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!

Northern Ireland Meets Northern Lights!

‘This scene feels like what I once saw on a screen, I searched aurora borealis green…’

May 10th 2024 : A date that so many of us will remember thanks to the very special light show that mother nature unexpectedly treated us to!

A big bucket list wish of mine has been to see the northern lights, something that I thought would happen some place Scandi in the thick of Winter. Never did I think that I would get to have my first northern lights experience straight from my back garden in Spring, but what a dream come true it was!

With so much negativity in the world right now, it was so lovely to see social media timelines filled with excitement and beauty.  A simple moment that made us all stop what we were doing, look up and appreciate this beautiful planet of ours and all that it has to offer!  A night that I will always remember, when the sky became beautiful shades of dancing lavender!

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 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!

Winter Postcards

‘Take time to chase the snowflakes’

This week finally marked the first proper cold spell to hit Northern Ireland and the first snowfall of Winter 2024!

As I am someone who loves the four seasons and the weather that each season brings us here on the Emerald Isle, I have been patiently waiting for that first dusting of snow to hit and thankfully it happened on a week that I could work from home and enjoy every second of it during my walks.

Don’t get me wrong, it does not compare in the slightest to the stunning Scandinavian snow scenes that I have been seeing on Instagram with total snow envy (something that I have put on my bucket list to experience next winter), but it is a start to our Winter 2024 and it can only get better!

Below are some of my favourite moments captured from the week; from snow on the beach to walking in a winter wonderland. Now if only this Storm Isha that we are currently being hit with could do one and return the white stuff to us! ❄

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!

Hello 2024!

‘That was the year she forgot about time and remembered what it was to fill her days with everything she loved best’

Well hello 2024! We may be 17 days into 2024 already, but it’s never too late to say Happy New Year and send good wishes for the year ahead. 2023 was a year of up and downs, highs and lows, beautiful cities, dreamy sunsets and lots of special memories made along the way with my favourite people.

Some of my favourite 2023 moments include : A return trip to my beloved Stockholm to capture those famous Stockholm sunsets. The ABBA Voyage Anniversary and seeing 3 ABBA members in real life (still can’t believe it!). A first time visit to the beautiful city of Copenhagen (which Scandi city will be next on my wanderlust list?). Meeting three of my friends beautiful kids for the first time. The rainiest festival weekend I have experienced, and last but not certainly not least, an unforgettable Pop Up shop adventure which helped bring back some confidence as a small business owner in a tricky time.

And with that the 2023 season comes to an end!

For 2024 I decided not to make any new year resolutions, yes there are certain dreams and goals that I have that I would love to see happen throughout the year, but setting them as set resolutions puts far too much pressure on things. Instead, this new year had me think of things in a different way and although I try not to get caught up on Instagram trends (there are only so many times you can watch a copied reel constantly repeated), I did see one that I couldn’t resist, one that fit perfectly into my 2024 mindset : my ins and outs for the year ahead! A way of jotting down my intensions for the year without adding any unnecessary pressures.

I N S :

• Getting back outside with my camera

• More coastal sunrises and sunsets

• Believing in myself and my work more

• Celebrating small wins

• Reading before bed

• Keeping to my daily walks

• Learning a new skill

O U T S :

• Imposter Sydrome

• Negative self-talk

• Putting off certain goals because of timing and self-doubt

• Following accounts that make me question my progress

• Hitting that snooze button

• Mindless scrolling

Those all important 2024 intentions!

So here is to 2024, to stepping out of those comfort zones, to following those dreams and to chasing those adventures without putting too much pressure on ourselves and enjoying the year ahead!

Let’s do this 2024!

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.”