I first met this gorgeous little lady for her 6 month sitter session. In fact, her lovely mum requested the flower crowns, which introduced me to a whole new craft, and a burnt finger! Note to self, hot glue is very hot! 

Our session was so lovely, so I was absolutely thrilled when Leah's parents got back in touch and asked me to do a shoot for her first birthday. I always love seeing how these little crazies are getting on, and am so honoured when families come back to me again for their family photographs! I was even more excited when her mama suggested a shoot at a typical Deutsch Kürbis festival, in Schöneberg. Totally inspired choice! I really love this tradition and it really helps the transition out of summer, into autumn to be a bit less painful. People really know how to mark the seasons in Germany! Just wanted to share a few of my favourites, from this lovely little lady's gallery.  

Much Love

Gemma
xx

So those of you who know me personally, will know that not long after my last blog post, I sadly lost my lovely Dad. In the first few months I kidded myself I was coping, but over the summer and recent months, it became clear I really wasn't. Grief is such a weird thing. I don't think you can really explain it because it's so different for everyone. When I thought I was being strong, I was just really burying everything down deep and withdrawing from everything except the essentials. I went back to work, I made sure my family was ok, but above that everything else seemed so hard to do. I was functioning, but that's about it. 

I miss my dad at the strangest moments. I recently handed in my notice at work, so I could care for myself and my family, and also pursue my passion and focus on my photography. When I got home I realised it was the first time in my life I had taken such a big step without talking it through with him. We always talked about me being an engineer first, to make sure I got myself the best start in life, and the idea that I would always have the chance to return to art, in whatever form it took, later on. I know my Dad would be so proud of me for getting to this point in my life. Having worked hard enough to have the choice to be at this point in my life. 

And that's what is helping me pull myself out of the grey, out of the getting 'just getting through' and back to having some drive and some focus. Thank you so much for those of you who have stuck by me while I was in my fog, and while I know there are still hard days to come, I'm starting to feel more alive again. My to do list is massive, but this blog is one of the items. I intend to share favourite moments, photography tips, all things family sessions, but also I hope it will be a place where you can get to know me a little better. Photography is all about the human connection, and some great friends have reminded me recently, that there is a great deal to gain by opening up and letting people in! 

Gemma 
xxx

P.s. This photo of Felix just reminds me of Dad. I don't know why but we all felt so happy that day wandering along with balloons, and I was thinking of him all the way home. Especially watching his little mini me strolling along :)