Here's my introduction

...I’ve always wanted to say that...

But seriously, 

Hi, I’m Beth. I’m a 26 year old photographer currently living in Cardiff, Wales, trying to grow my little business whilst working full time- business engagement officer during the week, snapping pics at the weekend. It comes with its challenges but I’m enjoying learning how to balance both, and to be honest with you, I’m feeling pretty fulfilled! 

I wanted to start this blog as a way to document my journey in photography and to help me reflect on why I do what I do. I felt it would be a good way to keep me focused whilst keeping those who want to follow along up to date with what I’ve been up to- I realise I’m not the best at keeping friends and family up to date.. but that changes now! 

A little about me and my journey up until now: 

I think I’ve always been a creative person. I flitted between fine art, textiles and design through high school, my dream job changing from one month to the next. I had my heart set on being a fashion designer at the age of 12 and still have many books on the subject on my shelves should the passion re-ignite again. 

However, I drifted away from the sewing machine and materials and towards pencils and paintbrushes. I was set, ready to take on the world with a rubber, many partially used sketch books, and  an array of half used pencils in hand at the ripe old age of 13. 

And then I got given a little digital camera. 

I vividly remember being so proud of that camera. I took it with me when visiting my Grandparents in Shoreham and taking photos of the moored boats in the harbour and the colossal crashes of waves against the shoreline. I played around with depth of field before I knew what it was. Experimented with angles and aperture, shadows and shutter speed, not having a clue on the technicalities but knew I was having fun. 

I’m sure my first cover photo on Facebook was a photo I took with that camera. 

Anyway, after years of too-ing and fro-ing between fashion design and fine art I had a third love to compete in the triangle- photography. I didn’t realise it at the time, but photography kept creeping in to my life bit by bit. 

What started as taking photos of friends on camping trips, or making photo collages for birthdays, grew into taking photos of my little sister as reference pictures for my fine art GCSE final exam pieces. And the next thing I knew I was taking photography as an A-Level. 

I have to admit, taking two creative subjects as A-levels was no easy feat. But I have to thank my dad for suggesting I take photography along side Fine Art at Chichester College. If I hadn’t of taken it then, I wouldn’t be where I am now, having my own little business. 

I think having a background in Fine Art definitely supports my photography. I love the Renaissance and Romanticism periods. The softness of colours, the dramatic scenes, the use of light. The overall beauty of the movements really captivates me and definitely inspired me through my studies.

I then went on to complete my studies at University of South Wales, working tirelessly through COVID to be awarded a First Class Honours degree! I got to meet some amazing people and work on some interesting projects, but my lord did the final year take it out of me. 

After graduating I didn’t pick up a camera properly for about a year. I got creative block…bad. I lost a lot of confidence in my capability and felt unprepared with photography ‘in the real world’ after the lockdown restrictions lifted. And it took me a long time to build that confidence back in myself to start taking photos again. It’s only been in the last two / three years that I’ve really started to put more time into my work and begun to build on my business, feeling comfortable and passionate whilst doing so. 

If it wasn’t for the support I’ve had from friends and family, I don’t think I’d be able to say that I’ve been fully booked every month in 2025 so far! 

I used to be incredibly shy, I wouldn’t be the first person to start conversation or look someone in the eye. But here I am, loving talking to new people on each photoshoot I go on, actively expanding my network and going to events on my own! 13 year old Beth would be absolutely dumbfounded at the idea. 

It’s been an incredible 13 years of growth, building and overcoming many hurdles, and I can’t wait to see what the next 13 years (and onwards!) bring. 

Over time, my relationship with photography has changed and I still expect it to evolve in the future - what was initially just a way for me to make my creative ideas a reality has developed into an unspoken conversation between myself, the world and those I take photos of. 

Plus, seeing the joy in peoples faces when I take a photo of them that they love is something I don’t think I could ever get tired of! I want my clients to feel confident and empowered after a photoshoot and it means a lot when they say they’ve had fun in front of my lens.

WHAT BETH'S BEEN UP TO 

The past two months have been busyyy! 

I attended the Photography and Video Show in London in March - BY MY SELF?! - sat at some enlightening seminars on running and building a photography business (learning that I just need to go for it basically) and made some great connections. 

I purchased my first Black Mist filter for my camera which I can’t wait to use on some up-coming shoots! (These create a soft, dreamy, low contrast look in camera by diffusing the light through  black speckles in the glass so you don’t lose the definition of shadows that you might get in post production)

I’ve also taken photos for some lovely people, including; a maternity photoshoot which was gorgeous ; a grooms party suit fitting in Birmingham ; a book launch event ; updated portfolio pics for a budding model. 

I have some more wonderful photoshoots coming up which I can’t wait for! Looking forward to meeting some new faces and taking some summertime pics. 

WHAT'S INSPIRED ME THIS MONTH:

I’m never inspired by any one thing. I draw inspiration from all around, songs, books, media, films, other artists - you name it! 

So I thought it would be fun to add a segment on ‘what’s inspired me this month’ and see how it might reflect in the photoshoots I have:  

PHOTOGRAPHER(s):

Sally Sparrow - https://www.instagram.com/sallysparrow_photography?igsh=MTF6MW5ibjF2a2l6aw==

Siria Ferrer - https://www.instagram.com/bysiriaferrer?igsh=ajZ6Y28ydzJ0Z3l5

Song(s):

RUNRUNRUN- Dutch Melrose 

Anything- Griff

Thank you for taking the time to read though my first blog post. I have no idea if it's too long, short, the right sort of thing or not. But, I'm speaking from the heart and I hope it blossoms into some interesting pieces, and I hope you continue to follow along with me.

Until next time!

Beth x

Banner photo: Stephane James