It's lucky number 13 for me - 13 years in business that is... 

September is always an exciting time for me as a Professional photographer - it marks another year in business. This time, 13 years!
I set up my business in 2009 not really knowing where it was headed - and now, I have just had my busiest year ever!

I am very lucky that working as a commercial photographer, every day is different. One day I'm working with a sole trader who needs a straightforward headshot, the next, I'm working for a big corporate business who is hosting an event. Some days I am working in offices in London, the next day I'm outside high up on scaffolding photographing a building site. Despite advice to the contrary, I also frequently work with children AND animals - they're always fun shoots!

So, in recognition of 13 years in business, I thought I would select 13 memorable moments.

• Memorable moment number 1 - photographing the Westminster School Christmas service from the organ loft in Westminster Abbey. I felt like a sniper hiding up in the organ loft! It was amazing to work in such a beautiful location.

• Memorable moment number 2 - taking my first set of photos once covid restrictions started being lifted in May 2020. I was so happy to be dusting off my cameras, even if it was very hot working in a mask!

Memorable moment number 3 : being given a flower by a little boy on a prep school photo shoot. It made my day 😊

Memorable moment number 4 : No photos to prove it unfortunately, but taking photographs at the Royal Albert Hall of a concert on behalf of the Conductor. It was incredible going behind the scenes at one of London's finest concert venues. I even snuck into the Royal Box!

Memorable moment number 5 : photographing a 'meet and greet' with 80s icons, Level 42!

Memorable moment number 6 : conquering my fear of heights while shooting up on scaffolding!

Memorable moment number 7 - memorable for all the wrong reasons......hitting my head on a low lying TV screen while trying to discretely take some photos at an event at Twickenham Stadium!

Memorable moment number 8: trying to pretend I was completely unfazed by being so up close with a huge horse on a shoot for equine vets, Farr + Pursey!

Memorable moment number 9 : frequently worrying my Mum by posting pictures of me hanging out of various windows in order to get 'the shot'!

Memorable moment number 10 : Making friends with Roco at a pre-school shoot - he was like my little shadow the whole time I was there!

Memorable moment number 11 : spending lots of times taking photos from boats of different sizes....(anyone who knows me well knows I'm happiest either on or in water)

Memorable moment number 12 : taking event photos at incredible venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, The Yorkshire Show, Twickenham Stadium and the Royal Society of Medicine.

And finally..... memorable moment number 13: literally being 'shot' myself - photographing in a shooting range....thankfully they were using blanks!

And that's it - there have been plenty more memorable moments than these, but for now, I will be taking a quiet moment to reflect on being lucky enough to have turned my hobby into a full time job and looking forward to continuing to do so as long as my mind and body allows!

Thank you for reading. Pennie