Oxted Town Re-Opens

As we emerge from lockdown to a different world to the one we left in March we can begin to enjoy freedom again.

In June I took a trip into Oxted town to take a few photographs to see how the town was looking during lockdown and to see the construction progress at the former gas holder site Courtyard Gardens from different viewpoints around the town.

The last time I was able to go onsite to take progress photographs was in February, a link to my blog from then can be found here. I think you’ll agree it is going up very fast! I don’t know when I will be given access to photograph onsite again as only essential workers are currently granted the right to do so.

Above photographs of Courtyard Gardens from various viewpoints around the town in June 2020.

On July 4th hair salons and barbers were given government permission to open their doors to start trading again following strict guidelines to avoid the spread of coronavirus. I wanted to record this moment for posterity and to see how the town was waking up after closing in March.

Above photographs of the re-opening of hair salons, barbers and other shops in Oxted town on July 4th 2020 to mark this moment in time.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I’m given permission to resume my site visits at Courtyards Gardens to bring you up to date photographs of the development.

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.

Thanks for reading

Stella

Introducing 'The Toucan Agency'

Back in March, I embarked on a new challenge as a public speaker onboard a luxury cruise ship. As some of you already know, this is, or rather was, way out of my comfort zone, the very thought of it filled me with fear.

However, I was determined to overcome this fear and managed to deliver 7 different 45-minute presentations about my commissions as a photographer, as well as other subjects I needed to research and learn about to match the photographs I had taken, such as the history of Malta and Barbados – ports we were due to visit.

I returned from the cruise rather earlier than expected and went straight into lockdown, which meant my photography commissions were put on hold and my restless mind was looking for other challenges – this was the turning point that encouraged me to use my time wisely.

Which brings me onto the very soon to be launched shiny new website to introduce 'The Toucan Agency' – a vibrant personal service to teach confidence and enjoyment in the ability to speak in front of an audience without feeling daunted.

In collaboration with my friend, the effervescent and highly acclaimed public speaker Helen Pointer (on the left) – who taught and guided me during the process – she really is amazing! We are now offering our experience for all to benefit from to empower you in front of an audience, no matter how large or small.

Feel free to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @thetoucanagency and Twitter @AgencyToucan

I will be back very soon with more information, please feel free to post your comments, we'd love to hear from you.

Website launch 27 July www.thetoucanagency.com

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.

Many thanks

Stella

Preparing the finishing touches to the website – The Toucan Agency

June End Of Month Newsletter 2020

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

Father's Day Gift Inspiration

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to treat the special man, or men, in your life – your dad, husband, boyfriend, granddad or any father figure.

We all need some cheering up during lockdown and something fun to look forward to – so what better time to buy him a personalised gift voucher to use when he’s ready.

Prices from £150 for a photo-shoot in his garden, the local woodlands or somewhere a little more remote. Simply call us on 01883 722282 or email here to find out more.

Below are a few examples of how he can enjoy your gift…

If he is camera shy another idea that might just appeal, and launched in time for Father’s Day – our new collection of automotive prints of some of the world’s finest classic and supercars – follow this link to our sister website ‘Stella’ to find out more.

Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you.

Stella

With his best friend

With his family

An experience of his choice

With his beloved horses and dog

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.

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.

My Open Air Photography Studio in Oxted

What a lovely way to end the month of May with beautiful sunshine and the easing of lockdown! 

It is with this in mind that I would like to introduce my secluded open-air garden studio for professional headshots and portraits for up to four people. With ample parking on my driveway, easy access via a side entrance and social distancing rules adhered to during the pandemic.

What better way to make use of the time we have to update our websites and family portraits - even if we aren't looking in tip-top condition!

You can reach me on 01883 722282 to make your appointment.

Headshot prices can be found here.

I look forward to welcoming you!

Thanks

Stella

Secluded garden portrait studio in Oxted.

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.