What a strange old year 2020 has been!
I definitely didn’t think I’d be able to post a Best Photography 2020 blog, that’s for sure!
But, this year has seen me diversify somewhat – I’ve been very lucky to keep my regular corporate clients and I’ve managed to shoot a couple of beautiful weddings, which were downright amazing and made even more so because of the lengths these couples had to go to to have their special day!
I’ve had some fashion shoots which run at a completely different speed to everything else (especially when it’s cold and the wind is blowing through the streets of Digbeth!) and I started a personal project photographing different independent companies in Boldmere, just down the road from me.
This one had to be put on hold of course but I’ll be back up and running as soon as I’m able!
There’s been a handful of family shoots and of course the very popular doorstep portraits!
All of this while setting up another side to Lisa Carpenter Photography with branding sessions shooting relaxed, creative, lifestyle photography for businesses!
Phew!
So, all in all, yes, it’s been tough. It’s been scary and I’ve definitely chosen to bury my head in the sand for days on end and cried countless tears for a variety of reasons (many of which were completely unwarranted) but when I look back at these photos, and even more so my personal collection of Lockdown Photography, which I’ll also be blogging, they make me realise just how much I love this job.
I could have sat here complaining for almost an entire year but instead, I chose to keep my camera clicking, stretch my creative muscles and focus on the positives!
I’d say that’s a 2020 win!
Best Fashion Photography 2020
A little trip to London with Nancy and Frank, a cold and windy jewellery shoot with Influenstar in Digbeth and an Edgbaston fashion shoot too!
It’s been so much fun doing these shoots and working with some amazing female entrepreneurs – hugely inspiring ladies ready to take on the world! And now they have some beautiful photos to pretty up their social media and websites!
Boldmere Business Photography Project
I started this at the beginning of 2020 (possibly the worst time to have started anything but hey, who knew?!)
The plan is to get a load of independent businesses photographed in Boldmere, to showcase the talent that a lovely little community area has to offer.
It started off brilliantly with these lovely people eager to help me out and pose for the cameras, and with any luck, it’ll continue next year and we’ll get the gallery show at the end that we’re hoping for!
Thanks to
Boldmere Deli, The Dark Horse Collective, Psychotron Records, Body of Evidence, Austin Raku, Lilley Studio, and all of you other beautiful creatives who sat patiently for a few photos of you in your places of work – when they could be open!
Best Business and Branding Photography 2020
I’ve always offered corporate and business shoots but now they have a fancy new name – branding sessions!
It’s a little more relaxed, a tad more creative and the kid of photography you need on your website and social media showing the very best of you and your team!
I’ve been lucky enough this year to spend some time with the following companies 🙂
Friezeland Christmas Tree Farm
Family Shoots in Sutton Coldfield
As soon as I was able to do so safely and under government guidance, I was out and about making the most of the autumn leaves in Sutton Park with some lovely families!
Some were returning to me for updated family photos and it was lovely to catch up with them and see their gorgeous families grow and others were coming to me for the first time and will have some beautiful photos to give as Xmas presents this year.
What a lovely gift to give after a year of not seeing our families properly 3>
Best Wedding Photography 2020
Last, but by no means least – weddings!
I got to shoot just two weddings this year, very different to my usual packed to the brim diary but better than nothing!
It was amazing to see how these couples and their friends put together a lockdown wedding that followed all the rules but didn’t miss out on any of the fun!
Intimate, full of laughter and so personal, I had the best time shooting these weddings, even if I felt completely broken the next day! Lockdown has not been kind to my stamina! 😉 I’ll be building my strength up for next years weddings – there’s plenty of them and I’m keeping everything crossed that they all go ahead as planned!
If you’re planning a wedding, or in need of some family photos to send to relatives that you’ve missed so, so much this year, if you’ve set up a new business and need some photos to decorate your socials and help engage with your audience, if you want me and my camera to come and spend some time photographing the events in your life, big and small, get in touch and tell me your plans.
I’m looking forward to a 2021 filled with promise. Packed with laughter and chock full of joy! If this sounds like the kind of thing you’re after, you can get in touch here, can’t wait to hear from you.
In the meantime, Happy Christmas, Happy New Year and Good Riddance to 2020 !
