I absolutely LOVE my job! Capturing and preserving peoples happiest memories for them to treasure forever is one of my very favourite things to do in the world, so the fact that's what I get to do for work makes me consider myself beyond incredibly lucky. It is a privilege I will never take for granted. Every time a new client reaches out and trusts me with bringing their vision to life my soul sizzles with excitement and I tingle with the urge to squeal like a baby raccoon! (don't worry I don't actually do this) but it is the most amazing thing and I appreciate it very much, always :)
2023 was a dream come true for me - I know, I know that sounds cliché and cringey but i'm going to push passed the feeling of cringe and embrace the mush because it's true - last year was epic here at Ace Of Shades Photography! 2024 is going to have a hard time trying to top it that's for sure but ever the optimist I am determined to work my very hardest and keep manifesting positivity because if this year can even come close to the last i'll be happier than a hungry hippo munching marbles! (growing up in the 90's taught me this is likely the epitome of happiness, right?)
I'll try not to ramble on too much about everything 2023 as if you've managed to get this far you're probably realising as you read right now i'm pretty talented at rambling - something I hope to work on as I become better practiced at blogging - but I will fill you in on some of my favourite 2023 highlights.
1. Weddings! In 2023 we were lucky enough to book and shoot weddings for both new clients that discovered our work and chose us as their wedding photographers and also capture the weddings of some good friends that trusted us with their special day. Being discovered and hired is such a huge compliment and having friends hire us because they love our work and trust us always fills me with joy. All of our Brides & Grooms were absolutely awesome it was an honour to be such an important part of their wonderful wedding days.
2. Babies, babies, babies! As a mother of 3 beautiful children that are growing up far too quickly (8, 10 & 15 and not planning anymore) I lap up the opportunity to interact with and capture your adorable little ones! With their button noses and tiny toesies I make it my mission not to miss a single detail because I know just how quickly it all flies by! Well 2023 was a marvellous year for maternity, newborn, baby and children shoots and I love love love kiddos so more of this please 2024!!
3. We were given the tremendous opportunity of working with Molly Challis - one of the top Irish Dancers in the world! She's so ridiculously talented and (I may be biased here but) the photos we captured with her are incredibly impressive!
4. We upgraded our gear and made the leap from DSLR to mirrorless and we've not looked back since! A boring highlight if you're not a photographer I know but very important if you are so it deserves a place on the list
5. Working with some incredibly talented, well established and all round lovely local professional photographers. Having a fellow photographer follow your work, connect and want to work with you is one of the biggest compliments as a photographer that I didn't expect last year so i'm humbled and so grateful to have been given such fantastic and valuable opportunities.
6. Happy events! 2023 was filled with fun last year! We photographed so many happy celebrations over the course of the year that were a joy to be a part of.
7. Recommendations! As the year got busier and people started searching for the right photographer for them we were overjoyed that so many of our lovely clients were consistently singing our praises and recommending our services. Of course a huge part of professional photography is the photos but it's also about having an all round positive photography experience and regularly receiving commendable compliments, terrific feedback and heartfelt recommendations is more than we could ask for.
That wasn't it for our 2023! There were princesses, dogs, cats, a calendar, beautiful people, families, businesses, a proposal and much much more! I'm still absolutely buzzing from how brilliant it was but just as i'm starting to come to terms with what a fabulous year it was wedding season 2024 is beginning this month!!! :D
There hasn't been much of a gap between the end of 2023s wedding season and 2024s for me and I can't wait to get my teeth into capturing all of those magical moments! I'm more motivated than ever to tell real love stories through every frame, to find and freeze the fleeting moments that can be otherwise easily missed and to immortalise all the special memories for every bride & groom. What's better than a whole day celebrating your limitless love for each other and your love story? Weddings are my favourite!
If you'd like me to add your wonderful wedding to our 2024 wedding season please don't delay reaching out while we still have availability. (or 2025 & beyond) Also if you have any questions i'm always quick to answer every message sent my way.
Thanks so much for reading my first ever blog! It felt very self-indulgent but then I did attempt to summarise an entire year in one post so I like to think that's also probably part of the reason why! There's loads happening behind the scenes at Ace Of Shades Photography in 2024 that's soon to be revealed so stay tuned! I can't wait to see what this year brings our way and I hope you have the most amazing year ahead of you too!
Rey :) xx
