The Back To School mini sessions, so far.... 2017.

I couldn't be happier with the collection of families who I have preserved memories for at the start of this new school term.   The 'back to school' mini sessions are just over half way shot, so I wanted to share with you some of my favourite images from the lovely kids I've documented so far...

A huge thank you again to everyone that has made my first studio based mini sessions such a great success.  I've been incredibly touched by the wonderful feedback and want to thank not just you as parents for choosing me as your photographer this year, but your children also for being their fabulous selves, wonderfully polite and a pleasure to work with!

Best wishes,  ~ Fleur x

(as always, click into the photo itself to see a better quality version...  Thanks!)

"Fleur, the pics of the kids in their school uniforms are amazing.  Thank you."  [Gary. S]

"Oh my god, I love them...  Memories to treasure."  [Claire. B]

My own kids....  Ha!

"I love them, especially the arms behind (his) head."  [Sian. M]

"Thank you so much!  Can't wait to print them off and frame them."  [Sophie. D]

"Thank you so much.  They are beautiful.  We have picked 5 for our wall." [Michelle. B]

"You are AMAZING!!  I absolutely love the girl's pics.  Thank you so much."  [Helen. M]

"Oh my god.  Thank you so much."  [Chel. W]

"I just love them...  What an amazing job you do."  [Gemma. T]

'Thank you so much.  You were brilliant with the kids."  [Hilary. M]

"Love these.  Thanks again, you're fab."  [Natalie. C]

His stillness.

When did it begin?  His stillness...

I know that he still goes a mile a minute in most actions within his little life, but at what point did he go from non-stop baby to calm every-now-and-again young lad?

And I miss him.  I miss the time we had together when he only had half days of pre-school.  I miss that he doesn't always ask for "a carry" now when we're out and about.  I miss that he doesn't ask me to build train tracks for him anymore (Hot Wheels are the new thing now).  And I miss HIM.

He is growing.  He has opinions - his own mind.  He argues with his sisters.  He can be extremely bad tempered and lash out.   Getting him to concentrate on his homework is like getting blood from a stone.  He shouts.  I shout.  We cry.  But above all we love.

I'm aware now though, that somewhere in the transition period from his frantic, chaotic baby years to the little lad I am now bringing up, I have also lost my track of documenting.  The less time I have to spend with him now has somehow manifested in my lack of capturing him being him.  Not just him either; my daughters, my husband, myself...

I need that to change.  I must have those moments of stillness frozen in a frame.  For him, for my daughters, for me.  For our family.  It's something that I've not been doing in the same way that I used to.  I'm considering another 365; photo a day project next year for this reason.  It seems proper that his metamorphosis to a greater amount of stillness is the propeller to make me want to do more.

Thanks for reading.

x Fleur x

When you were seven....

It doesn't seem that long ago.....  Is it really 8 years?  That small but loud bundle.  Bringing you home from hospital just in time for Daddy's first Father's Day.   You shocked me more than I had ever expected.  You made my life worthwhile, even though it took me a some time to realise it.  You made our family whole and our futures bright.  And everyday you remind me just what a blessing you are and always will be.

Seven has been a great year for you.  You've learnt to ride a bike. You've fallen in love with reading. You can now swim like nothing I ever imagined.  You are a dreamer and a lover, not a fighter.  You make friends easily and have an infectious smile on your face so often.

You bite your nails (but you're trying hard to stop).  You turn your nose up at the thought of wearing socks with sandles, but think it's fine to wear socks with jelly shoes.  You boss your little siblings around and feel the need to have the last word, but I don't hold that against you because I do the same - wow - your teenage years will be fun.  

You like to wear patterns on both your top and your bottom - at the same time! (I blame your Uncle Steve for that one).  You don't have much sense of rhythm (*ahem* Daddy), but you do love to sing and dance.  You like writing songs and drinking smoothies.  You don't like cucumber, but gherkins are fine.  You love the beach, but also the city.  You have almost grown out of the duck face pout when I try to take your picture (at last!).  And you love your family a lot.  You look forward to things with such a passion that you need to know exactly what is happening and when - to the precise minute.  You like to be prepared I guess... 

So now you are 8, my little Bean head, and there's so much happening in this year to look forward to...  Just don't change too much though.  Stay young, stay dreamy, stay helpful and polite.  Stay strong and brave, and thoughtful and considerate.  Stay happy.  Stay you.

Thanks for looking ~ Fleur
www.fleurlouisephotography.co.uk