A Year in Review 2022
A Year in Review 2022
2022... it has been a rollercoaster!
This year has been nothing if not full on. A year full of gorgeous makeovers, beautiful clients, fabulous models, events, training, publications and awards....
I am always honoured to receive recognition for my work and it has been an incredible year for awards, having received 31 national awards in total. I work hard and am very passionate about my brand - I do hope it shows in my work! The absolute highlight though is being a Top 10 National Finalist in the Founder's Cup and in Classical Portrait of the Year. It's my 3rd time in the finals and each time I'm in total shock... From 12,000 images submitted from across the UK, the judges at The Guild of Photographers shortlist only 10 in each category. The results are announced at a glitzy awards ceremony in February.
You can see my award winning images below...
Events and training for Photography Session Days have gone from strength to strength.
22 sold out events this year in some fabulous locations such as a spitfire hangar, a stately home, a WildWest town, a stylish boho residence amongst others. The highlight and our most ambitious event to date, was "Extravaganza", partnering with Sony, Epsom, Wilkinson Cameras and guest speaker Glyn Dewis. Demand for events has been on another level, with most events taking just minutes to sell out! It has been a very successful year and we are eternally grateful for our incredibly supportive photographers.
On the publication front, highlights included working for PhotoPlus:The Canon Magazine again recently, training an apprentice for the day in the art of Hollywood Portraits. This was documented in my studio by the editor for a 12 page spread in this month's issue.
I was also interviewed for Professional Photo Magazine about my experience as a woman in a male dominated industry and for Digital Photographer Magazine on how people skills are essential for better portraiture. In addition, I had two magazine covers this year and my work was even published in the Sunday tabloids!
See more on my 2022 publications.
What an honour it was to have been asked to open the 'Twenty Twenty... and Beyond' exhibition in Buxton. I even got to cut the ribbon! In 2020, I was asked to mentor Chapel Camera Club with a lockdown self portrait project. The project became a coffee table book followed by an Exhibition. Self portraits usually put the fear of God into any photographer but this fabulous group of photographers did such a superb job that the resulting body of work is truly something to be proud of, a real piece of social history which will be just as fascinating (if not more so) for generations to come.
I am now officially on the speaking circuit - giving talks almost every week. In particular, my Portraits with Impact talk has been extremely popular and I have bookings going forward through to late 2023. I have also further pushed my comfort zones by creating content for Youtube with Photography Session Days and Pixapro. Our Youtube channel will really ramp up throughout 2023 as we implement our plans to produce training content. If you are a keen photographer, do subscribe for sneak peeks behind the scenes on our events and lighting, posing and editing tips and tricks!
On a personal note, I can honestly say that I am living life to the max.... crazy busy juggling family life with work life for Belle Privé Photography, Emma Finch Photography and Photography Session Days. Other than photography, one of my biggest passions in life is travel and after the uncertainty of the past few years, I am taking EVERY opportunity to travel as much as possible. This year, we have travelled to Seychelles, Morocco, Texas, Mexico, New York, Paris & Champagne (with plans for a similarly busy 2023!)
On the work front, I have so many plans, projects and ideas for 2023 - I am inspired, motivated and raring to go... Having said that, life threw a few curveballs this year and one of my priorities for 2023 has to be self care. So if anyone knows how to do more whilst simultaneously doing less, please let me know!!
To sum up, here are my most popular images of the year with Miss Baby Daisy, Rachel Frances, Lily Porcelaine, Bonni Gee, Lady Eccentrik, Bella Casson, Nicole (Vauhaus), Scarlett Luxe and Marie Devilreaux in Lyris.
Many thanks to my wonderful clients, brands, models, those who have worked with me, booked me, supported & encouraged me this year.
Here's to a Wonderful 2023
Emma
xx
