Through the Window – Barry Community Lockdown Project

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Over the past few weeks, I have been using my time to photograph the pandemic lockdown. We are living through a historic moment and as a photographer I feel a responsibility to document it.

During my daily exercise I have arranged for people in the local community to stand in their front windows so I can photograph them.

Some of people in these photographs first heard about the project when I posted a card though their letterbox saying:

“Hi, I’m Kate!

I’m a photographer from Barry. I’ve decided to use this time to start a local project, that I hope will spread a little community spirit. I’m looking for people to photograph through their windows during this social distancing period. Each photograph will be a reflection of you during this historic time, so I am inviting people to get creative. As a thank you I will give you a free copy of your photograph. You are welcome to write notes or get the children into their favourite fancy dress costumes. I’ll leave it up to you to decide how you would like to communicate with the outside world!

I am hoping that the project will gain some interest in our local community and possibly further afield. So if this sounds like something you’d like to be part of this then drop me a line via info@katestuartphotography.com

Thank you and take care.
Kate X”

The aim of the project is to spread a little community spirit and to remind us that we are all in this together.

I’ve had a fantastic response from everyone so far, and plan to capture more images in the coming weeks.

So, if you know anyone in the Barry area who might want to get involved, please pass on my details.

Family Photo Shoot

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Becky and Ben first got in touch over 8 years ago. They were newly engaged and were arranging their wedding in Chippenham. When I came to writing this blog I had to check how long ago they were married, I was blown away that so much time had passed.

Anyway, fast forward 3 years and this lovely couple welcomed a little girl into the world, calling her Freya.

Ben’s mum contacted me just before Christmas, asking if she could buy one of my Christmas Deal Shoots. Of course, I said yes!

Becky, Ben and Freya live a little further away now, so we looked for the perfect place to meet for a shoot. After a little research we picked Leigh Woods in Bristol.

Leading up to the shoot all manner of things got in the way, including a flat tyre whilst they were driving to meet me! We began to wonder whether the shoot was destined to happen but we persevered.

On the morning of the shoot the weather was crisp and sunny. Leigh Woods was a new location for me to shoot at that time, and it definitely delivered. I’ve been back a few times since.

I met them in the carpark and we instantly hugged. It felt like meeting old friends. One of the things I love about my job is the connection I make with couples after their wedding day.

Freya introduced me to her favourite doll, ‘baby’. I think mum and dad were relieve to have smiles to start the day from the usually shy Freya.

We went off to explore the woods, catching up between shots. This created a relaxing shoot, with the couples very much at ease in front of the camera.

Not wanting be left out, Freya would play games with us by making us all laugh. What a little character!

I love, love, love this shoot! Great memories shared, and captured forever!

The Fairytale Romance

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If someone asked me to choose one wedding that was “The Fairytale Romance” it would have to be this one. When I visited Michael and Aimee’s home in Cardiff a few years back I instantly thought: I really hope these guys book me!

The wedding would very much be a family affair, almost a reunion in many ways (I love these weddings, when the guests are made to feel just as important as the couple!).

After a little searching they told me that they had found the perfect venue to host everyone under one roof. This was at Plas Dinam in mid-Wales. The couple invited me to Plas Dinam to introduce me to their guests, the day before the actual wedding. This was a wonderful way for me to get to know everyone, making me feel very much a part of this wedding from the get-go!

Michael and Aimee had done the whole long-distance thing, with Michael being an American. During the speeches I listened to the story of how this pair fell in love, and I’ve got to say I was definitely touched (there may of been an odd tear). Naturally, many of the guests were visiting from the U.S. and with my American family-history I felt like I fitted right in straight away.

During the wedding day we took a scenic coach trip together to the impressive Priory Church in Abergavenny. On the way back we stopped off at beautiful little place for a very British afternoon tea. Then much to my amusement some of the jet lagged guests took naps during the second part of our road trip. I absolutely loved shooting at Plas Dinam. If you’re planning to get married and want somewhere for everyone to be together then this is really worth a visit. It’s cool, quirky, yet traditional too!

Big thanks to Aimee and Michael for inviting me to be part of something that felt so special. They were kindness personified, and were extremely receptive to some creative ideas I had.

I loved every minute of this day and hope our paths will cross again in the future.

Words from the Groom…

“To say it simply, Kate was well organised, easy to work with, and offered a very fair price. We weren’t entirely sure if we would hire a professional photography for our wedding. We spent a lot on the venue and all the key details of our day. We decided since we were getting so much of the family together we wanted to hire a photographer with the family portraits being our major concern. We hired Kate to shoot our whole day and make a wedding album for us. She did an incredible job documenting our day from start to finish and did very well to get all the bespoke must have shots that we wished for. Many of our family members even made remarks about how lovely she was. We are more than satisfied and thankful for Kate’s work!”

Bridal Shop – Enzoani, Laura May | Hair Stylist – Leah Jones | Wedding Breakfast – Gliffaes | Evening Entertainment – Capone Band | Flowers & Cake – Jo Short | Catering – Wild Garlic