take on calm versus fast-pace). I can picture it in my head, the shots that I want to capture but I’m not completely sure how it will turn out. That’s what makes photography so exciting, not knowing if and how certain elements will come together, but finding a way to make it work to get that all important shot!

From Pinterest to Pinboard

Some Lavender Line Photography Ocean favourites!

So stick around and let’s see how it all comes together!

Calendar 2023

Goodbye October, Hello November!

It’s that exciting time of year when I reveal the next calendar to hit Lavender Line Photography! Calendar 2023 marks what I think is now my 5th photography calendar and made up of 12 Lavender Line Northern Ireland favourites. From Ballycastle to Ballintoy, Portstewart to Downhill… there is a little something for everyone with a love of the Emerald Isle! Not only a Calendar, but come the end of 2023 you will have 12 5x5” mini scenes to display proudly in your home decor. A perfect way to add a touch of Northern Ireland!

Why not add a touch of Northern Ireland to your 2023!

From Pans Rock to Portstewart

No January blues with Calendar 2023

Calendar 2023 is now available for purchase here or if you are in the Belfast area then why not come have a browse at Lavender Line Photography HQ! Don’t miss out, limited stock!