It's been a fairly tough start to the new year for everyone, and photography hasn't escaped the clutches. It means we have to be a little more creative in finding work and thinking outside the box a little. Trying new things and seeing what works – it's amazing the variety of methods that are open to businesses these days. You can find us on facebook (not just our page but with an ad as well during February), on the TV screens in Wilton and Porton garden centres, sponsoring an exhibition at the Arts Centre, through an O2 promotion, and in military HIVEs within the Salisbury Plain area to name a few.

One thing we are excited about this year is an exhibition we will be putting together to celebrate the re-opening of Saliasbury's historic Guildhall. We will be photographing local people from all walks of life who have made a contribution to Salisbury life over the years. We started with a great shot of the guys working on the Guildhall, and are looking forward to meeting and photographing local Salisbury-ites over the next few months. The exhibition will run in May in the Crown Court Room, and will be accompanied by talks, competitions and interactive elements. We can't wait!

So I managed something on Christmas Eve but nothing since then. Madness. In fairness we have been flat out with trying to get things sorted for the assault on the new year, like a new brochure and updated promotional material, massive tidy up and overhaul of our workflows, policies etc. Fun! I think we're nearly there, although it is taking time. We're looking forward to 2011 - we already have more weddings booked than last year and an exhibition at the Guildhall to prepare for, as well as the normal day-to-day work of booking sittings. The new studio software is marvellous and should help us stay on top of our contacts list a little better. That's the intention anyway, and I'm sure I've said that before!

In the meantime have a look at our new offers, and wait out for a couple of very nice new products we'll be offering soon. Let's get the gloom of January out of the way and crack on with the business of taking pictures!

So here we are already, Christmas Eve is upon us. It's been a busy December which is good, we always like having customers! The advent calendar was a success and we've gathered lots of lovely new contacts. The icy and snowy weather caused a few disruptions and cancellations but nothing drastic. All of the prints, frames and vouchers that were bought for Christmas have been delivered or collected, and we hope there will be plenty of smiles tomorrow when they are opened. Between Christmas and re-opening in January it's going to be just as busy for us, although not nearly as exciting. Admin, admin, admin! The new studio software is going to get a proper going-over, we have a mountain of tidying to do and a whole heap of new flyers to design. And at some point the quarterly newsletter, although that may well turn into a new year letter instead...

Thanks to all of our customers - some of whom are returning for the second or third sitting! - despite the general gloom of the current economic situation people do still place a value on creating lasting memories.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

Somehow a fortnight has slipped past without me really realising it... although in my defence I have been in Strasbourg for a few days, which has put my working week out somewhat!

It's been as busy as we would expect - or at least hope! - over the Christmas period, with people getting their portraits taken for presents, vouchers being bought for family and friends and events and functions dotted about. In amongst all of the work we've had the regional Master Photographer Association awards, and are pleased to report on some success! A first place in the Commercial Category and a second in the Pets will do quite nicely thank you v

ery much. Added to the general merriment was the annual Christmas dinner, with the obligatory (and very tasty) turkey and trimmings.

We've also had a winter wedding - Abi and Will were lucky enough to not be snowed on but the temperature was certainly a test, particularly for the shots outside. St Lawrence Church at Stratford Sub Castle is a beautiful little church, and the reception at Wilton House added an extra level of beauty to the day. Abi looked stunning and Will was dashing in his military dress, along with his guard of honour. Their will be some more pics viewable soon but it's only fair that the happy couple get to see them first. Below is a taster though...

And so we charge onwards to Christmas and the New Year. Plenty of work to be done behind the scenes over the festive period to get us absolutely ready and focussed for January. Bring it on!

Here it is then, our newest marketing idea. As advent calendars are a central part of Christmas we thought we'd create a virtual one. A number of local businesses have donated prizes and we hope that between us all we can create a little more business for each of us. And of course the lovely people of Salisbury just might be able to get a few extra presents for the price of a text! Check out our facebook page to see how it works.

Alongside the Christmas Lights and advent calendar, Salisbury also has an added delight for late-night shoppers in the shape of the busking caravan, and the sounds of just about anything and everything! Brave are those who supported the musicians on Thursday, with temperatures at about -3...

As well as all of the above we've had a couple of sittings and a viewing this week - we get to meet and photograph some lovely people and the three brothers we photographed recently are absolute stars!

Today we have a winter wedding; fingers crossed for Abi and Will that all the guests make it to the church safely and that all are wrapped up for the cold weather! Last night's rehearsal went well and the church is beautiful. It should be a lovely day.

The Christmas trade is picking up nicely; we do like this time of year. It also means the Christmas Lights Switch-On, and I have to say that the display from the top of the Guildhall was pretty spectacular. I for one felt like a child again as I gazed with rapturous glee at the pretty lights!

Someone enjoying the occasion!

We've had a productive week, with me finally getting my desk cleared and my second screen up and running. We've had a sitting and a viewing, a Christmas Fayre and a location recce, and lots and lots and lots of processing. Where would we be without computers now? Technology is a blessing and a curse, allowing us much greater freedom and creativity (although I'm sure there would be purists who would argue against this point!), but at the same time, everyone's got a digital camera so everyone's a photographer. But this isn't a rant, honest! The main jist of it is that we've spend a lot of time sitting in front of computer screens this week. The fruits of our labours will be with us in a week or so. And our big advent calendar will be live as of the 1st - of course. Be sure to check out our fb page for each new prize...

Life is always interesting when you're self-employed, and particularly when the service you provide isn't a vital one. Photography isn't quite a luxury item but it's not too far off. Obviously we think it's actually pretty important to document those all important times and events, and we're especially glad we're not the only ones. Capturing events for posterity is something which has always happened; people sat for their painted portraits or sculptures; great happenings were immortalised on film or vinyl and so on. This week has seen us capturing families on in the studio. No longer on film, but the idea remains the same. We saw one family last year who happily returned this year. The two boys change so much over the course of 12 months that it's amazing to see the differences from one year to the next.

Above is an image from the recent Freedom Of The City Parade by 4th Battalion The Rifles. Presided over by local dignitaries as well as their Royal Colonel HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, this was another event that made us proud to work in this business. To be asked to cover such an event for posterity - for the council, the people of Salisbury and the soldiers themselves - is a great honour.

We also photographed a beautiful baby boy - at only 2 weeks his grip on his dad's hand was extraordinary. Some stunning images of this little cracker have hopefully made his parents very proud.

It's been a humbling week in a way, making us look at what we do we and why with fresh eyes. Yes it may be a bit of a luxury, but memories and emotions are powerful things and we're proud to play our part in photographing the making of them.