Welcome to my end of June newsletter. I hope you are all well and adapting to our new way of living as we begin to enjoy more freedom and return to the new normal, whatever that may turn out to be.
Here at SMS Creative Photography, I have been using lockdown to plan for the future months, more about that a little later.
We are currently taking bookings for outdoor photo-shoots, especially in gardens whilst they are looking so beautiful to mark significant moments in time – such as landmark birthdays and anniversaries or just to have some fun and enjoy the experience. I am so looking forward to seeing you again to be a part of this ongoing process. If you have something special coming up that you would like photographed please do get in touch, be lovely to hear from you. Or, now that we can revisit our hairdressers perhaps it is time for a much needed and updated head shot photograph in my new open-air studio in my garden.
One other thing I have enjoyed during lockdown is the number of you who have emailed or called to place an order for photographs taken many years ago that you have been meaning to order for some time, either for yourself or to send to loved ones. This really is the beauty of photography, it's a reminder of how we all visually evolve every single day, it's not until we are forced to stop that we are given the time to reflect and appreciate the passing of time and how fleeting it is.
Early in July I will be writing a blog about Oxted town including some photographs of the building process of the flats on the former gas holder site now known as Courtyards Gardens, they really are going up fast! Unfortunately during lockdown and due to restricted access my monthly site visits are on hold, the photographs taken are from different viewpoints around the town.
Lastly and by no means least, I want to tell you about another project I am working on which is due to launch later in July. This will run alongside my photography commissions. I am so excited because I am sharing my experience of how I learned to become a confident public speaker for the presentations I gave on board the cruise ship in March – seven of them in 10 days – which for me was no mean feat as this has always been something I didn't think I could achieve and completely outside my comfort zone.
Using the time during lockdown to plan and branch out into other enriching areas, to benefit you or someone you know the art of public speaking. I am in the process of setting up a new business in collaboration with my friend Helen – an accomplished public speaker who taught me presentation skills. During my learning process, I felt there must be so many others out there who could benefit from Helen's unique way of teaching. The pandemic has given me the time to make this a reality.
Whether you are looking to hone existing public speaking skills or starting from scratch as we are increasingly presenting online, standing on stage in front of a crowd, or even becoming President or Chair of your society or club – or preparing to give a speech at both business or intimate settings, such as weddings and significant anniversaries, you no longer have to feel daunted by the prospect.
'The Toucan Agency' – a friendly place to learn the art of public speaking will soon be introduced as I put the finishing touches on the website, more to follow next month...
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this month's newsletter, I really appreciate it and the support you have shown me during these changing times. I look forward to hearing from you.
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.
Stella
