The Power of the Photograph to Evoke Feelings of Joy

Sibling love.

Over the years I have had the privilege of photographing your children – from when they were babies, right up to adulthood to create a story of their lives for all to reflect on. It always fills me with joy when I see these photographs from years gone by framed and taking pride of place in your homes.

I’m showcasing a few photographs of two brothers I started photographing seven years ago when they were two years eight months and eight months old.

Every April the photo-shoots take place in a local woodland that is filled with the most beautiful bluebells. And this year, 2022, was no different, other than they have a sister who was introduced to the photo-shoots in 2019.

Take a look at the gallery below, by clicking on the white arrows on the left and right of the main picture to scroll through to see the evolution of time and just how important it is to take the time to enjoy every single moment to reflect on. The only year we missed was 2020 when the pandemic took its grip.

The relationship I have built with their mum started in 1997 when she was one of my first customers when I opened the studio next door to her place of work. She chose to commission me to take her portrait to mark her birthday as a gift for her mum’s 50th. Fourteen years later I was asked to photograph her wedding day and so the story goes…and this is what fills me with joy to connect and create images to tell the story of your life.

What’s your story?

Thanks

Stella

Everything You Need Is Here In Oxted

SMS Creative Photography

Everything you need is here on your doorstep in Oxted!

You may have received one of our flyers through your letterbox pre-COVID (same as images above & below). If so and if not I’m getting in touch to remind you of our services since before lockdown and beyond!

The pandemic has shaken us all and forced us to reassess so many areas of our lives, it is with this in mind we all need professional images of some sort, read on to find out more…

From headshots for websites, brochures, LinkedIn or a job application, it’s the first impression that makes all the difference.

To a family photo-shoot in the garden to mark a celebration or just because you want to – it’s a fun experience for all ages. It really does make my heart sing when I meet and photograph families that I have known for years and new ones too. It’s wonderful to be a part of your history, with over 20 years of established relationships with many of you.

I’m also often asked if I teach how to use a camera and the answer is, yes I do. I used to teach group classes but found it works better to teach one to one so the class is tailored to your individual knowledge, camera and requirements. So I ask “Is your camera gathering dust or just kept on auto”? If so now is the time to dust it down and book a masterclass, you’ll be very glad you have taken control of your camera rather than the other way round!

Don’t forget we also photograph business and residential premises interiors & exteriors when the need arises for personal and marketing needs.

One other thing that has been constant since the start of SMS Creative Photography back in February 1997 is the need for picture framing for photographs and artworks. We offer a comprehensive service by collaborating with master craftsmen who have served us for over 20 years.

Last and by no means least our sister website stellascordellis.com is automotive based – photographing events and personal collections as well as producing bespoke coffee table style books for commercial and personal enjoyment, take a look at the site to find out more.

Please feel free to get in touch by email or ‘phone 01883 722282 if you have a project or photo-shoot in mind, and no, it isn’t too early to think about dare I say Christmas!

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

It has been lovely to share this with you today.

Stella

‘Stella’ Lifestyle Photography

Glorious Garden Photo-shoots

Fun-filled garden photo-shoots for all to enjoy.

Now that lockdown rules have been eased we can begin to think about photo-shoots in your garden for up to five people to enjoy.

I have been yearning to get my camera kit out to photograph you all for some time now and this is the ideal opportunity! We have been blessed with wonderful weather during the pandemic and the time to spend in our gardens. I always use a long lens so social distancing rules are not a problem.

Bring some fun and laughter to your family and mark this moment in time, you’ll be very glad you did! Whether you are a returning family or someone new I’d love to see you.

With the option to buy digital images or wall art, this link to the Homes & Gardens part of the website tells you more.

Thanks

Stella

Beautiful photo-shoots in your garden.

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Lockdown Doorstep Photo-Shoots with Stella Scordellis

With lockdown looking like it’s here to stay for a while yet, I’m really missing the outdoor family photo-shoots I usually do at this time of year.

With this in mind to capture the lockdown and the people and pets we are spending it with, I am offering ‘Doorstep Photo-Shoots’ – they can be done on your doorstep or in your garden, I use a long lens so social distancing is not an issue.

Doorstep shoots are short, not more than 15 minutes. I will phone you before to let you know I am approaching so I don’t have to ring your doorbell and you can be ready.

The shoot is priced at £75 inclusive of VAT and you will receive 2 edited high-resolution images for digital download. A gallery of images is emailed to you after your shoot so you can choose your favourites. There is also an option to purchase additional images and prints too.

Payment is taken prior to the shoot by direct transfer to confirm your time slot. In case of bad weather, you will be able to reschedule.

It’s a lovely memory to reflect on in years to come!

Photo-Shoots are currently taking place in Oxted, Limpsfield, Merle Common, Hurst Green, Westerham and Woldingham on certain days of the week.

Please call me on 01883 722282 or 0777 1810105 to find out when I am in your area and to book your date and time.

Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more comprehensive this link to our Location Home & Garden photo-shoots tells you more. If you are a past customer looking to update your family album please quote UPDATEME to receive your loyalty discount – be lovely to see you again!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Stella

To mark their 13th wedding anniversary before they set off for their daily exercise allowance!

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Your Family Photo-shoot Awaits

Time to choose which photo-shoot suits you…

With the whole year ahead of us and the beautiful changing seasons to look forward to, now is the time to plan and book which location you would like your family photo-shoot to take place in.

If this is something you have been meaning to organise for a while but it keeps getting put to the bottom of the pile, then now is the time to make it a priority, your children or grandchildren will be grown-ups before you know it!

As I have grown older my desire to connect with the outdoors and immerse myself within Mother Nature has grown too, it’s the connectedness and the natural beauty that I love. This is when time stops still for me and I’m totally absorbed by my love of photography to connect and to capture your moments in time that can never be repeated.

As the saying goes - ‘Time waits for no man’ - but that is what photography does, it does make time stand still, frozen in a split second to reflect on.

Below is a reminder of the locations for your photo-shoot, if there are others you would like to explore just let me know, I’m always happy to discover new places!

To secure and reserve a place for your photo-shoot simply call me on 01883 722282 - so when the time comes I can confirm your date and time to fit in with the ever-changing seasons.

Click on the link under each of the photographs below to find out more, this is where you’ll find the option via a button called ‘Commission Yours’ to enquire or book your shoot if you prefer to get in touch online.

Bluebells - flowering is any time from mid- April to early May, the colours and lighting are perfect…

Meadow - Mother Nature decides when is best for her, either June or July but for two weeks only…

Woodlands - from late September to early February for colours rich in browns, reds and copper…

Home and Garden - the comfort of somewhere familiar…

Vineyard - the perfectly aligned rows of vines make this a beautiful setting anytime of year…

Urban- this is London calling, night or day, anytime you choose…

I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you if this is your first photo-shoot with me, or welcoming you back for an updated shoot.

Bye for now.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Your Personal Vineyard Photo-shoot

For a fun-filled photo-shoot experience with your family and friends, the glorious Kent countryside provides me with the perfect setting to capture you amongst the wonderful vines in a secluded and private spot.

This location is stunning any time of year as it evolves through the seasons. From harvest time right through to the summer months it always offers something different and the lighting is always beautiful.

If this appeals to you or as a gift for a loved one in the coming months please do get in touch on 01883 722282 or email me stella@smscreativephotography.co.uk . More information can be found here on our website.

Bye for now.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.